The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse: Recognizing and Escaping Spiritual Manipulation and False Spiritual Authority Within the Church

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“Third, those who have experienced spiritual abuse as ‘normal’ have lost track of what normal really is. Therefore, to call it spiritual abuse feels crazy or overreactive.” (source)

“There are only spiritual clues: lack of joy in the Christian life; tiredness from trying hard to measure up; disillusionment about God and spiritual things; uneasiness, lack of trust, or even fear of those who care about ‘God’ things, even legitimately; a profound sense of missing your best Friend; cynicism or grief over good news that turned out to be too good to be true.” (source)

“Obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who who give an account.’ In abusive systems, however, that verse is stripped of its spirit and translated legalistically to mean, ‘Don’t think, don’t discern, don’t question, and don’t notice problems.’ If you do, you will be labeled as unsubmissive, unspiritual, and divisive.” (source)

“Whenever or wherever we see a system or a person posturing or assuming a position of authority based solely on role, office, or position, we are dealing with a false basis of authority. If a person’s spiritual authority rests on the sole fact that ‘I am the pastor,’ there is a good chance they have taken that posture because they have no real authority.” (source)

“The Word of God is good, even if the people who handle it are not. Don’t throw out God’s Word. But be wise about whom you receive it from and what they demand of you.” (source)