Stop Spiritual Abuse!!!

Christian MySpace GraphicsDr. Stephen Arterburn- author of "Toxic Faith" on "Surviving Spiritual Abuse"- part 1 (Don't forget to mute my music player)Exposing spiritual abuse in the church...
Are you or have you experienced church abuse? Is someone you know experiencing church abuse? Would you like to know what defines church abuse? Read carefully and objectively. Many of you are in an abusive church and don't even realize it.

Characteristics of An Unsafe Church:

1. Inability to ask questions or raise issues- If an individual raises a problem they become the problem.

2. Lack of accountability - accountability suggested, but not there in reality.

3. Increasing expectation of commitment.

4. Emphasis on external image- even if it is not reality.

5. Manipulation, dominance and control.

6. Social isolation of members from individuals outside of the church.

7. Obedience to authority in all circumstances.

8. Secrecy - over finances, decisions etc.

9. Emphasis on finances.

10. Misuse of scripture and the pulpit.

11. The belief that the minister always knows best.

12. Fear of leaving.

13. Personal slander and subsequent isolation on leaving.

14. Loss of personal identity.

15. Elitism - there is no other church like this.

Christian MySpace Graphics"Surviving Spiritual Abuse"- part 2
There are extremes of faith that harm rather than heal. A religious addict or spiritually abused person may not realize they are apart of a harmful church. The following quiz taken from the book "Faith that hurts/Faith that heals" can help us check ourselves or those close to us or even our spiritual leaders.

1. Has your family complained that you are always going to a church meeting rather than spending time with them?

2. Do you feel extreme guilt for being out of Church just one Sunday?

3. Do you sense that God is looking at what you do and if you don't do enough He might turn on you or not bless you?

4. Do you often tell your children what to do without explaining your reasons because you know that you are right?

5. Do you find yourself with little time for the pleasures of earlier years because you are so busy serving on committees and attending other church functions?

6. Have people complained that you use so much Scripture in your conversation that it is hard to communicate with you?

7. Are you giving money to a ministry because you believe God will make you wealthy or bless you more if you give more?

8. Have you ever been involved with a minister or other church leader sexually?

9. Is it hard for you to make a decision without consulting your minister even over small issues?

10. Do you see your minister as more powerful & wise than other humans?

11. Has your faith led you to an isolated life, making it hard for you to relate to your family and friends?

12. Have you ever looked to your minister for a quick fix to a life long problem?

13. Do you feel extreme guilt over the slightest mistakes or over the reality that you aren't perfect?

14. Is your most significant relationship going bad because of your strong beliefs or because you have a "weaker partner"?

15. Do you ever have thoughts of God wanting you to destroy yourself or others in order to go and live with Him?

16. Do you often believe God is speaking to you with an audible voice?

17. Do you believe God is angry with you?

18. Do you believe you are still being punished by God for something you did as a child?

19. Do you feel that if you work a little harder God will finally forgive you?

20. Has anyone ever told you they thought a minister was manipulating your thoughts?

A great on-line resource for Christian recovery from abuse/addiction is www.nacronline.com. Please take the time to check it out.

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