The Impact of Spiritual Abuse
The Christian life is lived in community with others, the Ekklesia, or “called out ones.” Our spiritual growth needs community in order to thrive. Yet, the community can also be the very thing that harms or stunts our growth, especially if it is controlling, manipulative, coercive, or creates an atmosphere of shame, guilt, or condemnation.
Moreover, it is not always clear to those affected or even those observing when spiritual abuse is happening. History reflects an unfortunate pattern of obedience and acquiescence to religious authority, especially in Christianity. Someone charismatic who speaks authoritatively and who uses common phrases like “God told me,” “God gave me a vision,” “God has called me/us/you,” or “God’s will is” can pull us in despite common sense or logic as we want to be careful not to go against what God has decided, and we don’t want to reject anything that God might be for. Unfortunately, we may also have been erroneously taught that we cannot question someone in religious authority.
Christianity is susceptible to spiritual abuse because we have misunderstood the calling to serve others and have given too much power to leadership positions such as pastor, prophet, and teacher. We have also become caught up in western and capitalistic models of church that are often led by strong individual leaders rather than shared power that encourages people to have their own voice and agency. Strength in leadership is good, but strength without humility and the fundamental desire to serve can quickly be harmful.
Some harmful effects of spiritual abuse are:
Rejection of God
Rejection of the church
Inability to trust others
Feelings of shame and guilt
Lack of self-worth or confidence
Depending upon the type of abuse experienced, even trauma effects such as PTSD, social anxiety, and depression
Fear that one has lost his or her faith, connection with God, or salvation
The damaging impact of spiritual abuse is that it can get in the way of one’s relationship with God. Spiritual abuse can rob people of their very hope and trust in God, which is devastating.
Starting August 22nd, we will be identifying, addressing, and then discovering ways to heal from Spiritual Abuse. Becoming more aware of how spiritual abuse takes place, how we can stop it, and how we can heal from it is vital to our relationship with God.
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