Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse

I want to recommend a very important book to you today. This is a book that I truly believe every Christian should read, EVERY Christian. This book, skillfully written by a pastor and a Christian counselor is truly eye-opening, uncovering so many crucial factors of what is termed "spiritual abuse." When we are stuck in abusive, legalistic systems of spiritual abuse, whether it is in a family or a church, we become so desensitized to the internal promptings of the Holy Spirit that we can fall into a delusion. So much of Christianity is under a "performance-based system" instead of a "grace-based" one, and this should not be.

The book I am strongly urging each of you to read is The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse by David Johnson and Jeff Van Vonderen. Below is an excerpt from the book which will give you an idea whether you are currently or ever have been a part of a "shame-based" or spiritually abusive system.

In order for us to begin to truly experience the healing grace of God in our lives and to begin functioning from a grace-based perspective, I am learning that it is crucial that we understand the signs of an abusive one.

Johnson/VonVonderen write:

If you have come from shame-based relationships in which you were spiritually abused, you may hold to these or other unspoken rules:

God rewards spirituality with material goods.
"If I am spiritual enough, things won't affect me emotionally."
"I can never say no to those in religious authority."
Everyone in the ministry is called by God, is appropriate, and must be trusted.
"God needs me to do ministry."
"The existence of trouble in my life indicates a lack of faith."
"Talking about problems will make God 'look bad.' "
Unity means agreeing about everything.

As you can see, shamed-based relationships have significant effects upon those who have experienced them. The relational applications of these effects are far-reaching. As pertaining to spiritual systems, the application is clear: Shame-based relationships build on an emotional foundation that undermines relational honesty; hinders a maturing individual relationship with God; and fosters dependence upon another, who grows in power as a false leader, building an unhealthy system in which appearance is more important than reality. These systems victimize people and set them up to be trapped in future abusive relationships.