Spiritual Abuse, Jonathan Hollingsworth This is the sixth and final blog post referencing an article by Jonathan Hollingsworth, What Not to Say to Someone Who’s Been Hurt by the Church. The article resonated with a lot of people, so I thought it might be a good idea to discuss these unhelpful statements one by one here,… Continue reading Spiritual Abuse: Is This Worth Dividing the Church Over?
Category: Abuse Systems and Transformation Tools
Spiritual Abuse: How Unsanctioned Friendships Can Enable People to Leave High-Controlling Churches
"They taught me that sometimes the exit door of an abusive church is held open by the gracious hands of friends who have nothing to do with church, or even with Christianity, but who simply would never turn their back on a friend."
Naghmeh Panahi, Ex-Wife of Former Iranian Prisoner, “Pastor” Saeed Abedini, Posts Public Statement on Facebook
It's been a while since I have posted about Saeed Abedini or his ex-wife, Naghmeh. Naghmeh Panahi posted a public note on Facebook yesterday. You may recall that after Saeed Abedini was released from prison in Iran, Naghmeh filed for separation because Saeed would not get help for his abusive behavior in the marriage. Saeed… Continue reading Naghmeh Panahi, Ex-Wife of Former Iranian Prisoner, “Pastor” Saeed Abedini, Posts Public Statement on Facebook
Classical Conversations #7: Business or a Non-Profit; Cult or a Christian Homeschool Group?
*** NOTE: This is part of a series that began with these earlier posts: Classical Conversations #1: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Classical Conversations #2: What Led You to Join a Classical Conversations Homeschool Community? #ClassicalConvMadeKnown Classical Conversations #3: Leaders Delete Comments and Block Commenters Who Don’t Toe the Line Classical Conversations #4: A CC… Continue reading Classical Conversations #7: Business or a Non-Profit; Cult or a Christian Homeschool Group?
Tedd Tripp and Tom Chantry: Shepherding a Child’s Heart … or Not
Tedd Tripp, Tom Chantry, Failure to Report, Mandatory Reporter, Spanking, Shepherding a Child's Heart *** *** In the late 1990s, I attended a parenting seminar by Tedd Tripp. It may or may not be significant to note that the seminar was held at a Sovereign Grace Ministries church in Chesapeake, Virginia. Shepherding a Child's Heart… Continue reading Tedd Tripp and Tom Chantry: Shepherding a Child’s Heart … or Not
Classical Conversations #6: Rigid Rules and Legal Tax Concerns
"Why would she be told to use her social? That’s dangerous! If I wanted, I could easily steal her identity!"
Bill Hybels, the Willow Creek “System,” and Why the Women Needed to Speak Publicly
Bill Hybels, Clergy Sexual Misconduct, Willow Creek Church *** Scot McKnight at Jesus Creed wrote a very important article about the Bill Hybels/Willow Creek sexual misconduct scandal. This is a very important article that summarizes the system that was in place which allowed Bill Hybels to not only go unchecked, but to be protected and… Continue reading Bill Hybels, the Willow Creek “System,” and Why the Women Needed to Speak Publicly
Classical Conversations #3: Leaders Delete Comments and Block Commenters Who Don’t Toe the Line
Classical Conversations, High-Controlling Groups, Deleted Comments, Blocked Commenters, Noble Gibbens *** NOTE: This is part of a series that began with these earlier posts: Classical Conversations #1: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Classical Conversations #2: What Led You to Join a Classical Conversations Homeschool Community? #ClassicalConvMadeKnown Please take a seat and join the conversation,… Continue reading Classical Conversations #3: Leaders Delete Comments and Block Commenters Who Don’t Toe the Line
BREAKING NEWS: Dr. Paige Patterson Terminated, Effective Immediately: No Title, No Housing, No Ongoing Compensation
Paige Patterson, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, SBC, #Churchtoo, #ChurchToo, #MeToo *** A new statement was just released at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary: During the May 30, 2018, Executive Committee meeting of the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS) Board of Trustees, new information confirmed this morning was presented regarding the handling of an allegation of… Continue reading BREAKING NEWS: Dr. Paige Patterson Terminated, Effective Immediately: No Title, No Housing, No Ongoing Compensation
Lyvonne Picou’s Research on Black Christian Women Survivors of Male Sexual Violence
by Brad Sargent, aka brad/futuristguy, and cross-posted at futuristguy website. * * * * * * * “I am fiercely committed to addressing the taboo and stigma attached to childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in the Black community.” ~ Lyvonne Proverbs Picou * * * * * * * Occasionally, I find out about surveys or… Continue reading Lyvonne Picou’s Research on Black Christian Women Survivors of Male Sexual Violence
A “Systems Approach” and Some Historical Background on Dealing with Abuse and Violence
To deal with "systemic abuse," we must understand systems, victimization, and what makes individuals and institutions vulnerable. Guest post by Brad Sargent, with input from Julie Anne Smith. Cross-posted at futuristguy. * * * * * * * How will our church serve those who’ve suffered the harm of childhood sexual abuse, and seek to… Continue reading A “Systems Approach” and Some Historical Background on Dealing with Abuse and Violence
Book Review: The Child Safeguarding Policy Guide, by Boz Tchividjian and Shira Berkovits
Key component in a system of resources on child sexual abuse for policy makers, survivors, educators, and advocates. Guest post by Brad Sargent, with input from Julie Anne Smith. Cross-posted at futuristguy. * * * * * * * Spiritual Sounding Board was invited to participate in the Litfuse "blog tour" for the recently released… Continue reading Book Review: The Child Safeguarding Policy Guide, by Boz Tchividjian and Shira Berkovits
Blog Series: Spiritual Abuse in the Church: A Guide to Recognition and Recovery by Pastor Ken Garrett, Wk 2
Spiritual Abuse, Pastor Ken Garrett, Spiritual Abuse in the church: A Guide to Recognition and Recovery *** Ok, here we go, plowing through Pastor Ken Garret's dissertation about spiritual abuse. I used the word plowing intentionally. For some of us, it will be work. It is not enjoyable to be reminded about difficult experiences. However,… Continue reading Blog Series: Spiritual Abuse in the Church: A Guide to Recognition and Recovery by Pastor Ken Garrett, Wk 2
New Blog Series: Spiritual Abuse in the Church: A Guide to Recognition and Recovery by Pastor Ken Garrett
Spiritual Abuse, Pastor Ken Garrett, Spiritual Abuse in the church: A Guide to Recognition and Recovery *** As I was reading through Ken Garrett's dissertation, I had to stop and soak up what I had just read. It took time to process and I felt like if I continued reading, I might miss something. It… Continue reading New Blog Series: Spiritual Abuse in the Church: A Guide to Recognition and Recovery by Pastor Ken Garrett
Help! My Family Member or Close Friend is Trapped in a High-Controlling Church or Cult. How Can I Encourage Them to Leave?
How to help a family member or friend leave a high-controlling church group or cult: spiritual abuse, trapped, thought reform, mind control, freedom “Mind control is the process by which individual or collective freedom of choice and action is compromised by agents or agencies that modify or distort perception, motivation, affect, cognition and/or behavioral… Continue reading Help! My Family Member or Close Friend is Trapped in a High-Controlling Church or Cult. How Can I Encourage Them to Leave?
Four Primary Conditions that Result in People Leaving Abusive Churches and Cults
Spiritual Abuse: Leaving Abusive Cults and High-Controlling Churches I have been very moved by many of your stories of abuse in the recent article, Spiritual Abuse: What Was the Last Straw That Caused You to Leave Your Abusive Church? Spiritual abuse is obviously not isolated. It's happening all over and crosses denominational lines. Several people have said… Continue reading Four Primary Conditions that Result in People Leaving Abusive Churches and Cults
A Spotlight on Abuse and Death of VCY America Founder Vic Eliason
*** Here are some interesting articles that have been making the rounds: If you have not seen Spotlight, I urge you to see it. It is about "Spotlight" a specific group of investigative reporters from the Boston Globe who uncovered the systemic sex abuse and cover-up in the Catholic Church. This movie is very… Continue reading A Spotlight on Abuse and Death of VCY America Founder Vic Eliason
Breaking the Pattern of Idealizing Parents: Cynthia Jeub and the Trap of All-or-Nothing
Second Generation Adult, Cynthia Jeub, Gaslighting, Homeschool Movement Breaking the Pattern of Idealizing Parents: Cynthia Jeub and the Trap of All-or-Nothing By Cindy Kunsman Think for a moment about the manner in which children learn. We teach basic distinctions to keep them safe – such as hot and cold – sensations which are rarely ambiguous. Fire… Continue reading Breaking the Pattern of Idealizing Parents: Cynthia Jeub and the Trap of All-or-Nothing
Attorney David Gibbs III Discusses the IBLP Lawsuit and Answers Important Questions
Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP), Bill Gothard, lawsuit, David Gibbs III Many are probably aware of the recent news that five very brave women have come forward and have filed a lawsuit against Bill Gothard's former ministry, Institute in Basic Life Principles, Inc. (IBLP), and six men who serve as Directors of IBLP: John Stancil, Anthony… Continue reading Attorney David Gibbs III Discusses the IBLP Lawsuit and Answers Important Questions
Victim of Bill Gothard’s Teachings Speaks out about Josh Duggar Scandal, Mike Huckabee: Bill Gothard’s Dangerous Agenda and Influence in Political Arena and Society at Large
*** Bill Gothard, Mike Huckabee, Sex Abuse Coverup, Political and Social Influence, and an Agenda *** *** Some may remember Dash's (pseudonym) personal story I posted a while back. Dash was raised with parents who adhered to Bill Gothard's teachings and suffered severe emotional, physical, and spiritual abuse. I covered his story in two articles: Man… Continue reading Victim of Bill Gothard’s Teachings Speaks out about Josh Duggar Scandal, Mike Huckabee: Bill Gothard’s Dangerous Agenda and Influence in Political Arena and Society at Large
