* * * In an effort to "raise up a child in the way they should go," some Christian homeschool parents are essentially kidnapping their daughters, only teaching "homemaking" skills, even denying and preventing them from getting a college education. * * * There are too many… Continue reading Homeschooled Adult Daughters Held Captive at Home, Prevented from Getting College Education
Category: ABUSE & VIOLENCE IN THE CHURCH
Wife Undermines Her Husband’s Authority in Front of Children, He Disciplines Her
* * * The Christian community has done a very poor job of treating women with respect. Some husbands have resorted to treating their wives as objects and even practice "domestic discipline" or wife spanking. This is wrong. * * * Men treating women/wives as objects they… Continue reading Wife Undermines Her Husband’s Authority in Front of Children, He Disciplines Her
God’s Design for the Family: Has the Godly-Designed Family Image Become an Idol?
* * * While it's clear that a healthy marriage and family is important, have churches and Christian organizations put too much emphasis on God's design for the family and made this image an idol? * * * Focus on the Family raises money for new project… Continue reading God’s Design for the Family: Has the Godly-Designed Family Image Become an Idol?
Pastor Chuck Smith, Founder of Calvary Chapel Churches, Dead at 86
* * * Alex Grenier, son of Calvary Chapel Visalia Pastor Bob Grenier shares his thoughts on the passing of Calvary Chapel founder, Chuck Smith * * * Update and Disclaimer: I've been getting some push back because of publishing this article the same day in… Continue reading Pastor Chuck Smith, Founder of Calvary Chapel Churches, Dead at 86
Harvest Bible Chapel Files Complaint Against Blogger Paul Dohse, Resulting in Loss of YouTube Privileges
* * * In a concerted attempt to control others, someone from Harvest Bible Chapel (HBC) filed official complaint with YouTube against blogger Paul Dohse's YouTube account, resulting in blogger's loss of YouTube privileges. * * * * * * I received an… Continue reading Harvest Bible Chapel Files Complaint Against Blogger Paul Dohse, Resulting in Loss of YouTube Privileges
What Does a Sheikh and a Homeschool Leader and Pastor Have in Common?
* * * * * * Just how close is the homeschool fundamental version of Patriarchy to Islam? I think it's pretty darn close. Check this out. Remember this from Christian Homeschool Leader and Pastor Kevin Swanson? * * * * … Continue reading What Does a Sheikh and a Homeschool Leader and Pastor Have in Common?
Harvest Bible Chapel: #Spiritual Abuse 101 Tweets from Elder’s Letter
*** Last week I posted a letter from Dave Corning who was a long-time elder at Harvest Bible Chapel (HBC), under Pastor James MacDonald. I mentioned that Corning's letter would be my go-to letter for describing spiritual abuse because it described some of the most common tactics spiritual abusers use. Friday, I tore the letter apart… Continue reading Harvest Bible Chapel: #Spiritual Abuse 101 Tweets from Elder’s Letter
Can our Faith and Love Co-Exist with Extremism?
* * * Having been spoon-fed by my former pastor a form of extremism, or rigid, legalistic, black/white rules and practices, I have pressed myself to re-evaluate those rules and ideas and measure them with scripture using my own eyes and discernment. What freedom! The following article is by Brenda, a… Continue reading Can our Faith and Love Co-Exist with Extremism?
Spiritual Abuse: Harvest Bible Chapel – Should Church Members Stay or Leave?
* * * One big dilemma in spiritually abusive churches is deciding if and when to leave the church. Does God want people to leave a spiritually abusive church? Can God work through people left in an abusive church? Is there a Biblical precedent for this kind of situation? What… Continue reading Spiritual Abuse: Harvest Bible Chapel – Should Church Members Stay or Leave?
Former Long-Time Harvest Bible Chapel Elder Dave Corning Accuses Pastor James MacDonald of Abuse of Power, Lack of Accountability
* * * Harvest Bible Chapel's former long-time elder Dave Corning releases public letter to expose Pastor James MacDonald of abuse of power, lack of accountability, and personal financial gain. * * * * * * “Beware of false prophets, who come to you… Continue reading Former Long-Time Harvest Bible Chapel Elder Dave Corning Accuses Pastor James MacDonald of Abuse of Power, Lack of Accountability
Financial Ramifications of Abuse: What’s a Church to Do?
* * * Survivors of abuse have to climb many mountains. The first mountain is acknowledging the fact that they are being abused. Then they have to decide what to do. They are left emotionally reeling and yet, have to survive, take care of their children, put food on the table,… Continue reading Financial Ramifications of Abuse: What’s a Church to Do?
Moved by Compassion: The Story of Cherith
* * * The following is a guest post by my long-time friend, Maryl Smith. In Maryl's work, she has the opportunity to get acquainted with people in a more personal setting. She is very sensitive and a big support to people who have endured all kinds of abuse, including spiritual… Continue reading Moved by Compassion: The Story of Cherith
Announcement: New Spiritual Sounding Board Forum
* * * Announcing New Private Spiritual Abuse Forum Blogging is great for introducing a variety of topics, but sometimes it's awkward to break the conversation to share a personal need or concern. Over the past year, there have been times when I have wished there was a private place to… Continue reading Announcement: New Spiritual Sounding Board Forum
Does Your Pastor Serve as Your Holy Spirit?
* * * * * * You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you,… Continue reading Does Your Pastor Serve as Your Holy Spirit?
BeenThereDoneThat and Flying Free: Spiritual Abuse, A Personal Story
* * * This story is a special one to me. Regular reader, "BeenThereDoneThat" (BTDT) has been commenting on this blog since the first weeks here. During that time, I have watched her in her commenting as she has been recovering through a very difficult spiritually abusive church experience. I had… Continue reading BeenThereDoneThat and Flying Free: Spiritual Abuse, A Personal Story
Guest Post: A Call for Reasoned Discernment Before Judgment Is Made Upon Others
* * * Ok, you really have to hear the background of this next post. The other day I was tweeting with a guy whose Twitter handle is @fivesolasguy, (Brian Thornton.) He responded to a couple of tweets of mine and I have to be honest with you, his words felt… Continue reading Guest Post: A Call for Reasoned Discernment Before Judgment Is Made Upon Others
As the Sovereign Grace Ministries World Turns
* * * Earlier this week, I mentioned a conversation I had at SharperIron.org regarding Albert Mohler and an article he wrote. The conversation diverted to C.J. Mahaney and his connection with Mark Dever (founder of 9Marks). Here is my comment challenging Dever's involvement with Mahaney when Mahaney took his leave of… Continue reading As the Sovereign Grace Ministries World Turns
9Marks, Spiritual Abuse, and How Church Members Can Fall Through the Cracks
* * * Yesterday, I shared the a comment that I had posted on SharperIron.org forum. From my limited times there, I gather there are quite a few pastors. We were discussing 9Marks practices. Chip asked me to elaborate after reading my comment: I’ve read some of the 9Marks writings and some… Continue reading 9Marks, Spiritual Abuse, and How Church Members Can Fall Through the Cracks
9Marks: Church Authority over Church Members
* * * Over the weekend, I was reading at Sharperiron.org and commenting on a thread that went on a rabbit trail about 9Marks. My comment got long-winded and I thought it might be good to discuss it here as I've never brought up 9Marks before and my concerns with this… Continue reading 9Marks: Church Authority over Church Members
Where’s the Integrity? Mohler, Burk on Abuse
* * * When the facts became known, the firings of both Paterno and Spanier were inevitable and necessary. Both men had credible knowledge that young boys were being sexually abused, and neither did anything effective to stop it. Most crucially, neither man did what they should have done within… Continue reading Where’s the Integrity? Mohler, Burk on Abuse
Spiritual Sounding Board 