*** *** Yesterday I did an interview with Doug Bursch from Seattle's KGNW radio station. Doug describes himself in his bio as "a speaker, writer, pastor, teacher and evangelist." We spoke about spiritual abuse, healthy and unhealthy churches. I've done quite a few interviews since the lawsuit, but this one is my new favorite. If… Continue reading Spiritual Abuse: Interview with Doug Bursch
Category: Spiritual Abuse
Restoring What the Locust Has Eaten: Two Years of Blogging Milestone Today and Gratefulness
** Two years of blogging, two years of growth, hope for those hurt by church abuse ** ** In Joel, God talks about restoring what the locusts had eaten. Today marks exactly two years since I began blogging. As I reflect on the 2-year anniversary date of my initial blog and begin my 3rd year of… Continue reading Restoring What the Locust Has Eaten: Two Years of Blogging Milestone Today and Gratefulness
When we are spiritually abused, are we partly responsible?
*** Quick note: Last weekend, I went to the Oregon Coast to a ladies retreat. Knitting is my constant companion at retreats - - especially in case the speaker disappoints. However, I did not get one stitch of knitting done. The message was very good, convicting, refreshing, and motivating. And you cannot put a price… Continue reading When we are spiritually abused, are we partly responsible?
A Revised 23rd Psalm: From the Eyes of Someone Harmed by a Church Shepherd
*** What does an abusive shepherd or pastor look like? How does it feel? A spiritual abuse survivor shows us using the format of the 23rd Psalm. *** *** Today I was given permission to share very personal prose. While the words of Psalm 23 and the Good Shepherd are normally very comforting, in this… Continue reading A Revised 23rd Psalm: From the Eyes of Someone Harmed by a Church Shepherd
How do you warn someone about a dangerous spiritual group? What if that person is your spouse?
*** How do you warn someone about a dangerous or spiritually abusive leader or group? What if that someone is your spouse? *** Commenter, TIA, responded to my comment with a couple of key questions that were left unanswered. I think would be helpful to discuss these important questions, especially in light of the second… Continue reading How do you warn someone about a dangerous spiritual group? What if that person is your spouse?
Patterns of Abuse: What we can learn from the death and suicide letter of GOP Senate Aide, Jesse Loskarn?
*** Patterns of Abuse: What we can learn from the death and suicide letter of GOP Senate Aide, Jesse Loskarn? *** Jesse Loskarn, 35, was chief of staff to GOP's Senator Lamar Alexander from Tennessee. In mid-December 2013, Loskarn was arrested for possession and distribution of child porn. Officials found child porn on Loskarn's hard… Continue reading Patterns of Abuse: What we can learn from the death and suicide letter of GOP Senate Aide, Jesse Loskarn?
A Warning to Commenters: Be Aware of Potential Blog Owner/Moderator Intrusiveness
* * * Warning to Spiritual Abuse Community regarding bloggers who may use commenters' private email in an intrusive manner. * * * An unfortunate situation with misuse of commenters’ personal email addresses has come up in the spiritual abuse survivor blogging community. It has made people… Continue reading A Warning to Commenters: Be Aware of Potential Blog Owner/Moderator Intrusiveness
When Your Religious Leader Falls Off the Pedestal
* * * Cindy Kunsman responds to fallen spiritual leaders and spiritual abuse after the Doug Phillips scandal. * * * Note from Julie Anne: This article, by Cindy Kunsman was originally posted at her blog, Under Much Grace, and she has given me permission to post… Continue reading When Your Religious Leader Falls Off the Pedestal
Does the Doug Phillips et al Brand of “Biblical Patriarchy” Groom Stay-at-Home Daughters to be Victims of Abuse?
* * * In some conservative Biblical Patriarchal circles, young ladies remain at home, sheltered, under the protection of their father. They are generally not allowed to work outside the home or attend college. This is in order to "protect" them from worldly influence. Could this practice be setting up these… Continue reading Does the Doug Phillips et al Brand of “Biblical Patriarchy” Groom Stay-at-Home Daughters to be Victims of Abuse?
Compelling Evidence that Vision Forum Inc. is Closing, Liquidating and Doug Phillips “Show” of Repentance Revealed
* * * There is now overwhelming evidence that the for-profit arm of Vision Forum is indeed closing at the end of the year. Also, there are public statements alluding Doug Phillips' public statement of repentance was not genuine. * * * To save some time, I… Continue reading Compelling Evidence that Vision Forum Inc. is Closing, Liquidating and Doug Phillips “Show” of Repentance Revealed
Doug Phillips: “Disowns” Former Vision Forum Executive Assistant to President, Peter Bradrick, Calls Him “Destroyer” When Confronted about Sins
* * * Peter Bradrick, former intern, former Executive Assistant to the President at Vision Forum Shares Publicly That He is "Disowned" and Declared as "Destroyer" by Doug Phillips of Vision Forum * * * Peter Bradrick, a man closely connected with Doug Phillips and Vision Forum… Continue reading Doug Phillips: “Disowns” Former Vision Forum Executive Assistant to President, Peter Bradrick, Calls Him “Destroyer” When Confronted about Sins
People Affected by Doug Phillips’s Ministry: What Now?
* * * Prominent homeschool and Christian leader Doug Phillips has fallen. What happens with those he has led? Where do they find their foundation again? * * * * * * A comment came in yesterday and several of you have already… Continue reading People Affected by Doug Phillips’s Ministry: What Now?
Supporting Survivors of Doug Phillips’ Apostasy, Part 2
* * * Taking a look at a business and legal analysis involving the Doug Phillips [alleged] sex abuse scandal in an effort to help survivors. * * * *** T.W. Eston posted another comment on an earlier post and I whisked it into this blog post… Continue reading Supporting Survivors of Doug Phillips’ Apostasy, Part 2
A Closer Look at Doug Phillips’ Clarification Statement
* * * * * * Doug Phillips released a "Clarification on Resignation" statement yesterday. Let's take a closer look at those words along with other words from Mr. Phillips. Does it clear things up or muddy the waters? * * * Clarification… Continue reading A Closer Look at Doug Phillips’ Clarification Statement
Supporting Survivors of Doug Phillips’ Apostasy
* * * Romans 2:19-24 if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— you, then, who teach others, do… Continue reading Supporting Survivors of Doug Phillips’ Apostasy
Doug Phillips: His Power and Control Using “Godly” Patriarchy
* * * Doug Phillips was a powerful man. He used "godly" power and control to silence, to man the ship of his business, ministry, church, home, women, employees, and everything around him. * * * As we slowly watch the demise of the Doug Phillips empire,… Continue reading Doug Phillips: His Power and Control Using “Godly” Patriarchy
Invitation to Participate in New Spiritual Abuse Research Study by Dr. Barb Orlowski
* * * Spiritual abuse author Dr. Barb Orlowski to conduct a new spiritual abuse survivor survey and is looking for participants. * * * * * * Late February of 2012, I started my first blog, Beaverton Grace Bible Church Survivors (later… Continue reading Invitation to Participate in New Spiritual Abuse Research Study by Dr. Barb Orlowski
Doug Phillips: Repentance and Restoration – Is it Possible?
* * * Articles continue to be written about fallen pastor and Christian ministry leader and pastor, Doug Phillips, who resigned from the non-profit arm of Vision Forum Ministries and from his public speaking engagements. But what is next? What does repentance and restoration look like? Can or should he assume… Continue reading Doug Phillips: Repentance and Restoration – Is it Possible?
Doug Phillips: Question about Pastoral Position, Timeline of Events, and Understanding True Repentance
* * * Doug Phillips: a timeline of events, understanding true repentance and question about Phillips' teaching elder position at Boerne Christian Assembly * * * “Over the years, my sensitivity to these problems has only heightened, until several years ago, I set about to align with… Continue reading Doug Phillips: Question about Pastoral Position, Timeline of Events, and Understanding True Repentance
When Sharing Concerns or Asking Pastors Questions Leads to Spiritual Abuse
* * * Questioning authority or raising concerns can be the litmus test to see if your pastor is spiritually abusive or not. * * * * * * Oh boy, is this a biggie. I was really moved when this topic come… Continue reading When Sharing Concerns or Asking Pastors Questions Leads to Spiritual Abuse
Spiritual Sounding Board 