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
Category: Spiritual Authority
Let’s Discuss: The Keepers, Netflix Documentary Series about the Murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik and Systemic Sexual Abuse
The Keepers, Netflix, Cathy Cesnik, Systemic Sexual Abuse, Catholic Church, Spiritual Abuse, Clergy Sexual Abuse https://youtu.be/Khr7dbuBjuE *** The Keepers is a new documentary series airing on Netflix. I have watched 5 of the episodes and it is excellent. If you have seen Spotlight, it is similar, however, the investigative reporters in this case are two… Continue reading Let’s Discuss: The Keepers, Netflix Documentary Series about the Murder of Sister Cathy Cesnik and Systemic Sexual Abuse
Church Member Responsibility and Church Discipline at Pastor Eric Davis’ Church
Church membership, church discipline, Pastor Eric Davis, Cornerstone Church *** Church Member Responsibility and Church Discipline According to the Cornerstone Church By-laws -by Kathi I recently wrote about how Julie Anne and I dared to comment on an article at The Cripplegate which subsequently caused our comments to be deleted and comments to be closed.… Continue reading Church Member Responsibility and Church Discipline at Pastor Eric Davis’ Church
Issues of Language: Removing Neutrality Toward Abusers and Negativity Toward Survivors
by Brad Sargent aka brad/futuristguy * * * * * * * Introduction: Changing Our Language to Remove Neutrality Toward Abusers and Negativity Toward Survivors Who typically gets trusted or distrusted by default -- the reported perpetrator, or the victim who reports? That is especially important in understanding the realities faced by survivors of… Continue reading Issues of Language: Removing Neutrality Toward Abusers and Negativity Toward Survivors
How our Pastor’s Biblical Interpretation Can Affect Our Understanding of Scripture and God
*** This is a very insightful statement from C.J. Mahaney. https://twitter.com/CJMahaney/status/739414015546404864 When a pastor preaches, he is leading his congregation in his interpretation of Scripture. It may or may not be correct. I know from reading many personal stories of those who were Mahaney's church that his teachings caused spiritual harm. I don't think… Continue reading How our Pastor’s Biblical Interpretation Can Affect Our Understanding of Scripture and God
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?
Practical Guidelines for Teaching Complementarity
Ligon Duncan, CBMW, Complementarianism, Egalitarian, headship Practical Guidelines for Teaching Complementarity by Kathi Ligon Duncan stresses that if pastors do not regularly teach complementarity, then "we lose on this issue." In April, Ligon Duncan addressed pastors at the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW) pre-conference of the 2016 T4G… Continue reading Practical Guidelines for Teaching Complementarity
Personal Story: Feeling Stuck after Spiritual Abuse
*** Mark is new to the blog and left a comment on another post yesterday and I have decided to make it into its own post so we can focus on these issues. Maybe some of you have experienced some of what he is going through and can share how you dealt with these issues.… Continue reading Personal Story: Feeling Stuck after Spiritual Abuse
Learn to Discern: Pastor John Raymond, in His Own Words
Pastor John Raymond, New Horizon Calvary Chapel Church, Slidell, Louisiana, Steven Angle, Spiritual Abuse Yesterday on Facebook, journalist Ashley Rodrigue of WWLTV posted the following press release from the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff in Louisiana (typed and screenshot below): by Ashley Rodrigue WWLTV (PRESS RELEASE) HAMMOND, LA - Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards is asking… Continue reading Learn to Discern: Pastor John Raymond, in His Own Words
Tullian Tchividjian and Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church Discussion: “He demanded that people be loyal to him.”
Pastor Tullian Tchividjian, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, Willow Creek, Liberate Network, Clergy Sex Abuse, Spiritual Abuse, Repentance, Grace Hey friends (and welcome to new readers), I am going to do something a little bit different. I suspect many are chomping at the bit to discuss the situation regarding Tullian Tchividjian, so I am… Continue reading Tullian Tchividjian and Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church Discussion: “He demanded that people be loyal to him.”
Tullian Tchividjian is Back, Fully Endorsed by His Pastor, Kevin Labby
Tullian Tchividjian, Pastor Kevin Labby, Liberate Network, Repentance, Clergy Sex Abuse, Restoration *** The word of the Lord came to me: 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should… Continue reading Tullian Tchividjian is Back, Fully Endorsed by His Pastor, Kevin Labby
Second Amended Complaint Filed in Bill Gothard & IBLP Sex Abuse Lawsuit: 18 Victims in Lawsuit
Bill Gothard, Lawsuit, IBLP, Institute in Basic Life Principles, David C. Gibbs III, Sex Abuse, Sexual Grooming, ALERT Yesterday, I received the following summary from the office of Attorney David Gibbs III. While it would have been easy to pull only specific highlights, the reality is that for each individual named, either by… Continue reading Second Amended Complaint Filed in Bill Gothard & IBLP Sex Abuse Lawsuit: 18 Victims in Lawsuit
The Fallout of Spiritual Abuse on Our Children
Children Harmed by Spiritual Abuse Yesterday, I was talking with my programming language tutor and mentioned that I had a blog. He asked what my blog was about and I told him the long story. He was absolutely dumbfounded by what he was hearing and kept shaking his head, not wanting to believe it, even… Continue reading The Fallout of Spiritual Abuse on Our Children
Pastor Doug Wilson on Rape, Submission, Feminists, and Boobs
Pastor Doug Wilson, CREC, New Saint Andrews, Christ Church, Moscow Idaho, Breasts, Feminists Rape, Submission "Respected" Pastor Doug Wilson, pastor of Christ Church in Moscow Idaho, head of CREC churches, prominent leader in Classical Education circles (both homeschooling and private Christian schools), Canon Press publishing, two-time suspected plagiarizing author has written some very crude… Continue reading Pastor Doug Wilson on Rape, Submission, Feminists, and Boobs
While the Board of Bill Gothard’s Former Ministry, IBLP, Claims Judge Dismissed Lawsuit, Attorney for Plaintiffs Says Four New Plaintiffs Have Come Forward
Bill Gothard, Sexual Grooming, Lawsuit, IBLP Board, 4 New Plaintiffs, Lawsuit Not Dismissed It's been a while since we've had an update on the lawsuit brought on by former volunteers/workers at Bill Gothard's former ministry who were allegedly sexually groomed by Bill Gothard. In November, Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) published a statement regarding the lawsuit… Continue reading While the Board of Bill Gothard’s Former Ministry, IBLP, Claims Judge Dismissed Lawsuit, Attorney for Plaintiffs Says Four New Plaintiffs Have Come Forward
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
Three Pastors Challenge Dr. James Dobson’s Advice on Domestic Violence Which Could Put Victims in Harm’s Way
Dr. James Dobson, Love Must Be Tough, Domestic Violence, Spousal Abuse, Church, Jeff Crippen, Mike Sloan, Neil Schori ** Recently, an article was posted at Dr. James Dobson's website and Facebook page. The Facebook post received a lot of push back, and interestingly (but not surprisingly), the article, along with all of the comments, has since… Continue reading Three Pastors Challenge Dr. James Dobson’s Advice on Domestic Violence Which Could Put Victims in Harm’s Way
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
Social Media is Presenting a Challenge to God-Given Authorities aka Pastors
Michael Kruger, The Gospel Coalition, Social Media, Spiritual Authority, Pastors, Criticism The Gospel Coalition published an article, 5 Warning Signs for the Church in a ‘Facebook Culture,’ by Michael J. Kruger, president of Reformed Theological Seminary's Charlotte, North Carolina, campus. He is concerned about the influence of social media, specifically: What effect does “social media” technology have on… Continue reading Social Media is Presenting a Challenge to God-Given Authorities aka Pastors
From Silence to Exposure: Why did Homeschool Leader Michael Farris Speak Out Now?
*** Michael Farris speaks out against teachings of two fallen Homeschool Movement leaders, Doug Phillips and Bill Gothard, but why now? *** ** Michael Farris, one of the pillars of the modern Homeschool Movement and founders of Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) and founding president of Patrick Henry College, released an article addressing abuses within the… Continue reading From Silence to Exposure: Why did Homeschool Leader Michael Farris Speak Out Now?
Spiritual Sounding Board 