ABUSE & VIOLENCE IN THE CHURCH, Abuse Systems and Transformation Tools, Calvary Chapel Lawsuit, Doug Wilson, Failure to Report Crimes, Mandatory Reporting, Mental Health and the Church, Misuse of Scripture, Modesty and Purity Teachings, Narcissistic Pastors, Reconstructionist-Dominion Movement, Recovery Process, Sexual Abuse/Assault and Churches, Shunning, Spiritual Abuse, SPIRITUAL ABUSE RECOVERY, Spiritual Bullies, Statute of Limitations, Word of Faith Movement

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

ABUSE RECOVERY PROCESS-PROBLEMS, ABUSIVE FAITH & PRACTICE, Authoritative Preaching, Beaverton Grace Bible Church, Chuck O'Neal, Crazy Things Church Leaders Say & Do, Doctrine as Idol, Extra-Biblical Nonsense, Julie Anne's Personal Stories, Leaving the Church, Legalism, Meetings with the Pastor, Misuse of Scripture, Narcissistic Pastors, Personal Stories, Spiritual Bullies, SURVIVOR STORIES

Spiritual Abuse: What Was the Last Straw That Caused You to Leave Your Abusive Church?

Spiritual Abuse - What finally made you realize you had to leave your church? *** *** I had already told my husband that I had to leave BGBC, with or without him, but I was hoping that he would come to the same conclusion without my influence. That finally happened after our close friend who was… Continue reading Spiritual Abuse: What Was the Last Straw That Caused You to Leave Your Abusive Church?

ABUSE & VIOLENCE IN THE CHURCH, C.J. Mahaney, Church Bandwagon, Dr. Albert Mohler, Failure to Report Crimes, It's All About the Image, Kevin DeYoung, Mandatory Reporting, Mark Dever, Misuse of Scripture, No-Talk Rule, Sexual Abuse/Assault and Churches, Shunning, Sovereign Grace Ministries, Sovereign Grace Ministries Lawsuit, Spiritual Abuse, Spiritual Bullies, Statute of Limitations, The Gospel Coalition, Together for the Gospel

After The Gospel Coalition Staunchly Defended CJ Mahaney in Sovereign Grace Ministries Sex Abuse Scandal, They Now Promote the Movie Spotlight (Sex Abuse Coverup)

The Gospel Coalition (TGC), Sovereign Grace Ministries Sex Abuse Scandal, CJ Mahaney, Spotlight Movie   If you haven't seen the movie, Spotlight, it is a must-see, and I will likely be posting some of my thoughts on the movie in the upcoming weeks after more people have a chance to see it. However . .… Continue reading After The Gospel Coalition Staunchly Defended CJ Mahaney in Sovereign Grace Ministries Sex Abuse Scandal, They Now Promote the Movie Spotlight (Sex Abuse Coverup)

ABUSE & VIOLENCE IN THE CHURCH, Abuse Systems and Transformation Tools, ABUSIVE FAITH & PRACTICE, Bill Gothard, Failure to Report Crimes, IBLP and ATI, It's All About the Image, LAWSUITS, Lourdes Torres vs Doug Phillips lawsuit, Mandatory Reporting, Misuse of Scripture, Modesty and Purity Teachings, Patriarchal-Complementarian Movement, Sexual Abuse/Assault and Churches, Spiritual Abuse, Spiritual Authority, Statute of Limitations, Women and the Church

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

Christian Marriage, Domestic Violence, Gender Roles, Marriage, Misuse of Scripture, Patriarchal-Complementarian Movement, Women and the Church

The Blogger at “Biblical Gender Roles” is Taken To Task Proving that His Discipline Advice is Really Domestic Violence

How Biblical Gender Role's Discipline Advice is Actually Abuse by Kathi This past weekend I may have caused some fine folks' blood pressure to rise by sharing blogger, Biblical Gender Role's "7 Ways to Discipline Your Wife" on the SSB Facebook page. I apologized for getting everyone's Saturday mojo ruined, but I think we had… Continue reading The Blogger at “Biblical Gender Roles” is Taken To Task Proving that His Discipline Advice is Really Domestic Violence

ABUSERS & THEIR TACTICS, Domestic Violence, Failure to Report Crimes, Homeschool Legal Defense Association, Homeschool Movement, Misuse of Scripture, Parenting, Patriarchal-Complementarian Movement, Sexual Abuse/Assault and Churches, Stay-At-Home Daughters Movement

Is homeschooling the vehicle by which abuse can be more easily facilitated?

** Sex abuse, identification abuse, social isolation, food deprivation - Is there a common denominator? ** A 21-yr old female has come forward with her personal story of abuse. At the age of 13, her mother died and she was sent to live with her mother's cousin, Rob Johnson, and his wife, Marie. The young teen… Continue reading Is homeschooling the vehicle by which abuse can be more easily facilitated?

ABUSERS & THEIR TACTICS, Church Governance or Policy Issues, Extra-Biblical Nonsense, Kevin DeYoung, Misuse of Scripture, The Gospel Coalition

Kevin DeYoung Pushes Church Memberships and Making Vows

Church Membership, Pastor Kevin DeYoung, Making Vows, The Gospel Coalition, here we go again! *** At The Gospel Coalition website, Pastor Kevin DeYoung has a new article on church membership, 6 Reasons Why Membership Matters. The title is not correct. It should be: "6 Reasons Why Church Membership Matters to Controlling Pastors." *** As long… Continue reading Kevin DeYoung Pushes Church Memberships and Making Vows

9Marks, Chuck O'Neal, Church Bandwagon, Church Governance or Policy Issues, Dictators, Disturbing Trends, Extra-Biblical Nonsense, Julie Anne's Personal Stories, Mark Dever, Misuse of Scripture, Spiritual Bullies

Mark Dever’s New Book and Pastors Who Use Language to Control Their Members to Not Connect with Others Outside of Church-Approved Groups

Mark Dever, 9Marks, and other pastors using language to control and coerce members to not engage in outside activities without church endorsement Mark Dever's parachurch organization, 9Marks, is advertising a new book written by Mark Dever and Jamie Dunlop. The book entitled, The Compelling Community: Where God's Power Makes a Church Attractive (9Marks), is due to be released… Continue reading Mark Dever’s New Book and Pastors Who Use Language to Control Their Members to Not Connect with Others Outside of Church-Approved Groups

Bill Gothard, IBLP and ATI, Misuse of Scripture, Parenting, Personal Stories

Man Shares Personal Testimony of How Bill Gothard Used Bible Verses Which Led to the Abuse of Children, Part 2

*** Personal Story of Abuse following the teachings of Bill Gothard, ATI, IBLP The following is Part 2 of Dash sharing how the teachings of Bill Gothard influenced his parents to "spank" his siblings. Although I know Dash's identity, he has asked to remain anonymous. Dash's account shows that they were not spankings, but abuse:… Continue reading Man Shares Personal Testimony of How Bill Gothard Used Bible Verses Which Led to the Abuse of Children, Part 2

Bill Gothard, Homeschool Movement, IBLP and ATI, Misuse of Scripture, Parenting, Personal Stories

Man Shares Personal Testimony of How Bill Gothard Used Bible Verses Which Led to the Abuse of Children

Personal Story of Abuse following the teachings of Bill Gothard, ATI, IBLP Last month, "Dash" commented on an older SSB article, Bill Gothard's New Program/Ministry: Total Success Power Teams. He used some strong words to describe his experience: I am a survivor of Gothard’s cult. I experienced unspeakable physical, sexual, and emotional abuse from my… Continue reading Man Shares Personal Testimony of How Bill Gothard Used Bible Verses Which Led to the Abuse of Children

Learn to Discern, Misuse of Scripture

Should Christian Leaders Use their Public Platform to Endorse Their Vaccination Preferences?

*** Do Christians have a responsibility to vaccinate their children? Is this a matter of religious liberty? Should Christian leaders use their platform to influence us in this health matter? *** It seems that we have been getting barraged with religious leaders trying to convince us one way or the other on the recent vaccine… Continue reading Should Christian Leaders Use their Public Platform to Endorse Their Vaccination Preferences?

Christian Marriage, Council for Bibl. Manhood & Womanhood, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Domestic Violence and Churches, Doug Phillips & Vision Forum, Extra-Biblical Nonsense, Failure to Report Crimes, Feminist Agenda, Mandatory Reporting, Mark Driscoll, Marriages Damaged-Destroyed by Sp. Ab., Misuse of Scripture, Owen Strachan, Sexual Abuse/Assault and Churches, Spiritual Abuse, Statute of Limitations, Women and the Church

Owen Strachan Speaks out against Fifty Shades of Grey and Says that Christianity Disciplines Abusive Men

*** Owen Strachan speaks against Fifty Shades of Grey and attempts to show how complementarians do not abuse their wives, and says that Christianity disciplines abusive men ***   Owen Strachan, President and Editor-in-Chief of Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW) released an article last night, How “50 Shades of Grey” Harms Women & Jesus Saves Them, after… Continue reading Owen Strachan Speaks out against Fifty Shades of Grey and Says that Christianity Disciplines Abusive Men

J.D. Hall, Kevin Swanson, Misuse of Scripture, Tony Miano

JD Hall of Pulpit and Pen Launches Voice in the Wilderness Radio

*** Pulpit and Pen's JD Hall launches Voices in the Wilderness Radio with Faithful Theology and Faithful Preaching *** The last we spoke of JD Hall and Pulpit and Pen was in this August 2014 article, JD Hall’s Public Confession Regarding His Twitter Conversation with Ergun Caner’s Son, Who Later Committed Suicide. JD (Jordan) spoke with both… Continue reading JD Hall of Pulpit and Pen Launches Voice in the Wilderness Radio

Beaverton Grace Bible Church, BGBC Lawsuit, Chuck O'Neal, Crazy Things Church Leaders Say & Do, Extra-Biblical Nonsense, Julie Anne's Personal Stories, Media Interviews with Julie Anne, Misuse of Scripture, No-Talk Rule, Sexual Abuse/Assault and Churches, Spiritual Abuse, Spiritual Bullies

Some Pastors Think They Get to Control the Details of Your Lives, Even the Colors of Clothes You Wear

*** Pastors who use their assumed position of authority to control personal lives. *** for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Hebrews 13:17 *** This is finals week at school, so in the interest of time, I'm going to resurrect an old post from March of… Continue reading Some Pastors Think They Get to Control the Details of Your Lives, Even the Colors of Clothes You Wear

Misuse of Scripture, Spiritual Abuse, Spiritual Bullies, Street Evangelism, The Gospel Coalition, Tony Miano, Voddie Baucham

Disagreeing with Someone’s Opinion Makes You Like Satan?

It really is okay for you to have a differing opinion with a Christian leader! *** There is so much tension in the media regarding the Ferguson fiasco. I wish everyone could just hold up a "free hugs" sign like this young 12-yr old in Portland and it would all get better: *** *** Sometimes pastors… Continue reading Disagreeing with Someone’s Opinion Makes You Like Satan?

ABUSE & VIOLENCE IN THE CHURCH, Christian Domestic Discipline, Christian Marriage, Domestic Violence, Domestic Violence and Churches, Extra-Biblical Nonsense, Marriages Damaged-Destroyed by Sp. Ab., Misuse of Scripture, Patriarchal-Complementarian Movement, Personal Stories, Spiritual Abuse, Stories of Hope, Women and the Church

Christian Domestic Discipline (Wife Spanking): A Personal Story, and a Closer Look at Patterns Connected with this Abusive Practice

Christian Domestic Discipline, "wife spanking," Christian Patriarchy Movement, Spanking of Adult Children, Denominational Practices and teachings ***   Two summers ago, I received a phone call from a pastor who shared his growing concern about wife-spanking in his family of churches. Months later, I finally reported on the topic of wife spanking in this article: The Christian… Continue reading Christian Domestic Discipline (Wife Spanking): A Personal Story, and a Closer Look at Patterns Connected with this Abusive Practice

Christian Domestic Discipline, Christian Marriage, Council for Bibl. Manhood & Womanhood, Full-Quiver, John Piper, Marriages Damaged-Destroyed by Sp. Ab., Misuse of Scripture, Patriarchal-Complementarian Movement, Women and the Church

Reformed Complementarians Take on the Patriarchy Movement and Errant Ideologies

 *** The errant Patriarchy Movement is getting some well-deserved attention by voices in Reformed Christianity *** Vyckie Garrison wrote an article which has been spread around quite a bit. If you haven't read, it please be sure to do so. In the article, How Playing Good Christian Housewife Almost Killed Me, she discusses her life in… Continue reading Reformed Complementarians Take on the Patriarchy Movement and Errant Ideologies

C.J. Mahaney, Christian Marriage, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Domestic Violence and Churches, Failure to Report Crimes, Marriage, Marriages Damaged-Destroyed by Sp. Ab., Misuse of Scripture, Sexual Abuse/Assault and Churches, Women and the Church

A Pastor is Challenged after Releasing a Disturbing and Potentially Dangerous Article Directed to Wives of “Difficult” Husbands

Article by Pastor D. Scott Meadows' article, A Christian Wife's Marriage Catechism, creates a stir among the survivor community.   I've been watching an important sequence of events unfolding in the blogosphere. Pastor D. Scott Meadows of Calvary Baptist Church (Reformed) in New Hampshire wrote an article,  A Christian Wife’s Marriage Catechism.  The catechism is a list… Continue reading A Pastor is Challenged after Releasing a Disturbing and Potentially Dangerous Article Directed to Wives of “Difficult” Husbands

Bounded Choice, Extra-Biblical Nonsense, Leaving the Church, Legalism, Misuse of Scripture, Recovery Process, Spiritual Abuse, Spiritual Bullies, Spiritual Encouragement, Stories of Hope

Spiritual Recovery and Leaving a High-Controlling Church: Free to Plant, Free to Bloom, Free to Be

*** What does freedom feel like for those who have left a high-controlling or spiritually abusive church? ***   ** About a month ago, I was sent beautiful pictures by SSB's friend, BeenThereDoneThat (BTDT).  At first I was drawn to them because cobalt blue is my favorite color.  Cobalt blue exudes a soothing peace and tranquility for… Continue reading Spiritual Recovery and Leaving a High-Controlling Church: Free to Plant, Free to Bloom, Free to Be

Crazy Things Church Leaders Say & Do, Disturbing Trends, Marriage, Misuse of Scripture

Godly sex is not for enjoyment, but for having children! Orgasms are demonic? What’s next in Christiandom?

*** Christiandom seems to be making a mess out of something beautiful God intended for married couples to enjoy.  Sex is only for procreation?  Orgasms are demonic? *** There's a whole book in the Bible that seems to describe a mutually pleasurable experience of sex between husband and wife: ** As the apple tree among… Continue reading Godly sex is not for enjoyment, but for having children! Orgasms are demonic? What’s next in Christiandom?