Bill Gothard, IBLP, ATI, Institutes in Basic Life Principles, Spiritual Abuse, Sexual Abuse *** The following was written by David Shere, who has been reading here for some time. He wanted to share his thoughts and advice as a Bill Gothard survivor. This was written after the news that the plaintiffs had dismissed the lawsuit… Continue reading From a Bill Gothard Survivor to Other Survivors: Free Yourselves
Category: SURVIVOR STORIES
Happy New Year and Personal Update
I hope everyone has had a good Christmas and New Year's holiday celebrating with family and loved ones. I've had a nice break from school. I had plans to get things done, but wasn't too successful. But that's okay, I'm listening to my body tell me that self-care is more important, and things can wait.… Continue reading Happy New Year and Personal Update
Spiritual Abuse, PTSD, and the Aftermath
Spiritual Abuse, PTSD, Recovery, Beaverton Grace Bible Church, Chuck O'Neal *** When someone deals with spiritual abuse, it can have lasting consequences. One popular response is making the decision to no longer go an institutional church. I get that. I'm pretty sure I relayed the story either in a post, or in comments, that one… Continue reading Spiritual Abuse, PTSD, and the Aftermath
Doctrine, Debates, and Salvation. Will the real Christian please stand?
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith— and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 There has been heaviness for me this week, and it has wiped my writing mojo. But I have been thinking about a lot… Continue reading Doctrine, Debates, and Salvation. Will the real Christian please stand?
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
I’m Alive
Hey friends, I'm still alive. I'm just swamped. Welcome to my world. Feel free to continue discussion on any post. I am checking in and responding to pressing e-mails. I'll get a post up soon. Thank you for your patience!
Victim of Bill Gothard’s Teachings Shares Emotional Aftermath
Bill Gothard, IBLP, Child Abuse, Discipline *** For some, the ramifications of following the teachings of an influential spiritual leader (or cult leader) can be lifelong. As difficult as this next personal story is to read, it is the reality for some, and that is why I will continue to post stories like this. Part of… Continue reading Victim of Bill Gothard’s Teachings Shares Emotional Aftermath
Christian Blogger Invited to Speak at Free Thinkers’ Meeting about Abuse in Christian Churches
Free Thinker, Atheist, Christian Blogger, Thought Reform, Patriarchy, Spiritual Abuse, Cults Last Sunday, I had the privilege of speaking at a Free Thinkers group. Privilege, some might ask? You bet. I will take any opportunity afforded to share the truth, set the record straight, and especially let people know that I, as a Christian, am displeased by the… Continue reading Christian Blogger Invited to Speak at Free Thinkers’ Meeting about Abuse in Christian Churches
An Abuse Survivor’s Response to Pastor Phil Johnson’s Insensitive Tweet on Domestic Violence
Phil Johnson, Grace Community Church, Sex Abuse, Domestic Violence, Twitter *** Blog reader, Christina, left an important comment on yesterday's post regarding an insensitive and callous tweet Pastor Phil Johnson sent out regarding domestic violence. His tweet created quite an uproar on Twitter. Because Christina's comment is addressed to Phil Johnson, I didn't want it to get lost… Continue reading An Abuse Survivor’s Response to Pastor Phil Johnson’s Insensitive Tweet on Domestic Violence
Spiritual Sounding Board: Updating the Legacy – Year 5
* * * * * * * Boy, oh boy, it's been FIVE years today since the beginning of my blogs, and tomorrow marks five years since being served with the lawsuit by my ex-pastor Chuck O'Neal of Beaverton Grace Bible Church. It's a good milestone moment to update the legacy. Here was my profile… Continue reading Spiritual Sounding Board: Updating the Legacy – Year 5
Personal Update
*** I'm sure you have noticed the sporadic blog posts these past few weeks. After taking off last term to recovery from a hysterectomy, I have gone back to school with a full load this term. I'm still not at 100% and require more sleep/rest than normal. All of the women who told me that… Continue reading Personal Update
Personal Story: Wife of Pedophile Shares How Her Husband Manipulated Her from Seeing the Truth
Pedophile, Wife of Pedophile, Sex Abuse Today I am posting a personal story from a woman named Cindy who left a comment yesterday on the 3-1/2-year-old article, Being Married to a Pedophile: A Wife Speaks Out and Offers Hope to Other Wives of Pedophiles, which has continued to reach women who are searching for support. Her comment was… Continue reading Personal Story: Wife of Pedophile Shares How Her Husband Manipulated Her from Seeing the Truth
Survivor of Tullian Tchividjian’s Alleged Clergy Sexual Abuse Goes Public with Her Story – Part 5
Tullian Tchividjian, Personal Survivor Story, Clergy Sex Abuse LINKS: My Story: Part #1. Part #2. Part #3. Part #4. Part #5. Editors' Note: This is Rachel’s story, and she is sharing what she recalls of her relationship with Tullian Tchividjian. She is sharing her facts, opinions, and what she believes to be true. Tullian is… Continue reading Survivor of Tullian Tchividjian’s Alleged Clergy Sexual Abuse Goes Public with Her Story – Part 5
Survivor of Tullian Tchividjian’s Alleged Clergy Sexual Abuse Goes Public with Her Story – Part 1
Tullian Tchividjian, Personal Survivor Story, Clergy Sex Abuse LINKS: My Story: Part #1. Part #2. Part #3. Part #4. Part #5. * * * * * * * An Introduction, from Julie Anne Smith and Brad Sargent Several of those who have alleged victimization by Tullian Tchividjian have contacted me (Julie Anne) over the past… Continue reading Survivor of Tullian Tchividjian’s Alleged Clergy Sexual Abuse Goes Public with Her Story – Part 1
Survivor of Tullian Tchividjian’s Alleged Clergy Sexual Abuse Goes Public with Her Story – Part 2
Tullian Tchividjian, Personal Survivor Story, Clergy Sex Abuse LINKS: My Story: Part #1. Part #2. Part #3. Part #4. Part #5. Editors' note: This is Part 2, a continuation of Rachel's story which began here. The remaining parts of the series will be posted soon. Edited to add 11/30/16: This is Rachel's story, and she… Continue reading Survivor of Tullian Tchividjian’s Alleged Clergy Sexual Abuse Goes Public with Her Story – Part 2
Survivor of Tullian Tchividjian’s Alleged Clergy Sexual Abuse Goes Public with Her Story – Part 3
Tullian Tchividjian, Personal Survivor Story, Clergy Sex Abuse LINKS: My Story: Part #1. Part #2. Part #3. Part #4. Part #5. Editors' Note: This is Rachel’s story, and she is sharing what she recalls of her relationship with Tullian Tchividjian. She is sharing her facts, opinions, and what she believes to be true. Tullian is… Continue reading Survivor of Tullian Tchividjian’s Alleged Clergy Sexual Abuse Goes Public with Her Story – Part 3
Survivor of Tullian Tchividjian’s Alleged Clergy Sexual Abuse Goes Public with Her Story – Part 4
Tullian Tchividjian, Personal Survivor Story, Clergy Sex Abuse LINKS: My Story: Part #1. Part #2. Part #3. Part #4. Part #5. Editors' Note: This is Rachel’s story, and she is sharing what she recalls of her relationship with Tullian Tchividjian. She is sharing her facts, opinions, and what she believes to be true. Tullian is… Continue reading Survivor of Tullian Tchividjian’s Alleged Clergy Sexual Abuse Goes Public with Her Story – Part 4
Julie Anne’s Intruder, Softball, and Issues
*** I promised an update on me and so here goes. It seems that my generation and older seems to squirm about personal issues, but frankly, I'm tired of that. So, I'm posting what's been happening with me because more often than not, when I do post on something personal, several people will usually e-mail… Continue reading Julie Anne’s Intruder, Softball, and Issues
What Happened Last Week?
*** Last week, I went to a memorial service in Portland and met someone I've been wanting to meet for a long time, Brad Sargent. As long-time readers know, Brad has been a great help to me during my defamation lawsuit and on the blog for quite some time. Brad spent hundreds of hours writing… Continue reading What Happened Last Week?
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
Spiritual Sounding Board 