*** Popular phrases or expressions heard in Christian churches or groups that now identify as "churchy" or Christianese and now sometimes annoy the heck out of those of us who have been hurt in church. *** This is Sunday and some of you/us may have difficulty going to church for a number of reasons.… Continue reading List of Christian Expressions or Phrases that Are Churchy or Christianese that can Trigger Negative Church Experiences
Tag: Spiritual Abuse
Tony Miano: A Case Study in Spiritual Abuse and Bully Behavior
*** Digging a little deeper, analyzing the public words and behavior of Tony Miano. Does his behavior reflect a spiritual abuser and bully? Is this a man who should be in public ministry open air preaching and evangelizing? *** A reader sent me a link to Tony Miano's Facebook page cover photo (larger photo). Miano describes it:… Continue reading Tony Miano: A Case Study in Spiritual Abuse and Bully Behavior
Homeschool Mom Responds to the Doug Phillips Scandal and His Influence in Patriarchy, Christian Homeschool Movement and Conferences
*** A homeschool mother responds to the influence of Doug Phillips in Patriarchy, in the Homeschool Movement, in Christian Homeschool Conferences, and how it has affected her family and her faith. *** A comment came in a bit ago from "devaneyjoy" on the article, Attempting to Set the Doug Phillips Record Straight: Part 2 - The… Continue reading Homeschool Mom Responds to the Doug Phillips Scandal and His Influence in Patriarchy, Christian Homeschool Movement and Conferences
Spiritual Abuse: Interview with Doug Bursch
*** *** 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
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?
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?
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
Learn to Discern: Wife Has Affair with Pastor . . . and Reconciles?
* * * Kandace has an affair with her pastor. She and her husband, Nathan, talk about their reconciliation process and grace, but leave out something very important. * * * Video: Liberate JA note: Sorry, I've been unable to embed the video. Please click on "Liberate"… Continue reading Learn to Discern: Wife Has Affair with Pastor . . . and Reconciles?
Chalcedon Foundation Privately Donated Funds to Joe Taylor to Help His Legal Defense Against Doug Phillips
* * * Chalcedon Foundation discloses they privately contributed to Joe Taylor's legal defense against Doug Phillips, and discussion on Reconstructionism and "Biblical Patriarchy" * * * Further developments have unfolded on the Doug Phillips story and I will try to briefly recap them since the content… Continue reading Chalcedon Foundation Privately Donated Funds to Joe Taylor to Help His Legal Defense Against Doug Phillips
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
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
When Your Pastor Speaks Humility, but Shows Pride Instead
* * * Spiritual abusers are often self-absorbed, preaching humility, but exhibiting pride. Pastors who draw attention to themselves and their accomplishments and self-importance are not servant leaders. * * * Being familiar with a pastor's personality and charm can sometimes conceal warning signs which might seem… Continue reading When Your Pastor Speaks Humility, but Shows Pride Instead
Learn to Discern: Doctrinal Statements and Spiritual Authority
* * * We can learn a lot about the spiritual health of a church and how they function by reading their church governance bylaws and doctrinal statements of faith. * * * There were many people, after my lawsuit became very public, who went to my… Continue reading Learn to Discern: Doctrinal Statements and Spiritual Authority
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
Spiritual Edification: What has worked for you?
* * * In our spiritual journey, many of us have had mountain-top experiences and maybe some valleys, too. Mountain-top experiences are pretty exciting and can fuel us for a while, but I'm not convinced that our spiritual journey should be based on one great experience. But in those times… Continue reading Spiritual Edification: What has worked for you?
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
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
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
Why Do People Get Involved in Unhealthy Churches or Cults?
Stephen Smith from Liberty for Captives blog quoted comments from some of you and added more of his own insight. It's excellent. Let's keep talking! This is good stuff!! ~ja
Spiritual Abuse: Who is to Blame? The Pastor or the Congregant?
* * * Wicked shepherds have been around for a long, long time. This passage is from the Old Testament: The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord God: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have… Continue reading Spiritual Abuse: Who is to Blame? The Pastor or the Congregant?
Spiritual Sounding Board 