There is recognition by some religious people that Spiritual Abuse is used by some religious leaders to control their followers. A Blog written by Jennifer Leclaire addresses the existence of Spiritual Abuse by cults and controlling ministries. It is worthwhile reading. She recommends a book called The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse. By Dave Johnson and Jeff VanVonderen. The writers explain that “Spiritual Abuse" occurs when someone in a position of spiritual authority ... misuses that authority placing themselves over God's people to control, coerce or manipulate them for seemingly godly purposes which are really their own."
Jennifer Leclaire writes “Today, this manifests as spiritual leaders recruiting volunteers to build their ministries while neglecting to minister to the real needs of hurting people. In such cases, churches become like businesses. The pastor is more like a CEO than a spiritual leader. Staff meetings center on marketing initiatives that will bring more people—who will bring more tithes and offerings—into the sanctuary “
http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/watchman-on-the-wall/45039-mark-driscoll-spiritual-abuse-and-cultish-ministries?utm_medium=MostPopularArticles_RightColBottom
I couldn’t agree more. I like to add, however, that ALL religions use “spiritual Abuse” to control their flock. That’s why followers are threatened with eternal damnation and foregoing eternal bliss if they do not follow the dictates of their leaders who manipulate their followers “for seemingly godly purposes which are really their own." Hence the well worn expression: “fear of God”. Fear is the most powerful motivator and is therefor extensively used in religion and politics. Even in prehistoric “religions” the shaman used fear of supernatural powers to control not only the people, but also the political and military leaders of the tribe (that’s still happening today). In the last centuries we have discovered quite a few tribes who had never encountered “Western” civilization and religions. We therefor know quite a bit about primitive religions and beliefs so that we can make some comparisons. The belief in supernatural spirits and the existence of good and bad ones seem to be ubiquitous whether embedded in human, animal or heavenly bodies. The use of fear, by spiritual leaders, convincing their followers to tow the line is common practice, It is enlightening to see that some religious people acknowledge the fact that spiritual abuse is part of the religious control over their followers but it is amazing that they still see it as an aberration in some churches, where it is very obvious, rather that acknowledging it is used in ALL religions. In the predominant Christian churches of North America it is the threat of going to Hell if you don’t conform. Non-elected religious leaders hold more power than elected politicians. A politician claiming to be an “unbeliever” is not electable in today’s society, that I would call is “spiritual abuse!”
Jennifer Leclaire writes “Today, this manifests as spiritual leaders recruiting volunteers to build their ministries while neglecting to minister to the real needs of hurting people. In such cases, churches become like businesses. The pastor is more like a CEO than a spiritual leader. Staff meetings center on marketing initiatives that will bring more people—who will bring more tithes and offerings—into the sanctuary “
http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/watchman-on-the-wall/45039-mark-driscoll-spiritual-abuse-and-cultish-ministries?utm_medium=MostPopularArticles_RightColBottom
I couldn’t agree more. I like to add, however, that ALL religions use “spiritual Abuse” to control their flock. That’s why followers are threatened with eternal damnation and foregoing eternal bliss if they do not follow the dictates of their leaders who manipulate their followers “for seemingly godly purposes which are really their own." Hence the well worn expression: “fear of God”. Fear is the most powerful motivator and is therefor extensively used in religion and politics. Even in prehistoric “religions” the shaman used fear of supernatural powers to control not only the people, but also the political and military leaders of the tribe (that’s still happening today). In the last centuries we have discovered quite a few tribes who had never encountered “Western” civilization and religions. We therefor know quite a bit about primitive religions and beliefs so that we can make some comparisons. The belief in supernatural spirits and the existence of good and bad ones seem to be ubiquitous whether embedded in human, animal or heavenly bodies. The use of fear, by spiritual leaders, convincing their followers to tow the line is common practice, It is enlightening to see that some religious people acknowledge the fact that spiritual abuse is part of the religious control over their followers but it is amazing that they still see it as an aberration in some churches, where it is very obvious, rather that acknowledging it is used in ALL religions. In the predominant Christian churches of North America it is the threat of going to Hell if you don’t conform. Non-elected religious leaders hold more power than elected politicians. A politician claiming to be an “unbeliever” is not electable in today’s society, that I would call is “spiritual abuse!”
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