Christian Advice

Advice 23: Spiritual Abuse

Spiritual Abuse:
"Any attempt to exert power and control over someone using religion, faith, or beliefs can be spiritual abuse." -WebMD

I was watching a video on spiritual abuse today and here are some thoughts: When someone quotes bible verses, and condemns you in order to get you to act how they want you to act, to benefit them, then that's leaning towards spiritual abuse at that point, because they're making it about themselves and not God. It's all about trying to control you and not correct you in love.

I think this is such an important issue because there are so many who are being led away from the church because of religious abuse and it is not okay.

"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being Lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;"
‭‭I Peter‬ ‭5:2-3‬ ‭‬‬

Examples from WebMD and 1800 Respect

* Used scripture or beliefs to humiliate or embarrass you
* Coerced you into giving money or other resources that you didn't want to give
* Forced you to be intimate or have s** that you didn't want
* Made you feel pressured or obligated to do things against your will

* Using religious or spiritual leaders or teachings to:
* Force you to stay in relationship or marriage
* Excuse violence and abuse
* Blame your for violence and abuse
* Encourage you to accept violence and abuse
* Stop you or your children from getting medical or health care
* Force or pressure you into a marriage you don't want
* Shaming or insulting your religious or spiritual beliefs.

If you've ever been through church hurt please know that God loves and he's truly upset about whatever happened to you. I pray that you've been able to heal and realize that God loves you so much but humans are flawed, and they hurt you, not him.