diva
11-09-2004, 04:49 PM
I've only recently realized that I experienced what I will call spiritual abuse about five years ago. I was, apparently the first of many in that congregation and, like so many victims, I am now searching for ways to help others. My particular interest is in developing a list of syndrome characteristics by which a pastor or mental health professional might recognize someone who has been spiritually abused.
My rather imperfect list includes:
-unconditional submission to authority (submission to pastoral authority over Biblical authority)
-fear/cowering -- might be fear of social disgrace, separation from God's love, --being without spiritual direction
-taking blame for perceived failures
-dependence on voice of pastor for assurance of salvation
-unable to see an alternative -- no forum for complaint or resolution, fear that one would not be accepted at any church
-depression -- belief that church trouble is a personal character flaw
-continual excusing of the offender -- the pastor is right, I am unworthy of God's love
-secrecy-silence-shame
-lies
-eroding of support system
I think these are generally the characteristics associated with a range of abuses. I would like to offer examples of how these characteristics play out in spiritual abuse. I could use my personal experience, but I think it would be more powerful to be able to use experiences from many people.
Is this within the framework of this forum? Anyone interested in sharing how these (or other characteristics) played out in their experience?
Thanks
My rather imperfect list includes:
-unconditional submission to authority (submission to pastoral authority over Biblical authority)
-fear/cowering -- might be fear of social disgrace, separation from God's love, --being without spiritual direction
-taking blame for perceived failures
-dependence on voice of pastor for assurance of salvation
-unable to see an alternative -- no forum for complaint or resolution, fear that one would not be accepted at any church
-depression -- belief that church trouble is a personal character flaw
-continual excusing of the offender -- the pastor is right, I am unworthy of God's love
-secrecy-silence-shame
-lies
-eroding of support system
I think these are generally the characteristics associated with a range of abuses. I would like to offer examples of how these characteristics play out in spiritual abuse. I could use my personal experience, but I think it would be more powerful to be able to use experiences from many people.
Is this within the framework of this forum? Anyone interested in sharing how these (or other characteristics) played out in their experience?
Thanks