Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse: Creating Healthy Christian Cultures

This book is refreshing because unlike some of its predecessors it isn’t just a list of people’s experiences but a more academic look at the problem. It may be an academic book, but it is truly accessible. It is not that testimony isn’t helpful, but sometimes one can build up arguments on the basis of testimony that don’t quite hold up in the light of day, and this book is not guilty because it takes a careful and measured look at the problem.The first two chapters in particular carefully introduce the problem and from chapter three, there is a little less mincing of words and a directness that helped me as a survivor myself. Spiritual abuse is not a matter of denomination – some might assume it is more likely to happen in independent churches with no clear line of accountability, but that is simply not true, with clear cases in the church of England or even the larger Pentecostal denominations. Spiritual abuse isn’t about denominations, but particularly about leaders, and if it isn’t discussed then even those regionally in charge of leaders may not be aware it is going on.A sense of superiority over the wider church, a claim to the ‘only real revelation’ or to simply have the better quality teaching are all indicators that the local body may be susceptible to spiritual abuse or even leaning towards cult status (where spiritual abuse is a way of life).Helpfully, the book does ask when things are controlling and abusing and when they are not, with examples, so that one cannot honestly misuse the text for excusing running away from challenging situations. It also emphasises that whereas there are abusive leaders the vast majority are well behaved. A table on page 64 summarising the issues surrounding coercion and control is very helpful. Also of help was an analysis of the problem of victims of spiritual abuse have great difficulty in learning to trust again.Another thing that made me think was the suggestion that if you have a deterministic mindset, that spiritual abuse can be overlooked as ‘the will of God’ or as a ‘learning experience’, when actually it should be called what it was- abuse! The book also has a considered section on responding well to allegations.The reality is that in all spheres of life there are those who use their power over others for their own benefit and in doing so abuse them – the church also has some of those people in it, and its structures give particular advantage to people who love that sort of power. Richard Foster’s epic work “Money Sex and Power” has much to say, but this particular volume is up to date and asks very direct questions that need answers.An interesting reference is made to the celebrity culture that’s some Pastors enjoy and a comparison with the life of King Saul and a discussion of charisma and servant leadership.There is an in depth look at finding the way forward in creating safe cultures and healthy environments in the church, which frankly is challenging in a church where there are no worries, and the question of what message is conveyed about a churches values through its media is also very useful. A series of checklists (each of them short and manageable) are a worthwhile point of study and could be considered by leadership groups.The book has ample endnotes and a small selection for further reading.A very worthwhile addition to the poor range of books on this vital subject and a must read for all Pastors. Forewarned is forearmed!

I have read the first part of the book and notice that it is with the authority of the official Church and somewhat complex in the expressing of ideas. Of course leaders do make mistakes and I was effectively put off church by a lot of spiritual abuse, rivalry, party spirit, competitiveness and cruelty and Ill treatment with no brotherly love or milk of human kindness. I used to be a Sunday school worker and church steward here. The vicar didn’t have full charge of things and was too weak and not up to the job and it was the younger singles and couples about to marry or newly married who seemed to go around bullying everyone else for what they wanted. The church music group seemed to be a vehicle for young twenty somethings to abuse the congregation during services. Some of the unkind attitudes among the weak leaders were truly an eye opener. They were bitter at not being properly in charge and took it out on the more vulnerable members of the congregation. This was over twenty years ago and I’ve never fully recovered. They put me off serving Christ in the church though I like to meet with older retired Christians in a chapel who aren’t so prone to hurting others. I even went to see the local Bishops counsellors who wanted me to experiment whatever that meant ! They were healing the wound of my people lightly without giving a proper therapeutic treatment. There were several churches in this cathedral city with similar problems. So this book could be useful but maybe they’re not aware of the depths of human suffering that some selfish churchgoers inflict on others.

A shame this book has to exist, but glad that there are those ready and able to address such failings.Some may see this book as washing dirty linen in public. However, as in the case of my church, where senior leaders abuse their powers, such books serve as an antidote to the structures that propagate and enable such deceit. With organisations acting to protect and cover up such unchristlike behaviour for the sake of reputation, money and buildings, it is good to know that there are those ready to address such failings.The book defines spiritual abuse as, “a form of emotional and psychological abuse … characterized by a systematic pattern of coercive and controlling behavior in a religious context.” In saying this it reminds that it is not too outlandish to expect the character Christ to be the focus of any church. Anything that diverts from this standard is at best a failing, at worst something far more sinister.As with my own organisation, many churches claim to be an oasis in the desert, a place of healing, strengthening and protection. However, the reality is often far different and any objection is often met with not only a claim of 'rank', but also a closing of those aforementioned 'ranks'.I pray that those in all levels of leaderships will take notice, and this will indeed lead us to repentance.

I found this book to be very helpful particularly in the context of its readable format. I liked the use of so many testimonies and comments from people; bearing in mind that one of the key elements of spiritual ( and any) abuse is the silence, I thought this was a great way of empowering people to feel their voice could be heard. I've read a lot of books on this subject and I think this is a groundbreaking book, well-written by very qualified and experienced people, and I think it is going to be of huge benefit to the body of Christ. This is a much more common area than we like to admit generally; yet the world look on and see through us whenever we create cultures that are unhealthy and damaging. Works like this, taken on board by leaders especially, have the potential to help us rethink and to enable us to move forward; In this way, the Church can have a positive impact on society and function in the way that it is designed to. Why not buy a copy for a leader near you. :)

As a victim of spiritual abuse within a Christian counselling environment I welcome the publication of one of the first books on this topic to be written within the United Kingdom. The authors experience shines through the pages.A welcomed publication bringing the issues into the light where they belong; thank you.