The Full Story

Spiritual Manipulation

Spiritual manipulation is rampant in the church right now. This is a conversation that needs to be had. This is why I do what I do in the body of Christ. For 11 years (by no one's fault but my own), I was wrapped up in a false belief system. My own husband tried to warn me, but I did not heed his warnings. I went down a road that was destructive and it almost cost me my family. Most of all, it almost cost me my soul. As I enter a different phase in my life, I see the circumstances around me changing with a lot of unknowns with my husband's health and rare diseases, among many other things. One thing I have hope in is my Heavenly Father and His promises. I know that, regardless of whatever happens here, I have an AMAZING inheritance coming. I get to spend an ETERNITY with God in heaven.

Unfortunately, there are many women who are still going through what I was. I did not care too much about the eternal things. I was more concerned about emotional and physical healing and prosperity. I was too busy seeking signs and wonders to care about God's will for my life. I had my own will to fulfill. While I know there are those involved in the prosperity movement, Word of Faith movement, or New Apostolic Reformation who are truly saved, I was not. I knew the lingo and the talk, but I didn't truly know my Lord and Savior. I talk to women a lot who are just beginning the process of coming out of this. When it happened to me, I could not find anyone who knew how to truly help me or answer the questions I had, except a brother-in-Christ I found online through a documentary. This is not to discount what he did to help me, but I could not find one woman who knew what I was going through who was accessible. Unfortunately, there also seems to be a correlation of women with a lack of relationship with their mothers involved in these movements as well.

Spiritual Abuse Defined:

Spiritual abuse is the mistreatment of a person who is in need of help, support or greater spiritual empowerment, with the result of weakening, undermining or decreasing that person's spiritual empowerment. (Johnson & VanVonderen, 1991, p. 20)

Spiritual Abuse is Not New

We see men in the Bible who try to operate in their own spiritual authority.

We see God lamenting over this in Jeremiah 5:31, "The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule on their own authority; And My people love it this way! But what will you do when the end comes?"

We see this happen many times with the religious leaders in the New Testament as well.

What Happens After Religious Abuse?

You develop a distorted image of God.
You may be preoccupied with spiritual performance.
You have a distorted self-identity of yourself as a Christian.
You have a problem relating to spiritual authority.
You have a hard time with grace.
You have a problem with personal boundaries, an unclear understanding about different teachings in the Bible.
You have a difficulty with personal responsibility.
You may suffer with a lack of living or coping skills.
You struggle with trust.
You may have a hard time admitting there was abuse.

Recommended Resources for Spiritual and Religious Trauma

Please note that we are not in any shape or form licensed therapists or counselors. These are merely recommendations we have either used ourselves or researched. Thank you!

1 / Hope for Life

HOPE FOR LIFE is a non-profit ministry committed to providing Biblical counseling, teaching, and online equipping resources. (I have used Mark myself, and he is fantastic!)

2 / Cult Recovery 101

Cult Recovery 101 has many associates are consultants, psychotherapists, and counselors, many of whom themselves are former cultists or have been exposed to destructive cults or other coercive influence techniques.

They have specialized training and/or experience working with people who may have been harmed by individuals and groups.

Mission

Our mission is to educate and support individuals navigating the complexities of spiritual abuse and trauma recovery for themselves, their loved ones, and the church itself. Through engaging content and community-driven initiatives, we aim to foster critical thinking, promote healing, and provide practical tools for discernment and mentoring. We are committed to creating a safe space for learning and growth, where every voice is heard and valued.

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, Circumstances Elisabeth Elliot.png

Vision

We envision a world where individuals are equipped with the knowledge and skills to discern truth from manipulation, fostering resilience and transformation in their spiritual journeys. Our platform aspires to be a leading resource for education and support, inspiring positive change and nurturing a global community grounded in grace, truth, and the love of Christ.