May 4, 2007 11:08 AM
Legalism and spirtual abuse - resources for those recovering
When Tripp and I were beginning to recognize that the church we were involved with in 1990 had cultlike tendencies, as the church machine - the system that dealt with wayward members - began to bear down on us, we sought help from books like these (click on any icon for more information):
I remember loaning one book to a young man who was also doubting the spiritual health of our chuch. He was living with another family from the church (one of the sytems they used for keeping people in tow) and he told us he had to hide the book under his pillow so they wouldn't see it. What a crazy place you can get into when you are in one of these weird systems!
I remember how surprised I was to learn that there are many Christian churches like the one we were in. Knowing that there are readers out there who may be questioning and alone, I have put together a list of these resources and more under Barbara's Picks: Recovering from Spiritual Abuse.
Jesus encourages us: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
How quickly we forget Jesus' sweet invitation, turning instead to legalistic leaders and systems which make the Christian life seem like an Advanced Placement exam!
While Tripp and I have been through the pain of leaving an abusive church and being shunned, I would not trade that experience as it taught us to carefully examine our own hearts, and to refuse any yokes made by man. These are resources which helped us in our own recovery - and they can help you!
Remember - the truth is supposed to make us free, not slaves!
Posted in Spiritual abuse | Permalink
Comments
The "Twisted Scriptures" book was VERY helpful to me. It really opened my eyes to the painful abuse that I faced at the hands of a little house church. Luckily, I was only there for a short year before I got smart! Read that book if you have any doubts about your church's use of scriptures to intimidate, or control you!
Posted by: Amy K | May 5, 2007 8:50 AM
