Sky Dancer
Rookie
- Jan 21, 2009
- 19,307
- 1,320
- 0
- Banned
- #1
"Spiritual abuse can take place in the context of doctrinally sound, Bible preaching, fundamental, conservative Christianity. All that is needed for abuse is a pastor accountable to no one and therefore beyond confrontation.
The congregation's social characteristics provide danger signals as well. Membership of authoritarian churches is frequently comprised of young, spiritually immature Christians.
Another sign of impending trouble in a church is an obsession with discipline and excommunication. Beware of churches that warn of certain doom if you leave their 'covering,' or if you 'break covenant.'
A fourth sign of aberrance in a church is when the church encourages complete isolation or strong distancing of it's membership from family and friends not involved in the group.
Another sign of abusive behavior in a church is it's tendency towards isolation from other churches. Beware of the church,where outside speakers are consistently denied access to the pulpit, and where other Christian churches are regularly denounced, belittled or ridiculed.
How To Spot Religious Abuse
Most churches and spiritual communties are sources of good. Some are not. Discuss.
The congregation's social characteristics provide danger signals as well. Membership of authoritarian churches is frequently comprised of young, spiritually immature Christians.
Another sign of impending trouble in a church is an obsession with discipline and excommunication. Beware of churches that warn of certain doom if you leave their 'covering,' or if you 'break covenant.'
A fourth sign of aberrance in a church is when the church encourages complete isolation or strong distancing of it's membership from family and friends not involved in the group.
Another sign of abusive behavior in a church is it's tendency towards isolation from other churches. Beware of the church,where outside speakers are consistently denied access to the pulpit, and where other Christian churches are regularly denounced, belittled or ridiculed.
How To Spot Religious Abuse
Most churches and spiritual communties are sources of good. Some are not. Discuss.