We would hope that churches and homes were safe and nurturing places for us in terms of our spiritual growth and development. Unfortunately the opposite is sometimes true. Read more below to discover the nature of spiritual abuse.
What is Spiritual Abuse?
Why is so much is being said about spiritual abuse these days? Unfortunately because so many are recognizing they have been abused in a way that strikes at the very core of their being. Here are some signs of spiritual abuse:
- You are being belittled, shamed, or otherwise punished for not measuring up to another person's spiritual beliefs and values.
- You are being gaslighted by a spiritual leader or family member. That is, others are trying to make you feel like you're crazy.
- Inconsistent leaders. They demand things of you that they do not do themselves.
- Intimidation or force is being used to coerce compliance in beliefs or behaviors.
- Your home or church no longer feels safe.
- Leaders in the church or at home use Scripture, intimidation, or threats to remain in power.
Spiritual abuse can happen anywhere but most commonly occurs in homes and churches. Scripture can and is often unfortunately weaponized to exert control over a spouse or children.
In a sense, all abuse has a spiritual component. Abuse denies or misshapes a person's sense of what is true, good, and wholesome.
In short, abuse denies a person their own sense of reality. If your spiritual life has become dry and arid it could be due to spiritual abuse. Therapists at Counseling Alliance® have advanced training in recognizing and treating spiritual abuse. Stop the cycle. Find healing for yourself as well as others in your family.
