What is Spiritual Abuse?

Just as emotional abuse affects one emotionally, while physical abuse inflicts pain and bodily injury on its victim, spiritual abuse affects one spiritually. It is the result of a spiritual leader or system that tries to control, manipulate, or dominate a person. This control is often in the form of fear. This is considered a major factor in mind control or thought reform. There are those who feel the latter comes into play in cases such as these, while others feel the thinking is in error. No matter where one stands, it does not lessen the affects of spiritual abuse. (read entire text and watch interview with Stephen Arterburn, co-author of "Toxic Faith")

Several food for thought videos are being made available here.

Edwin Young, former United Pentecostal minister, suddenly and unexpectedly resigned the independent Apostolic church where he was pastor on August 2, 2012. It is alleged that he now resides in Florida. The beginning stages of an in depth look at what has happened is found here. A separate page on Jordan Young, the charges and background info is found here. A third page on the church, Nathan Dudley (the new pastor) and recent events is found here.

Jordan Young, Edwin's son and one who worked at the church and school, was arrested August 13 and charged with Aggravated Indecent Liberties With a Child, Attempted Criminal Sodomy and Solicitation of a Child. Additional charges have been filed since then and the alleged allegations are said to have occurred between 2008 and August 1, 2012. There are now ten cases against him, with more to be possibly filed. The next court date is June 25, 2013. The one set for June 4 was continued. It has finally been released that Edwin Young is also under investigation, and it is separate from the probe into his son.

The video above is a clip from Edwin Young preaching, where he stops in the midst of a sermon and tears into a member of the church.

The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse: Recognizing and Escaping Spiritual Manipulation and False Spiritual Authority Within the Church by David Johnson & Jeff VanVonderen- Broken into three parts, the authors cover abuse and its victims, leaders and why they are trapped, and recovery from abuse. One of the first books read, this was harder to read as it touched on several things I had seen or experienced. If you only want to read one book on the subject from a Christian perspective, try this.

In February 2013, Chuck Swindoll did a series of broadcasts on his book, "The Grace Awakening". We have given away numerous copies of this book through the years as it has been helpful to many who have been involved in unhealthy churches. You may listen to him for free (and may also purchase) his broadcasts here.

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