Religious abuse is the mistreatment of a person by someone in a position of spiritual authority, resulting in diminishing that person’s sense of wellbeing and growth—both spiritually and emotionally.
Religious abuse is the use of spiritual authority, by words or actions, to manipulate someone for personal gain or to achieve a personal agenda, thereby harming that person’s walk with God.
Religious abuse can also be defined as any misuse of Scripture, which harms a person’s relationship with God—like the damage resulting from cult involvement.
Jack Watts, Recovering from Religious Abuse, Howard Books, (New York: 2011), p. 2.
To learn more about about the subject, go to: Recovering from Religious Abuse: 11 Steps to Spiritual Freedom.
I have gained insight from your viewpoint while doing research for a book on “Abuse and its effects
on Society”.
Dear Jack,
Praising God for your life, your willing heart and longing to share the truth about the LOVE of Christ. You are a bright shiny light in our broken world. May God continue to bless you in your ministry.
In his strong love,
Julie
Thanks, Julie,
But I don’t consider what i am doing to be a ministry. I’m just a guy who has had some unique experiences with religious abuse, who also loves the Lord. Too many people blame God and cast Him out when they have had enough of their abusive situation—never realizing that Christ understands religious abuse better than anyone.
I’m going to continue to speak out about it; you can count on that.
Jack Watts