Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse: Creating Healthy Christian Cultures

The authors diagnose a critical problem in the church and offer practical advice on how to fix it, drawing on extensive research, individual testimonies, and years of hands-on experience. Recovery is possible, but how do we prevent spiritual abuse in the first place?

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 192 pages
\n Publication date: 20 June 2019
\n Publisher: SPCK Publishing
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Authority and rigour are often accompanied by great generosity and gentleness. The authors diagnose a critical problem in the church and offer practical advice on how to fix it.

Andrew Graystone, a theologian, broadcaster, and communications consultant, had a unique approach to influencing me. Whenever he wanted me to do something, he would quote scripture. It was as if I were arguing with God, and I couldn't find a way to refute the authority of the Bible. The term "spiritual abuse" is widely used across the Christian community. However, what exactly does it mean? Sometimes, spiritual abuse involves leaders misusing their position, but ministers can also be victims. Common factors include control through misuse of scripture, claims to divine authority, pressure to conform, and enforced accountability. Individuals may be isolated, and compelled to secrecy and silence.

Drawing on a combination of extensive research, individual testimonies, and years of hands-on experience, Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys have written a comprehensive book that describes the nature of spiritual abuse and provides the best ways of countering it. Recovery is possible, but how do we prevent spiritual abuse in the first place? What can leaders do to create safer places? Is there a link between theological ideas and harmful behaviours? How can leaders create opportunities for spiritual and emotional flourishing?

Dr Lisa Oakley has researched spiritual abuse in the Christian faith in the UK since 2003. Justin Humphreys is the chief executive of the safeguarding charity thirtyone: eight.

This book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the issue of spiritual abuse and take steps to prevent it. It is a must-read for pastors, church leaders, and anyone who is concerned about the well-being of individuals within the Christian community.

\n Weight: 232g\n
Dimension: 131 x 197 x 16 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780281081318\n \n