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One of the first books to talk about religious abuse, May
23, 1999
Reviewer: A reader from Boston, Massachusetts USA
There is a myth out there that unless the church is part of some
far-out cult it is 100% safe. The truth is there are churches
that abuse, even in mainline and evangelical protestant denominations.
The book perpetuates the myth some as the examples are given
from more cult-ish groups. No, not every church abuses. Sometimes
otherwise healthy, vibrant churches can have unhealth, abusive
pockets or sub-groups in them due to the negative influence of
one or two leaders. And emotionally abusive parents can visit
spiritual abuse on their children even in an overall healthy
church.
The outline of the chapters in the book gives an excellent
guide for evaluating one's church experience and if it is abusive:
Ten characteristics of churches that abuse:
* Abusive churches use fear, guilt and threats:
1. Control-oriented leadership
2. Manipulation of members
* Abusive churches see themselves as special:
3. Spiritual elitism (e.g., dogmatism)
4. Perceived persecution
* Abusive churches foster rigidity:
5. Lifestyle rigidity (e.g., legalism, performance oriented)
6. Emphasis on experience (e.g., experience of leaders is
key source of truth)
* Abusive churches discourage questions:
7. Suppression of dissent (e.g., dogmatism--only our view
is right; "trust and obey")
8. Harsh discipline (e.g., legalism, shunning, control of
dating & family relationships, etc.)
* Abusive churches make leaving painful:
9. Denunciation of other churches (e.g. salvation is only
through us, our brand of faith)
10. A painful exit process (shunning, humiliation, starting
over in relationships and/or financially)
"..try the spirits" applies to churches too, November
25, 1998
Reviewer: Marsena Cook (see more about me) from McRae, Georgia
This book is very important, especially since we are living in
the last days. There are organizations masquerading as Christian
churches when their lifestyles and theology are far from Christian.
Even in the church, we must "try the spirits to see whether
they be of God". Any pastor or organization that exalts
themselves where Christ belongs are false. We must hold them
accountable for abusing the precious name of Jesus for their
own selfish purposes. I highly recommend this book to anyone
seeking to help friends and loved ones be truly "set free"
from the mind control of wolves in sheep's clothing
Could It Happen Here? Spiritual Abuse Around Us, December
17, 1999
Reviewer: Laurie Hobey (see more about me) from New England,
USA
This book is a must-read for those who have suffered spiritual
abuse, and for those who work with them. Mr. Enroth gives many
real life stories of persons who became involved in harmful churches
and groups. He shares what happened to these individuals, and
then describes the patterns of abuse so that the reader can recognize
signs of abuse or potential abuse. The reader will be able to
see the similarities among various groups. The psychological
and sociological ramifications are described. An extremely important
contribution; this book will enlighten, warn, instruct, and maybe
even shock you. |