Spiritual Abuse

by Cory Bertrand LPC-Supervisor

Spiritual abuse occurs when the Bible is taken out of context to exert power and control over an individual or group. A key component that goes hand in hand with spiritual abuse is isolation of individuals or groups. You will notice that a spiritual abuser does not come under the authority of any other spiritual leadership. They do not submit to the accountability of others. They often minimize others understanding of the Bible setting themselves as an authority of interpretation of the word of God. They utilize the word of God as a weapon used in punitive ways to gain control over others or justify their behavior. Often taking parts of scripture or a sermon and applying it in a way that is condemning to you and seeking to convince you to comply according to their interpretation and application of the Bible.