Product Description

In a breakthrough book first published in 1991, the authors address the dynamics in churches that can ensnare people in legalism, guilt, and begrudging service, keeping them from the grace and joy of God's kingdom.Written for both those who feel abused and those who may be causing it, The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse shows how people get hooked into abusive systems, the impact of controlling leadership on a congregation, and how the abused believer can find rest and recovery.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #219679 in Books
• Published on: 2005-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

About the Author
David Johnson has been the senior pastor at Church of the Open Door in Maple Grove, Minnesota, since 1980. During this time, the church has grown from a congregation of 160 to 3,000 people. A much sought-after speaker, he is a graduate of Bethel College and received his theological training at Bethel Seminary and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. His Growing in Grace radio broadcast is syndicated internationally. David and his family live in Minnesota.

Customer Reviews

We're Not Gonna Take It Anymore!
This book lets people know that though authoritarianism and coercion may be disguised as "spirituality," it's just a lie, plain and simple. If you're fearful and burdened in your church or Christian relationships, take heart - this book can help you find your freedom in Christ. Many people down through the ages have justified terrible atrocities in the name of Christ - this authoritarianism and coercion in the church is only one example. It's important that anyone trapped in such a situation find the strength to walk away from it, and this book can help! Remember, controlling and abusive people in the church DO NOT hold your salvation in their hands -that privilege is reserved for God alone. Unfortunately, it seems that so many people in the church today are consumed by their own pride and lust for power. I, too, was a member of an authoritarian religious group - yes, "WAS." :-))) I got free, and I hope anyone in that situation can get free, too. You can have a vibrant and fulfilling relationship with Christ without having your every move controlled by a pastor, an evangelist, a "discipler," or whatever.

The message of God's grace abounds in this book
It has been my experience that many Christians who speak of God's grace and mercy in fact live grace-less lives and inflict their grace-lessness on others. The result can be hurting souls that writhe in human-induced torment only to hear that they are resisting the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Or, they walk away from God because they are unable to tolerate the pain caused by the legalistic demands of others. Or, they give up on reading the Bible because their God-given intellect can't reconcile with the narrow, rigid interpretations that are presented as the one and only truth by their spiritual authority figures. This book helped me find a way to feel whole and Christian. While reading of this book, I was often dumbstruck with the authors' ability to describe in accurate detail the source of many hurts, confusions, and fears. (I thought their comments about the children's chorus "Be Careful Little Eyes What You See" were right on target! That song always gave me the willies!) I read this book with a healthy dose of skepticism. I resisted and continue to resist the tendency of some people to define themselves as a "survivor" of this or that type of abuse. Abuse of any kind follows a continuum. My personal experience wasn't nearly as extreme as some of those related in this book. I did not end this book feeling more convinced that I was a victim than when I began. I simply understood the dynamics and subtleties of the abuse more clearly. I recommend this book highly. I don't know that folks who participate in inflicting spiritual pain on others will recognize their behavior in this book. So often, they have the best of intentions and sincerely believe that there way is the (only) right way. But I think folks on the receiving end of abuse will have many "aha!!" moments while reading. Shalom and God Bless!

Whether you like it or not it's a must read
Any book dealing with the subject of abuse is highly likely to ignite controversy. Johnson and Van Vonderon tackle the tricky subject of abuse in the supposed sanctuary of the church with tack and understanding. Whether you're a church leader or member it's well worth reading this book. Invariably those in leadership will find the book lacking. Those recovering from a period of fellowship under abusive and controlling leadership will find it a breath of fresh air. Such a division of thought is obvious depending from where you look. Strange though it seems it is demonstrably true that abuse occurs in situations where trust is a premium quality - child care homes, caring for the mentally ill or infirmed - why not then in the church. Whether leaders like it or not many have abused the trust placed in them by the members and have quite literally become too big for their boots. This book has the courage to expose this abuse and should be welcomed for that alone. If a leader is not abusive, they have nothing to worry about. Maybe though they protest too much and would prefer the church stay silent whilst people suffer. The authors do not agree, neither do I. A must read for anyone who thinks they are in a fellowship where abusive practices are going on.