Churches That Abuse
Encyclopedia
Churches That Abuse, first published in 1991, is a best-selling counterculture apologetic book written by Ronald M. Enroth
. The book presents real-life stories of pseudo-Christian churches and organizations deemed spiritually abusive
and the effects these groups have had on their members. A primary theme of the book is to demonstrate, through case histories of individuals, couples, and families, that "spiritual abuse can take place in the context of doctrinally sound, Bible-preaching, fundamentalist, conservative Christianity".
Enroth outlines the backgrounds of the leaders of these groups and explains how the groups evolved to the point of becoming spiritually abusive. It has been praised by many in the anti-cult movement
, including Margaret Thaler Singer, Ph.D; Michael D. Langone, director of the American Family Foundation; Dr. Paul R. Martin
; and James Leo Garrett Jr.
of the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
.
"... authoritarian churches demonstrate an excessive focus on such concerns. The restricted life-style and limits on personal freedom that follow are just other examples of the need to control that all abusive churches exemplify. Conformity to prescribed standards is achieved, more so than in mainline churches, through peer pressure and pastoral directives." (Page 70)
"Members of all abusive churches soon learn that the pastor or leader is beyond confrontation." (Page 81)
"Unwavering obedience to religious leadership and unquestioning loyalty to the group would be less easily achieved if analysis and feedback were available to members from the outside. It is not without reason that leaders of abusive groups react so strongly and so defensively to any media criticism of their organizations." (Page 84)
"Leaving a restricted and abusive community involves what sociologists call the de-socialization process whereby the individual loses identification with the past group and moves toward re-socialization, or reintegration into the mainstream culture. There are a number of emotions and needs that emerge during this transition process. How one deals with these feelings and affective experiences has a significant impact on the overall healing that is required. Many have described the aftermath of abusive-church involvement as comparable to that of rape victims, or the delayed stress syndrome experienced by war veterans. It is recovery from what might be called spiritual rape." (Page 90)
, has objected to the research methods used to obtain information about some of the groups mentioned in this book.
Tucker also refrained from endorsing Enroth's book.
Ronald Enroth
Ronald M. Enroth is Professor of Sociology at Westmont College, Santa Barbara, California, and a prominent evangelical Christian author of books concerning what he defines as "cults" and "new religious movements"....
. The book presents real-life stories of pseudo-Christian churches and organizations deemed spiritually abusive
Spiritual abuse
Spiritual abuse is a serious form of abuse which occurs when a person in a cult-religious authority or a person with a unique spiritual practice misleads and maltreats another person in the name of a deityor church or in the mystery of any spiritual concept...
and the effects these groups have had on their members. A primary theme of the book is to demonstrate, through case histories of individuals, couples, and families, that "spiritual abuse can take place in the context of doctrinally sound, Bible-preaching, fundamentalist, conservative Christianity".
Enroth outlines the backgrounds of the leaders of these groups and explains how the groups evolved to the point of becoming spiritually abusive. It has been praised by many in the anti-cult movement
Anti-cult movement
The anti-cult movement is a term used by academics and others to refer to groups and individuals who oppose cults and new religious movements. Sociologists David G...
, including Margaret Thaler Singer, Ph.D; Michael D. Langone, director of the American Family Foundation; Dr. Paul R. Martin
Paul R. Martin
Paul R. Martin was a psychotherapist, licensed clinical psychologist, and director of the Wellspring Retreat and Resource Center in Ohio. He also worked in private practice in Athens, Ohio...
; and James Leo Garrett Jr.
James Leo Garrett Jr.
James Leo Garrett, Jr. holds the position of Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas....
of the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a private, non-profit institution of higher education, associated with the Southern Baptist Convention...
.
Characteristics of an abusive church
In the book, Enroth lists several characteristics in identifying abusive churches.Control-oriented leadership
According to the book, "...experience with authoritarian leadership is, unfortunately, not unusual for people who have been a part of spiritually abusive groups. Control-oriented leadership is at the core of all such churches. These spiritual power holders become strong role models, and their dogmatic teaching, bold confidence, and arrogant assertiveness become powerful forces of influence. They use their spiritual authority to intimidate the weak and those who consider leaving their flock." (Page 42)Spiritual elitism, perceived persecution
According to the book, "The spiritual elitism of abusive churches can be seen in some of the terminology they use to refer to themselves: 'God's Green Berets', 'God's End-Time Army', the 'faithful remnant', the special 'move of God'. As one ex-member put it, 'We believed we were on the cutting edge of what God was doing in the world. I looked down on people who left our movement; they didn't have what it took. They were not faithful to their commitment. When everyone else got with God's program, they would be involved in shepherding just like we were.' ... If abusive churches are exclusive and special, it follows that they will be targets for persecution, or so their leaders seem to feel." (Page 61)Manipulation of members, fostering dependency
According to the book, "Spiritually abusive groups routinely use guilt, fear, and intimidation as effective means for controlling their members. In my opinion, the leaders consciously foster an unhealthy form of dependency, spiritually and interpersonally, by focusing on themes of submission, loyalty, and obedience to those in authority. In all totalitarian environments, dependency is necessary for subjugation." (Page 53)Life-style rigidity
According to the book, "Traditional evangelical churches value and respect individual differences. For the most part, they encourage people to become unique persons in their own right, not mere photocopies of someone else. Authoritarian, manipulative fringe groups, on the other hand, encourage clones and promote cookie-cutter life-styles." (Page 54)"... authoritarian churches demonstrate an excessive focus on such concerns. The restricted life-style and limits on personal freedom that follow are just other examples of the need to control that all abusive churches exemplify. Conformity to prescribed standards is achieved, more so than in mainline churches, through peer pressure and pastoral directives." (Page 70)
Emphasis on experience
According to the book, "Quite clearly, the excesses at Community Chapel demonstrate what can happen when spiritual experience dictates theology and then necessitates a re-interpretation of Scripture. Subjective experience takes care of the theological loopholes that the Bible seems not to address. The leadership of Community Chapel promoted the view that one could accept certain doctrines and practices if they could not be disproved from Scripture, rather than accept them because of a strong conviction they were right because they were taught in God's Word. It has been said that commitment without careful reflection is fanaticism in action, and that certainly was the case at Community Chapel." (Page 26)Harsh discipline of members, information control
According to the book, "Virtually all authoritarian groups that I have studied impose discipline, in one form or another, on members. A common theme that I encountered during interviews with ex-members of these groups was that the discipline was often carried out in public-and involved ridicule and humiliation. (Page 78)"Members of all abusive churches soon learn that the pastor or leader is beyond confrontation." (Page 81)
"Unwavering obedience to religious leadership and unquestioning loyalty to the group would be less easily achieved if analysis and feedback were available to members from the outside. It is not without reason that leaders of abusive groups react so strongly and so defensively to any media criticism of their organizations." (Page 84)
Painful exit processes
According to the book, "Leaving an abusive church situation can be extremely difficult, calling into question every aspect of life members may have experienced for the period of time they were involved. (Page 89)"Leaving a restricted and abusive community involves what sociologists call the de-socialization process whereby the individual loses identification with the past group and moves toward re-socialization, or reintegration into the mainstream culture. There are a number of emotions and needs that emerge during this transition process. How one deals with these feelings and affective experiences has a significant impact on the overall healing that is required. Many have described the aftermath of abusive-church involvement as comparable to that of rape victims, or the delayed stress syndrome experienced by war veterans. It is recovery from what might be called spiritual rape." (Page 90)
Groups discussed
The following groups and religious leaders are discussed in the book:- Aggressive Christianity Missions Training Corps
- The Assembly (and George Geftakys)
- Champaign-Urbana Ministries (C-U Ministries)
- Christian Growth Ministries (and Bob Mumford)
- Church of Bible UnderstandingChurch of Bible UnderstandingThe Church of Bible Understanding was founded in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 1971 by Stewart Traill. It is a communal organization, teaching a form of evangelical Christianity....
(and Stewart Traill) - Community Chapel (and Donald Lee BarnettDonald Lee BarnettDonald Lee Barnett is an American pastor who founded Community Chapel and Bible Training Center, a controversial church near Burien, Washington, and was its only pastor during its 21-year history, from 1967 to 1988...
) - Community of JesusCommunity of JesusThe Community of Jesus is a Christian community located near Rock Harbor, in Orleans, Massachusetts, on Cape Cod.-History:It began with the meeting of two Episcopal women, Judy Sorensen and Cay Andersen, in 1958. The women, both heavily influenced by the Charismatic movement of the time, began...
(and Cay Andersen/Judy Sorensen) - CooneyitesCooneyitesThe Cooneyites are a Protestant sect which split from the Two by Twos, originally called "the Tramps" or "the Go-Preachers" founded by William Irvine, often referred to today as "The Truth" or "Cooneyites". References to the term "Cooneyites" prior to 1928 refer to the group described under Two by...
- Two by Twos (also known as "Christian Conventions")
- Emmaus Christian Fellowship (of ColoradoColoradoColorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
) - Faith Assembly (Glory Barn) (Hobart FreemanHobart FreemanHobart Freeman was a charismatic preacher and author, who ministered in northern Indiana and actively promoted faith healing.- Early life :Hobart Edward Freeman was born in Ewing, Kentucky, and grew up at St...
) - Great Commission International (and Jim McCotterJim McCotterJim McCotter is a United States entrepreneur, the CEO of Maverick Jets and controversial founder of the "Blitz Movement" which became the Great Commission Association of Churches. He was also a member of the Council for National Policy as well having been a holder of national and international...
) - International Churches of ChristInternational Churches of ChristThe International Churches of Christ is a body of co-operating non-denominational, religiously conservative, and racially integrated Christian congregations, an offshoot from the Mainline Churches of Christ. This group is known for and has a long history of showing charity to the poor...
(and Kip McKeanKip McKeanThomas "Kip" McKean is a former minister of the International Churches of Christ, and is a current minister of the City of Angels International Christian Church and head of the International Christian Churches organization, also known as the "Portland/Sold-Out Discipling Movement".-Early life and...
) - Maranatha Campus Ministries/Christian FellowshipMaranatha Campus MinistriesMaranatha Campus Ministries was a Charismatic/Pentecostal-oriented Christian ministry founded by Bob Weiner which existed from 1971 to 1990. Its primary outreach was to college and university campuses....
(and Bob Weiner) - No-Name Fellowship
- Piecemakers/Body of Christ Fellowship (and Marie Kolasinski)
- Potter's House/Christian Fellowship Church (and Wayman MitchellWayman MitchellWayman Othell Mitchell is the founder of Christian Fellowship Ministries or the Potters House. This organisation is a fellowship of 1,716 independent churches in 110 nations throughout the world. Individual churches of the Potters House also use other names, including: The Door, Victory Chapel,...
) - River of Life Ministries/Truth Station (and Ed MitchellEd MitchellEd Mitchell is a UK former television presenter, business journalist and news reader, best known for his work with ITN.Educated at Worthing High School and Durham University, he also worked for Reuters, the BBC, Channel Four, European Business Channel, Asia Business News, European Business News,...
) - Servants of Christ the King/Sword of the SpiritSword of the SpiritSword of the Spirit was a forerunner of the Catholic Institute of International Relations, now Progressio, founded by Cardinal Hinsley in August 1940...
- Set Free Christian Fellowship (and Phil Aguilar)
- University Bible FellowshipUniversity Bible FellowshipThe University Bible Fellowship is an Evangelistic non-denominational Christian organization that originated in South Korea in 1961. It was founded through a partnership between a Korean, the late Samuel Chang-Woo Lee, and an American Presbyterian missionary who was sent to South Korea, Sarah...
(Samuel Chang-Woo Lee) - Vineyard movement (John WimberJohn WimberJohn Richard Wimber was a musician, charismatic pastor and one of the founding leaders of the Vineyard Movement, a neocharismatic Evangelical Christian denomination which began in the USA and has now spread to many countries world-wide.-Life and ministry:John Richard Wimber was the son of Basil...
)
Controversies
Ruth Tucker, former professor at Calvin Theological SeminaryCalvin Theological Seminary
Calvin Theological Seminary is a seminary affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church in North America, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and closely tied to Calvin College, though each institution has its own board. Rev...
, has objected to the research methods used to obtain information about some of the groups mentioned in this book.
As a historian and researcher on cultic movements, I am deeply troubled by a trend in research methodology that is becoming more and more common among people who are claiming to do scholarly work. It is a method that focuses exclusively on "victims" and "victim stories". In some cases the stories are bizarre tales of satanic ritual abuse; in other cases they are more matter-of-fact claims of unfair treatment by a church or organization. But whatever the setting or subject, the research method is to treat the victim stories as truth without investigating counterclaims...
—Ruth Tucker
Tucker also refrained from endorsing Enroth's book.
My serious concerns Ron's work arose in 1991, when I was asked by his editor at Zondervan to write an endorsement for his book, Churches That Abuse. After I read over the manuscript I wrote back to the editor (and sent a copy of the letter to Ron) stating that I could not endorse the book. Of the churches featured in the book, I had personal knowledge of only one of them, and in that instance I felt that Ron had made some very unfair allegations. The one-sided testimonies on which he based his conclusions were old (primarily 1980–1984), and he seemed entirely oblivious to the cultural factors that gave the group its distinctive non-western flavor. It is true that this church is strict and legalistic in some areas, and it expects its members to be disciplined in their Christian lives. For some present-day Evangelicals, such an atmosphere is intolerable. Churches are supposed to be places where everyone is made to feel good about themselves and discipline is a dirty word.
—Ruth Tucker
Analogous books
- Recovering from Churches that Abuse, Publisher: Zondervan, August 1994, ISBN 978-0310398707
- The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse, co-authored by David Johnson and Jeff VanVonderenJeff VanVonderenJeff VanVonderen is an author, motivational speaker, former pastor, and interventionist who is best known for his appearances on A&E reality show Intervention...
, 2004, ISBN 978-0764201370 - Toxic Faith, co-authored with Stephen Arterburn and Jack Felton, 2001, ISBN 978-0877888253
External links
- Churches that Abuse available in .pdf format and in text/html
- Recovering from Churches that Abuse available in .pdf format and in text/html
- "How to Spot an Abusive Church" Article written by Ronald EnrothRonald EnrothRonald M. Enroth is Professor of Sociology at Westmont College, Santa Barbara, California, and a prominent evangelical Christian author of books concerning what he defines as "cults" and "new religious movements"....
for Group Magazine that summarizes the book - A review of the book by Margaret Thaler Singer
- A review of the book by Maxine Pinson
- A review of the book by Dr. Paul R. Martin
- Ronald Enroth's Biography
- George Geftakys Assembly
- Who Would Jesus Smackdown?