I found this video on adversaria's site. Alistair has some interesting comments on how some of the tactics suggested for starting a cult are commonly found within standard evangelical churches. Here is an excerpt of what he has to say.
The indoctrination of new converts. There is a difference between teaching and indoctrination. Good teaching should equip the mind to think critically. Indoctrination tends to turn off the mind¿s critical faculties. Indoctrination imposes an ideology upon people, an ideology that often restricts them from giving expression to important aspects of their lives. Teaching grants people the tools with which they can begin to work towards true expression of the world, God and themselves. Someone who has been taught, rather than indoctrinated, is empowered to think in a way that goes beyond their teachers.
Hi Rose...I've enjoyed reading your blog of late.
Was just going to say that I think its absolutely important that leadership are kept accountable by the rest of the body, absolutely. I value it in my own ministry, that there is a culture of openness.
With regards to the Battered Sheep website, it has always worried me to be honest. It seems to be a place where wounded people go to express pity on themselves because they have been hurt somewhere. Now, I totally agree that people need healing of spiritual abuse and I am all for that, but I've always found Battered Sheep to be slightly counter productive. People there simply talk together about reinforcing their pain instead of seeking healing. In the end, they seem to end up anti-church.
Anyway, every blessing...keep fighting as a warrior.
Andrew Clark
Captain - The Salvation Army
Hi Andrew,
W.r.t. your comments on the Battered Sheep site, as one directly involved:
* some of the more horrific stories we've received (and verified to be accurate from other parties) we've not published at the "battered sheep"'s request
* some of the battered sheep are leaders, so it's not a place for pastor-bashing
* these people have suffered immense pain and betrayal; some have been so hurt, that yes, they have become either anti-Church or at least in need of further healing.
* sharing one's narrative, even if it comes across as angry or full of self-pity, can be cathartic, and at least be an initial step towards forgiveness, reconciliation and healing
* a lot of e-mails (and occasionally phone calls) is exchanged between the battered sheep and myself. I try my best to understand their situation, offer some advice, and also point them to more mature Christians, conflict resolution ministries and counselling where appropriate. More importantly, I encourage them to find another church in their area, and even try to help them with specific suggestions.
It is a draining "ministry" for me .. reading a lot of the stories breaks my heart. Having personally gone through the pain of church conflict twice in my 20+ years as a Christian, I am simply trying to help others.
Clericalism, legalism, and authoritarianism are real problems that cannot be swept under the rug.
It is rewarding to get the e-mails of gratitude from folks who are thankful that such a site exists, however feeble I think it is. Frankly, we just offer a forum for people to share their pain, and to listen and help them as best as we can.
So, you're entitled to your opinion, but it may be more helpful to the cause of Christ if you (1) prayed for us and the battered sheep; and (2) get involved in the forums and share your encouragement and advice.
Shalom,
Paul
Posted by: paul at January 10, 2007 03:29 PMI just want to back up Paul's statement by saying that we've received tons of e-mails over the years, most of which we have never published. Some of the stories are truly awful and heartbreaking indeed.
We always try and offer sympathy, advice and guidance, and if necessary, we always try to redirect them to another assembly in their local area if possible. We never, ever encourage anyone to give up church or to cease fellowshipping with other believers. In addition, we always try and first point people in the direction of healing, reconciliation, peacemaking, forgiveness, etc. Just have a look at our Resources section and you should find plenty of helpful links.
By far, most of the e-mails we get are from people who are truly thankful that a site such as ours even exists, and these people are almost always relieved to find out that they're not alone in their situation. Since the ministry is currently only run by two people, the only thing we can humbly offer at present is a place for people to express their hurt in words. As Paul mentioned, sometimes simply writing out your horror story and having it published can be very therapeutic in itself and is quite often the first step one can take towards the healing process.
We at Battered Sheep cannot offer healing for these people. Only the Holy Spirit can do that. What we can offer is a sympathetic ear, tons of prayer support, lots of advice and plenty of encouragement. In some cases, we have even met face-to-face with the people who wrote to us. In my opinion, this is far better than doing nothing.
Over the years, I've always found that the people most critical of our ministry are from those who have never truly experienced spiritual abuse of any kind. Unless you have experienced being a battered sheep yourself, it's very hard to understand the hurt, rejection and betrayal that one typically goes through in these circumstances.
Posted by: allan at January 11, 2007 08:53 PM