Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse: Creating Healthy Christian Cultures

by Lisa Oakley; Justin Humphreys

Publisher:

SPCK Publishing

, 2019

Overview

’Authority and rigour ... great generosity and gentleness. The authors diagnose a critical problem in the church and offer practical advice on how to fix it.’ Andrew Graystone, theologian, broadcaster and communications consultant

‘Every time he wanted me to do something, he would quote scripture... I couldn’t argue with scripture, it was like arguing with God.’

The term ‘spiritual abuse’ is widely used across the Christian community. But what is it?

Sometimes spiritual abuse involves leaders misusing their position, but ministers can also be the victims. Common factors include control through misuse of scripture, claims to divine authority, pressure to conform, and enforced accountability. Individuals may be isolated, and compelled to secrecy and silence.

Drawing on a combination of extensive research, individual testimonies, and years of hands-on experience, Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys describe clearly the nature of spiritual abuse, and the best ways of countering it. Recovery is possible.

But – how do we prevent spiritual abuse in the first place? What can leaders do to create safer places? Is there a link between theological ideas and harmful behaviours? How can leaders create opportunities for spiritual and emotional flourishing?

Dr Lisa Oakley has researched spiritual abuse in the Christian faith in the UK since 2003. Justin Humphreys is chief executive of the safeguarding charity thirtyone: eight.

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Contents

Preface
Acknowledgements
1 The emerging picture of spiritual abuse
2 The definitional challenge - what are we talking about?
3 What are the key features of spiritual abuse?
4 How does it make you feel? Exploring the impact of
spiritual abuse
5 Responding well to disclosures of spiritual abuse
6 The challenge of authentic leadership
7 Creating safer cultures and healthier environments
8 Where do we go from here?
Appendix: about thirtyone:eight
Notes
References

Product Details

• Title: Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse: Creating Healthy Christian Cultures
• Authors: Lisa Oakley, Justin Humphreys
• Publisher: SPCK Publishing
• Print Publication Date: 2019
• Logos Release Date: 2022
• Pages: 192
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9780281081325, 9780281081318, 028108131X, 0281081328
• Resource ID: LLS:9780281081325
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-04-22T22:49:14Z