Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse, The: Recognizing and Escaping Spiritual Manipulation and False Spiritual Authority Within the Church [Paperback]

David Johnson (Author), Jeff VanVonderen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2005

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.

Editorial Reviews

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; Reprint edition (October 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764201379
• ISBN-13: 978-0764201370
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 0.6 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (95 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #42,310 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #23 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Psychology
  • #52 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Ministry & Church Leadership > Pastoral Counseling
  • #70 in Books > Self-Help > Abuse

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

126 of 130 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I wish I had read it sooner August 19, 2002

By Lara McClintock

Format:Paperback

It's right on target. I've seen all of the signs of spiritual abuse in several churches I've attended, and I'm in a church now where the signs do not exist among the leadership (and it's easy to dodge the self-righteous members who do practice any of the bad signs... no church is perfect). The difference between churches that use manipulation and those that practice grace is like night and day.

The key to preventing spiritual abuse is balance. God has placed boundaries around ministers and laypeople alike which should not be crossed. When the "leaders" run roughshod over the church members' boundaries while misusing Scripture to protect themselves from legitimate criticism, something is wrong. Pastors cannot claim authority reserved solely for God or expect to control people in ways that only the Holy Spirit can do. God has rules for leaders to obey, and ways for laymen to confront leaders about sin.

I have to disagree very strongly with those who say that this book is anti-leadership or that this book causes problems in churches.

One of the examples used in the book is about a pastor whose congregation expected too much of him. Yes, some churches do place burdens on pastors that are too hard to bear; so this book is for wounded ministers as much as for wounded laypeople. Yes, we're guilty of expecting our pastors do do everything when God really gives ministries to every believer.

Van Vonderen and Johnson warn people who read the book not to use what they have learned as a weapon, but to take action only in the proper spirit. Of course, any time someone takes action in a church, real problems will become visible. My question in every case is: are those problems caused by those speaking out, or have they been there all along and are only now being exposed?... People just causing trouble need correction or should be encouraged to move on. People exposing existing problems should be heard out, and solutions to benefit the entire church must be sought. Sweeping exposed problems under the rug is not an option.

This book isn't written for rabble-rousers or disgruntled church members or anyone else of that sort. It is for Christians who have been wounded by the church and who need God's healing. It is fair, it is doctrinally solid, and it gives effective counsel. There is something beneficial for everyone... leader, wounded Christian, or loved ones of people in either group. Read more ›

73 of 78 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Real Relationship with God March 31, 2001

By mary willits

Format:Paperback

This book was the best book I've read on spiritual abuse issues. It covers all areas: from being spiritually abused, why things go wrong in the churches today, how to recognize an abusive system, to recovering and returning to a right relationship with God, one of faith, hope, love, and grace. These are the things that build a relationship, and create change in our lives. It's not about rules, regulations, being obedient to leaders, and having people tell you their perception and belief of God's will for your life. That's why God gave us His Word, and we are to grow in a relationship with Him. He will do the work in us , we could not do ourselves. This book was the key to helping our family get our lives back together after having experienced abuse in a church. It not only validated us, but it is packed full of scriptures to search the truth out for yourself, to really look at what the Bible is saying, to whom, why, and to see Jesus's true character, and heart of God's Word. What a blessing! I noticed a person was sort of negative in their response to this book, and spoke of how we are to submit to leaders, etc. The Bible tells us to submit to leaders who speak the truth, who operate in the "fruits of the spirit," and who love (both saints and sinners alike). How can we get to the lost, and get them saved if we are to self-righteous to reach out to them, and love them enough to meet them where they are. Self-righteousness sends people away from God, not toward him. Legalism is based on getting right with God, not how to have a relationship with Him.... Even though we were spiritually abused, I don't like to hear messages that "tickle my ears" either, but the deliverance of the message, and the heart of the person sending the message must line up with God's Word, and have a character as Jesus did. God gave us feelings and emotions too, it's not always our sinful flesh. We need God to help us discern between the two. I thank God for this book, pray that God will continue to bless their work because a lot of people without resources like this may otherwise walk away from the Lord, after having experienced such a tramatic experience as spiritual abuse. The book is full of insight, not only of abuse issues, but what's gone wrong in churches today. The only thing that the church can really offer anyone that the world can't is "God's love and grace." As Christians, that's our responsibility! That's what will change people, the world, and cause us to love God and want to serve Him. Read more ›

38 of 40 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best of it's kind February 24, 2000

By Ron Ravensborg

Format:Paperback

Full disclosure is probably necessary at this point: I not only attend the church where the author (David) preaches, I work for him, too. I can attest to his personal integrity and his commitment to proper, evangelical Biblical exegesis.

This book is one of the top two or three on the topic, and I highly recommend it to others. It's insightful, timely, and has plenty of examples to help "shine the light" on bad situations. I know it's effective, too: we receive hundreds of messages every year from those who have read the book and now feel liberated to love God again.

In no way does the book encourge parishoners to villify their pastors, or go looking for occasions to "feel abused." It does, however, help expose an all-too-frequent phenomena of pastors who, in the name of God, abuse their authority to achieve their own destructive desires.

God Bless!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars What an amazing book--straightforward and upfront!! January 11, 2006

By Cathy Jones

Format:Paperback

"The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse" confronts in an open and honest way--and deals with in a clear and straightforward way--issues that too many in the Christian community too often refuse to admit and face up to and deal with because these serious issues are not clean and pretty and tidy--they're dirty and messy and embarrassing; and it takes time and much effort to make healthy changes. It takes a lot of courage for anyone to admit to the truth (and uncover the truth) of what goes on "behind closed doors" in some churches (and families). Until these serious issues are first acknowledged, nothing ever changes or has the opportunity to make the necessary healthy changes. It takes integrity and courage and unconditional love to take a stand. David Johnson and Jeff VanVonderen have written a tremendously courageous book. This book does not attack--it simply demonstrates the love and honor these men have for God and His principles and it demonstrates the courage these men have in standing up for those Biblical principles. This book, together with Mr. VanVonderen's other two books, "Tired of Trying to Measure Up" and "Families Where Grace Is In Place" are excellent resources for those who have been wounded by other Christians to receive hope and encouragement and the reassurance that not all Christians and not all churches are harmful--that emotional and spiritual healing can come about and the wounded can eventually be able to move on in life. We are encouraged to use wisdom and discernment and common sense. I recommend these books highly. Consider buying extra copies to give out to loved ones or friends who you know are hurting deeply because they've been wounded by the very people they trusted to love and care about them.