The Naked Journal
Thoughts, musings, and meanings behind NakedPastor Art.
The Naked Journal
Why It's Important To Heal From Spiritual Abuse
I care about the victims of abuse. Especially church and spiritual abuse. This is what I do. Too often I see people treat such victims with bandages rather than with the serious interior work that's required. Even after the victim is removed from the abusive situation.Even after the victim is recompensed for his or her pain and suffering.Even after the perpetrator is punished.Even after the victim is advised about new skills to move on.Even after the trauma is over and done and history. The victim must be given the opportunity and any available resources to heal the damage, the wounds, the trauma, the hurt, the pain, that is within. This is my "Still Not Healed" cartoon. They must be given voice. They must be heard. They must be understood. They must be believed. They must be supported and encouraged and empowered in every possible way so that they can assume their free, independent, and sovereign authority over their own lives and resume their lives in healthy ways. I look forward to the day when churches stop using the bandage effect to cover up the symptoms of abuse and begin to deal with the real problem, and that's their propensity for abuse. Bandages don't cure. They just cover. Churches need to be healed within. And people do too. Related Blog Posts on Spiritual Abuse What is Spiritual Abuse? And how to recognize when it is happening to you.10 Reasons Why The Church Is The Perfect Culture For Abuse
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The church's Abuse of the Never-ending Pursuit of God
It benefits the church to perpetuate the notion that we are separated and alienated from God. It fuels the fear that drives the never ending race to overcome this alienation... either by mysticism, confession, repentance, prayer, devotion, or some other religious means. (Click on image to download it, or click HERE.) What if we realized that even though we are individual, we are one... that separation and alienation are overcome, and that in fact there is no longer any separation, division, or alienation? This illusion of separation begins in our minds, reinforced by unhealthy religion, and forms beliefs that are perpetuated in our particular language. It is only belief and language that project a separation that isn't real. This is the power of the church. It knows it and applies it to keep us on the run. We, including the church, must reject this illusion.
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Holding The Church Accountable For Abuse
Are there a lot of harmed people in the foundations of your church? Because I analyze and critique religion, especially abuses within the church, I probably hear more about the people who are harmed than most. I get messages every day filled with horrific and heartbreaking stories. And you don’t have to look far—just read the news. These stories of abuse and harm are refreshed daily. Some leaders and public figures will do anything to gain and retain their status and grow their ministries. So, where are you in this? Are you at the top? Are you an abuser? If so, I probably won’t hear from you. Or are you one of the bodies buried beneath the building? Have you been spiritually abused? If so, I’d love to hear from you. We need safe spaces to be ourselves! The other day, someone told me to stop blaming the church for spiritual abuse. “It’s individuals!” they said. “People!” But they also insist the church is people. This is why I claim that if the church is people, and it is people doing the abuse, then it's the church doing the abuse through the hands of its people. The church is responsible for spiritual abuse. This is what I'd like to help stop! Related Blog Posts 10 Reasons Why The Church Is The Perfect Culture For Abuse10 Questions Churches Can Ask Themselves About Spiritual Abuse
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The Vital Role of Whistleblowers
Whistle-blowers usually always get a bad name. They're seen as trouble-makers; people who upset how things are done; nut jobs who threaten the status quo; ambitious and resentful shit-disturbers who make life unnecessarily difficult and sometimes impossible for the smooth-running machine. But after the dust settles and people finally see the atrocities that have been executed against the innocent and unsuspecting, many whistle-blowers become heroes. Many of them have to go into hiding themselves because of the threats against them. Whistle-blowing is a necessary and important activity. In fact, a decent federal government recognizes the legitimacy of whistle-blowing. The following is from an official document from the U.S. Office of special counsel: A "whistleblower" discloses information he or she reasonably believes evidences: A violation of any law, rule or regulation; An abuse of authority; Gross mismanagement; A gross waste of funds; A substantial and specific danger to public health or safety. I admire those within the church who are blowing the whistle on abuses such as those above who are within the church. I also admire the whistle blowers who are outside of the church. They usually become outsiders because of their whistle blowing. I know first hand the risks of whistle blowing from within and from the outside. I'm also very sympathetic towards those who just can't yet at this point. It is a very scary enterprise. It reminds me of the prophets. They were inside until they either left in protest or were exiled. But they never stopped blowing the whistle. Many people complain about the internet, that too many people are saying too many things. I think the internet does pose problems. But one thing I definitely appreciate is that so many more people have a voice and can declare what is happening in their tiniest corner of the world. Therefore, it is more difficult to get away with abuses unannounced anymore. Everyone has a whistle.When you see abuses, use it!
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