Learning to live with a chronic illness is a challenge many
Christians face on a daily bases. Dealing with a chronic illness, in a church
system that tends to be critical and judgment towards people suffering from a
chronic illness and pain, can be devastating.
While many churches say that they have nothing but respect
for those battling chronic illness, experience has shown me that although they
may respect the elderly. But for those
of us that where hit with chronic illness at a young age, it is a different story.
I have been a victim of spiritual abuse! In fact most of my
church life has been with in a church denomination that practice spiritual
abuse. I have been called a Jezebel, a
cauldron stirring witch praying curse upon the church leadership. I have left
the church because I was accused falsely, I have even been asked to leave. Not
because I voiced any rebellious words against the church or it leadership. In
fact, I was a shy person that rarely said a word. I was simple a person that I lived in a
world of chronic illness and pain. Thus, I was viewed as less than a true
Christian. Otherwise God would not have been punishing me with illness.
I like the term "Bad Church Experiences" because it
gives a good word picture of how spiritual abuse often occurs. I have see spiritual abuse happen when the
leaders of a church or religious organization use their power and position to
manipulate, control and/or coercer their
congregation /followers/members/ whether
on purpose or with good intentions.
Spiritual abuse is
the misuse of a position of power, leadership, or influence to further the
selfish interests of someone other than the individual who needs help.
Sometimes abuse arises out of a doctrinal position. At other times it occurs
because of legitimate personal needs of a leader that are being met by
illegitimate means. Spiritually abusive religious systems are sometimes
described as legalistic, mind controlling, religiously addictive, and
authoritarian.
While I did try to continue living with in the common church
world, despite the abuse I experienced. There came a time in which enough was
enough. I simple could no longer deal with accusations, condemnation, and outright
abuse, so I walked away.
I did not walk away from my beliefs in the Lord, or my
relationship with Him. I simple choose to not attend church again. I know that
there are churches out there that do not practice religious abuse. On the other hand, I have found more acceptance from
fellow believers out side of the church. So why would I put myself back into a
system that did nothing but cause me pain?
Why does the church treat their members so badly?