{"product_id":"the-subtle-power-of-spiritual-abuse","title":"The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse","description":"Breaking the Silence on an Abuse Within the Church That Leaves Christians Feeling \"Used,\" Manipulated and Shamed.\n\nChurches are meant to be safe places where spiritual leaders help and equip the members for the work of service. There are some churches, however, where leaders use their spiritual authority to control and dominate others, attempting to meet their own needs for importance, power, intimacy or spiritual gratification. Through the subtle use of the right \"spiritual\" words, church members are manipulated or shamed into certain behaviors or performance that ensnares in legalism, guilt and begrudging service.\nThis is spiritual abuse, and the results can be shattering. Deeply ingrained spiritual codes of written and unwritten rules control and condemn, wounding believers' spirits and keeping them from the grace and joy of God's kingdom. Believers find themselves enslaved to a system, a leader, a standard of performance that saps true spiritual life.\nThis is a message for Christians who feel they are spiritually abused and for those who might be causing it. Authors VanVonderen and Johnson address these important themes and point the way toward freedom:\n\nWhat are the abusive spiritual dynamics that can develop in a church?\nHow do people get hooked into these abusive systems?\nWhat are the marks of false spiritual leadership and their impact on a congregation?\nWhat are the scriptures and doctrinal concepts that c\u003cbr\u003eASIN: 1556611609\u003cbr\u003eVSKU: BVV.1556611609.G\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Good\u003cbr\u003eAuthor\/Artist:David Johnson\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Notes\u003c\/b\u003e: The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact  including the dust cover, if applicable . Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.  \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Blue Vase Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43331832414269,"sku":"BVV.1556611609.G","price":6.35,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0589\/4225\/9261\/files\/1556611609-0.jpg?v=1783565147","url":"https:\/\/www.bluevasebooks.com\/products\/the-subtle-power-of-spiritual-abuse","provider":"Blue Vase Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}