Spiritual Abuse-Is it Real?

Send us Fan MailIn episode 48 of The Still Waters Podcast, Teri addresses spiritual abuse—often experienced as “church hurt”—as a form of power and control that uses God, scripture, or spiritual authority to manipulate, silence, and trap people in churches, families, marriages, or dating relationships. The episode explains how scripture can be twisted as a weapon, including distorted teachings on submission that excuse harm, and how institutions may prioritize reputation over protecting victims, sometimes discouraging reporting or involving legal authorities. It also clarifies that forgiveness does not mean denying abuse or removing boundaries, and that accountability and forgiveness can coexist. Teri describes the lasting impact on identity and trust in God, contrasts unhealthy vs. healthy spiritual leadership, outlines healing steps and emphasizes the central truth: God never partners with oppression. 00:00 Welcome and Warning03:27 What Spiritual Abuse Is04:33 Scripture as a Weapon06:44 Submission Misused09:53 Protecting Reputation11:06 Forgiveness and Boundaries12:38 Damage to Faith15:14 Healthy Leadership16:46 Healing Steps18:48 God Never Oppresses19:20 Closing  Contact The Still Waters Team www.stillwaterslife.comEmail us at:[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@stillwaterslife.comLet us help you find healing and wellness at The Still Waters.