• The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse

  • Recognizing and Escaping Spiritual Manipulation and False Spiritual Authority Within the Church
  • By: David Johnson, Jeff Van Vonderen
  • Narrated by: William Sarris
  • Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (28 ratings)

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The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse

By: David Johnson, Jeff Van Vonderen
Narrated by: William Sarris
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Publisher's summary

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.

©1991 David Johnson and Jeff VanVonderen (P)2022 Tantor

What listeners say about The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse

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life changing.

you will not regret it. written decades ago but still very relevant and powerful.

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now awake!

ringing so true to my 20 years under a controlling abusive leader. I'm glad to finally get some answers.

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Real examples

Sound truth with real examples. Biblical backing of points and helpful for anyone associated with any type of ministry, whether clergy or laymen.

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Good book

My low rating is simply based on the fact that you should really get the physical copy. There are many images referred to in the audio book that would have been helpful.

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I Needed to Hear This!!!!!

Oh WOOOOOW!!! I am sooo thankful that a friend recommended this book to me! Basically, all my life I have been in spiritually abusive churches and ministries. Some more (much more) abusive than others. God has been opening my eyes to how much He loves me. This book helped clarify that even more.

If you are hurting and struggling to see God’s love in your church or ministry, PLEEEEASE read this book! I say that with love for you. But more importantly, know that God is for you and He loves you more than you can imagine!

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Very accurate and biblically sound

I listened to this but will listen again. I’m a survivor of this kind of abuse but I didn’t realize the full affect it had on my life nor it I realize the things I had been taught that perpetuated this abuse. I couldn’t give a high enough review for this as it definitely exceeded my expectations and helped me in so many ways.

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Sobering but important read for the believer.

Sobering but important read for the believer. I recommend this book to every minister should read this.

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Very thorough

This book does a great job pulling back the layers to not only identify a spiritually abusive system but also to recognize wrong thinking that enables the abuse to go unnoticed.

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Great... until they said stay with an abuser

Oh boy. Started off so well, then when he said he finds it more compassionate for a woman to stay with an abusive man, I stopped listening. I'm starting to stray more and more away from Christians. I feel ill at this. Just go to Townsend and Cloud. They are the only Christians who seem to have their head screwed on properly.

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1 person found this helpful