The Phenomenon of Spiritual Abuse in Evangelical Churches

Did a negative religious experience leave you feeling shattered, vulnerable or ashamed? If you're a victim of spiritual abuse, we'd love to hear your story and hopefully, empower you during the show.



Writer and consultant Cindy Kunsman writes at Under Much Grace that,

"Spiritual Abuse describes the process by which a religious authority misuses power and the trust of their flock in order to meet their own needs or the needs of the system.

Many evangelical churches with sound and solid Biblical doctrine can be considered aberrant or "cultic" when they practice techniques of manipulation and thought reform."

Cindy will explain what spiritual abuse is, the characteristics and techniques of spiritual abusers, and how you can free yourself from an abusive situation.

Not only is Cindy Kunsman a writer and consultant concerning spiritual abuse and thought reform within religious settings, but she is also a registered nurse and naturopath who works as a consultant in areas of forensic medicine and medical case review. She is an award-winning teacher and researcher in critical care nursing, toxicology and the safe use of natural products in clinical practice. She hosts www.UnderMuchGrace.com, a website that discusses cultic behavior within Evangelical Christianity with a specific interest in social psychology and thought reform.

Cindy is also is a participant with the International Cultic Studies Association and the Heroic Imagination Project, as well as the Take Heart Project which helps liberate women from the spiritual abuse of the Patriarchy Movement.