Isolated but Not Alone: Spiritual Grooming Part 8

On today's episode, I'm continuing my discussion on a current situation that is having a profound impact on me that has all kinds of intersectionality within the rural and isolated communities in which I have interaction and reside.   The topics are the difficult and complex issues of spiritual grooming and spiritual abuse, which I believe often leads to sexual abuse but not always.  Spiritual grooming has become an epidemic in evangelical communities and is often subtle affecting children and adults.  It is subtle because it uses our spirituality against us, and causes us to distrust ourselves and our buddies in order to trust others who claim that what they are saying comes from God.  

On this week's episode, I'm going continue discussing the profound impacts of spiritual grooming and spiritual abuse.  I add to the definition of spiritual abuse as well as discuss how it may look practically inside and outside of religious institutions.   I also discuss a social media post that was sent to me that was a perfect example of spiritual abuse.  

Here is a link to Allender Center podcast on spiritual abuse, https://theallendercenter.org/2022/05/revisiting-spiritual-abuse/ and here is a link to their website where you can find all kinds of content on spiritual abuse, https://theallendercenter.org

This is a revisitation of their original podcast series.  

I want to caution listeners that this content is passionate, and my feel a little different than my normal content.  Please listen to the preface for this topic where I explain why I choose to do these episodes, why they are so passionate, and a disclaimer that I do not want to disparage anyone from their religious values or their spirituality.  I simply want to bring to light what I see as a major problem within evangelical churches especially in rural and isolate communities.  

Intro/Outro music & Transition Sounds, ambient-atmospheric-4947, found at https://cdn.pixabay.com/download/audio/2021/06/07/audio_cdfb955189.mp3?filename=ambient-atmospheric-4947.mp3

National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 1 [phone]

National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 [phone]

National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 [phone]

Crisis Text Line - Text “MN” to 741741

Call 911 for emergency

This and other content produced by James Rains is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this podcast creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please seek help from your therapist or seek help from one in your area if you are experiencing any mental health concerns.  Nothing should be construed to be specific advice.  It is for educational and entertainment purposes only.