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Twisted Scriptures
For someone else if you're concerned. For yourself if you've ever wondered. You joined your church because of its intensity for God. Like no other place, it's helped you discover the meaning of obedience. Of teachableness. Of death to self. If there's one problem, it's the confusion that sometimes comes from your own carnal thinking. But God has given you leaders who can lovingly correct a doubting, independent spirit and help you choose God's best for your life. How can you go wrong with a church like that? Easily. What you've just read actually fits the profile of many abusive churches. Twisted Scriptures reveals in depth how the Bible can be distorted in ways that rob you of the liberty Jesus died to give you. You might be shocked at what you discover. This book uncovers the subtle but powerful techniques by which, in the name of truth, controlling leaders manipulate and intimidate countless believers. It also supplies tools for overcoming persuasive, deceptive teachings and practices. Thousands of Christians have already moved from struggle to true freedom and hope through Twisted Scriptures. If you truly want to grow in everything God made you to be, you owe it to yourself to read this book.
304 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2000
36 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 1, 2014
The author was uncanny in the way she was describing the unhealthy, heavy-handed authoritarianism I have encountered is churches I have attended in the past. I seriously wonder what type of character flaw I have that causes me to repeatedly subject myself to such abuse? I believe this book would be helpful for all Christians to read.
“Some controlling-discipleship churches make a big deal of “being different.” Disciples are taught to differentiate themselves even from Christians in other non-discipling churches. The separation from the world, if there is any, is also extended to most of the churches outside the discipleship. A subtle feeling of superiority and condemnation filters into the thinking of disciples in abusive groups. This separation becomes another means of exerting undue influence over disciples.”
- page 179
“Certainly there will always be error in our current churches just as there was in Corinth. We will always need brave Christians to stand up and challenge church leaders who are straying. If we habitually see as divisive those who disagree with or challenge leaders’ actions, we may miss God’s leading. Yes, independent thinkers will often create divisions. Because they may be from God, they are deserving of a reasoned response and careful study.”
- page 141
"Often the leaders do not want their followers to even consider information. Attacking the motives and credibility of a critic is an effective way to accomplish this. When members are conditioned by leaders to believe that information is credible only if the source of that information is acceptable, it is unlikely followers will seriously consider anything said by those ridiculed by the leaders. These victims become putty in the hands of these leaders."
- page 144
“Some controlling-discipleship churches make a big deal of “being different.” Disciples are taught to differentiate themselves even from Christians in other non-discipling churches. The separation from the world, if there is any, is also extended to most of the churches outside the discipleship. A subtle feeling of superiority and condemnation filters into the thinking of disciples in abusive groups. This separation becomes another means of exerting undue influence over disciples.”
- page 179
“Certainly there will always be error in our current churches just as there was in Corinth. We will always need brave Christians to stand up and challenge church leaders who are straying. If we habitually see as divisive those who disagree with or challenge leaders’ actions, we may miss God’s leading. Yes, independent thinkers will often create divisions. Because they may be from God, they are deserving of a reasoned response and careful study.”
- page 141
"Often the leaders do not want their followers to even consider information. Attacking the motives and credibility of a critic is an effective way to accomplish this. When members are conditioned by leaders to believe that information is credible only if the source of that information is acceptable, it is unlikely followers will seriously consider anything said by those ridiculed by the leaders. These victims become putty in the hands of these leaders."
- page 144
May 30, 2018
In the genre of spiritual abuse as is occurs in Christian churches, this book is a significant, bold, concise presentation of abuse in that sphere. The author speaks from both personal experiences and extensive study, and from the wealth of insight gained as an exit counselor for those seeking to leave such groups.
Strengths: Personal, clear and concise, excellent treatment of particular bible passages that are routinely used in spiritually abusive churches to control and dominate members. Appropriately challenging to the reader. The author shares very wise counsel regarding the departure from abusive churches.
Weaknesses: Targeted so specifically to current members of such groups (ie, "IF any of these conditions are true of your church, THEN you are likely in an abusive church..."), that it can sound at times like a check-off list presented to the reader. I felt the book might have been more effective if it had been more specifically targeting to the reader who has escaped the abusive church, as opposed to the reader who is still in one. (People who are still supportive of their abusive churches do not see them, cannot see them, as abusive, so would not likely be moved by the author's arguments.)
Although it is almost a forgone conclusion today in many Christian churches that every member should enroll in some sort of "discipleship" or "accountability" ministry in his/her church, this book leads the reader to seriously re-consider that perspective, and challenges those who hold such convictions to defend them, rather than simply assume them to requirements of a healthy church.
I highly recommend this work for all survivors of Christian spiritual abuse, particular those forms of it that operated under the banner of "discipleship." I am sure it would also be a very enlightening read for families and friends of members who are actively supporting and belonging to such groups, too.
Strengths: Personal, clear and concise, excellent treatment of particular bible passages that are routinely used in spiritually abusive churches to control and dominate members. Appropriately challenging to the reader. The author shares very wise counsel regarding the departure from abusive churches.
Weaknesses: Targeted so specifically to current members of such groups (ie, "IF any of these conditions are true of your church, THEN you are likely in an abusive church..."), that it can sound at times like a check-off list presented to the reader. I felt the book might have been more effective if it had been more specifically targeting to the reader who has escaped the abusive church, as opposed to the reader who is still in one. (People who are still supportive of their abusive churches do not see them, cannot see them, as abusive, so would not likely be moved by the author's arguments.)
Although it is almost a forgone conclusion today in many Christian churches that every member should enroll in some sort of "discipleship" or "accountability" ministry in his/her church, this book leads the reader to seriously re-consider that perspective, and challenges those who hold such convictions to defend them, rather than simply assume them to requirements of a healthy church.
I highly recommend this work for all survivors of Christian spiritual abuse, particular those forms of it that operated under the banner of "discipleship." I am sure it would also be a very enlightening read for families and friends of members who are actively supporting and belonging to such groups, too.
October 27, 2016
Chrnalogar addresses issues of manipulation that too often develop in Christian discipleship relationships. It's an important topic that many believers are blind to. This book definitely got me thinking and processing on my own experiences. However, if I suspected a friend of being in an abusive church or discipleship, this is not the book I would recommend.
I found it difficult to follow Chrnalogar's train of thought. Most of the time I could not clearly discern what the topic of each chapter was supposed to be. All her thoughts seemed thrown into chapters at random, with sometimes no clear connection between one paragraph and the next. Leaving me, the reader, feeling mentally puzzled and confused. Vitims of spiritual abuse already experience confusion about their experiences. Understanding those experiences should bring clarity not more confusion.
The title is also a misnomer. Although the twisting and misinterptationtation of scripture is a repeated topic, the main focus of this book is manipulation in discipleship.
I found it difficult to follow Chrnalogar's train of thought. Most of the time I could not clearly discern what the topic of each chapter was supposed to be. All her thoughts seemed thrown into chapters at random, with sometimes no clear connection between one paragraph and the next. Leaving me, the reader, feeling mentally puzzled and confused. Vitims of spiritual abuse already experience confusion about their experiences. Understanding those experiences should bring clarity not more confusion.
The title is also a misnomer. Although the twisting and misinterptationtation of scripture is a repeated topic, the main focus of this book is manipulation in discipleship.
May 20, 2024
Can you trust your church, group or leader? If they are telling you that you can’t trust your mind, and they want you to believe what they believe—-run away as fast as you can. Don’t be manipulated.
March 12, 2023
My suspicions were confirmed by reading this book. Well done indeed!
September 10, 2016
Not quite sure yet what I think of this book. It is kind of freaky to think of these things and the deception, but yet I see pieces of it in existence. Definitely eye opening for sure.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews