Churches That Abuse

by Ronald M. Enroth

A look at churches that practice authoritarian leadership, manipulation, excessive discipline, and spiritual intimidation warns and informs readers about such organizations, naming names and offering advice on identifying a fringe church.

Online version of text: www.ccel.us/churches.toc.html

Genres: Psychology, Religion, Spirituality, Christian, Cults, Christianity, Church

231 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Brian Jon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I reserve a single star for books that are fundamentally misleading AND poorly written. This book is only the latter.

It is heavy on exemplary stories and light on analysis leading to application. (This improves towards the end.) As the reader, the best I get is the application of category labels from psychological science (not a bad thing), but very, very little examination of the dynamics that underlie those labels.

I realize the author is likely attempting to appeal to a readership that isn’t interested in learning social psychology, but that leaves the reader in the position of “taking the author’s word for it,” which seems likely to produce anxious readers who hear the warning sound but won’t produce discerning readers how can weigh the strengths and weakness of their own assemblies wisely.

The warning of the book - constantly implied and but rarely stated explicitly - is that God’s people’s discernment rests on mutual accountability under the Word of God. Every example in the book reveals a leader who is deceived by their own interpretations and whose style of “leadership” limits their followers’ opportunity to subject those teachings to the examination of Holy Scripture.

Given the excesses described in the excessive number of vignettes, that warning of the book is the most important takeaway. So I do not question the importance of and need for a book like this one... just not this one.

[rebecca ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a great book if you are interested in hearing stories about cult/occult victims.

However, this book is a bit outdated and not what I expected it to be about based off of the title. Specifically where it states “help for those hurt by...”
It isn’t a “helpful” book as far as recovery goes but more so helps you identify common red flags within these groups.

One of my favorite and most helpful quotes in this book for me was actually in the preface :

“Those who make it hardest to be a Christian in this world are the other Christians.”

[Deirdre Hebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those who were a part of abusive Christian religious groups or cults, this blog offers some profound insight and affirmation of one's experience. Even if the reader has eschewed Christianity, or all religion, it still offers valuable understanding, and does not attempt to bring ex-Christians "back to the fold". Rather, it is a sober look at how religions can cause serious harm when leaders exercise power over others.

[David Pulliam · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a bit dated and weak on how to help people who are coming out of a spiritually abusive church definitely jaw dropping awful stories about abuse in the church. I felt uncomfortable with how many stories since it felt more like I was reading tales of abuse rather then how to help people who were abused.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enroth provides helpful insights on manipulative and abusive churches using qualitative research. The book suffers from organizational issues and has a slightly misleading title, as it focuses primarily on smaller, authoritarian, cultic groups rather than the other myriad arenas of church abuse. It’s somewhat dated, but it contains information about abusive groups Christians would like to — but shouldn’t — forget.

[Melissa Zhai · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ll admit: I didn’t finish this book.

I made it about 80% through. This book is certainly an interesting read - you get to read about all these terrible cults and how strong, well intentioned Christians are lured away by false teachers. However, it does get a bit redundant - spicy cult story followed by a red flag, repeat. Maybe I’ll pick it up again in the future.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was recommended to me and I was hesitant to read it but I’m so glad I did. I feel like I’ve been validated in many ways.

[Doug Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

By far, one of the most disturbing (due to the highlighted case studies) and eye-opening books I've read. Some names included may be familiar. A must-read for any ministry leader, as a reminder of how others can be affected by misguided spiritual leadership.

[Laura Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used this book as a secondary source for a capstone paper. It was sufficient for that task, but not awesome. Although the case studies are somewhat interesting, I would have liked to read a bit more about the psychological and sociological aspects of spiritual abuse without having to dig through personal accounts that were irrelevant to my research. In short, the content is okay, but the format sucks.

[Robert Munson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't like the phrase "Must Read" but for those involved in ministry, this is an easy, yet painful, read. The church is meant to be a place of community and healing... but can all to easily become something very different.

The book is story driven, but with good guidance as far as the characteristics and causes of abusive leadership within a church.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a hard read for me. I mostly got it because I heard it mentions Potters House which is a big compound out where I live and wanted to learn about them. Alas, only two pages devoted to them. I did learn a lot though, about movements I didn't even know existed.

[Keisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative.

[Rejoice · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very informative and evaluative read....

[Larry Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

important book for people in ministry

[Leana Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book to make one aware of how control can subtly take over a person's life.