Recovering from Churches That Abuse

by Ronald M. Enroth

This book is a healing balm for those who have been spiritually abused. This excellent SHORT book brings home poignantly the plight of the vulnerable spirit who is searching for answers in a religious system where members find value and spiritual worth based on their own works. Clear and concise, the author provides evaluative questions and practical advice for bringing the seeker back to God's grace.

166 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1993

Reviews

[Kenneth Garrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book serves more as a testament of the survivors of various abusive churches and Christian cults than a "how to" or recovery--but it does provide powerful affirmation of the (common) experiences of the members of abusive churches, and of the often very painful exit processes of leaving those churches. It provides insightful accounts of the effects of abusive, high-demand churches on marriages and families.
The book seems a bit dated (many of the ministries highlighted are either defunct or have changed since the book's publication in 1994, but describes the present-day and timeless conditions of spiritual abuse. Recommended for cult survivors, pastors, those who seek to better understand spiritual abuse, etc.

[Gerry Brinkman · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone that is familiar with one of the groups identified in the book, I thought it was fairly well researched, but a bit over-sensationalized, particularly in some of the accusations of racism. I am of mixed race, and my race was never an issue anywhere unless I made it one.

Certain events seem pushed out beyond accuracy, as I was there for some of it, particularly chapter 5. However, the evaluation of abusive church was definitely applicable, in the sense that the frenetic pace kept you too busy for honest and critical self evaluation.

When things went pear-shaped in 2002 on a global level, that place went out of business so fast it spun your head. I didn't go anywhere for a couple of years after that.

[Nathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, largely anecdotal, book on spiritually abusive church or ministry environments.

[Andy Hickman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many valid observations

Challenges ahead:
Leaving that restrictive and abusive community is an ongoing de-socialisation process of losing my identification with the past group. I am learning to re-socialise and reintegrate into the mainstream culture (both secular and Christian), a process that I still find uncomfortable.

Enroth, Ronald M., Churches That Abuse. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992.

[rebel]

Read for free at http://www.ccel.us/churchesrec.toc.html

[Jeff Noble]

Recovering from Churches That Abuse by Ronald M. Enroth (?)

[Leana Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very informative and enlightening.