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Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church
Power has a God-given role in human relationships and institutions, but it can lead to abuse when used in unhealthy ways. Speaking into current #MeToo and #ChurchToo conversations, this book shows that the body of Christ desperately needs to understand the forms power takes, how it is abused, and how to respond to abuses of power.Although many Christians want to prevent abuse in their churches and organizations, they lack a deep and clear-eyed understanding of how power actually works. Internationally recognized psychologist Diane Langberg offers a clinical and theological framework for understanding how power operates, the effects of the abuse of power, and how power can be redeemed and restored to its proper God-given place in relationships and institutions. This book not only helps Christian leaders identify and resist abusive systems but also shows how they can use power to protect the vulnerable in their midst.
224 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2020
About the author
Diane Langberg
24 books191 followersDr. Diane Langberg is a practicing psychologist whose clinical expertise includes 35 years of working with trauma survivors and clergy. She speaks internationally on topics related to women, trauma, ministry and the Christian life.
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June 21, 2021I find it very hard to know how to rate this book - perhaps I'll come back to it after a bit more time to think. On the one hand, there's lots that's good. Lots. I disagreed with very little: a pretty unsophisticated treatment of egalitarianism and complementarianism was a bit of a low point, and there were some slightly questionable claims on the doctrine of God towards the end. I also think that culture, systemic abuse and Christendom could have done with much more nuanced analysis. But in the grand scheme of things, I'm straining at gnats. And I thought that as well as being largely right, there were some sections that were really quite helpful helpful - especially in part one of the book. So on balance, I'd be really quite positive about the content.
On the other hand, though, I wasn't really sure who this book is for. Essentially, it is a prolonged, fairly unnuanced, and highly emotive call to action on the subject of abuse (another review described it as a bit preachy, and I'd say that's on point): Christlikeness is not less important than power, institutional reputation should not come ahead of truth and love, it is inexcusable that people are abused by those in authority in the church, people matter more than ministry careers, fame and fortune, deceit is never ok in Christian ministry. Character counts. Yes! I agree! But I'm not sure I can think of anyone in my context who doesn't agree with those statements. If the Southern Baptist Convention or Sovereign Grace needed a wake up call (and they may very well have done - I'm too far removed to know), this is just the ticket. In our context - at least to me - it really feels like preaching to the choir. I'm told that not all that long long ago (within the last decade or two) that wasn't the case, and that there have been occasions in my constituency where institutional reputation has been prioritized over transparency. Well, this would be a very useful grenade to chuck into those discussions. And I'm sure there must still be some enablers out there now, and they need to be held to account. But I'm not sure I know who they are, and I'm not sure who I really want to chuck this grenade at now.
Which is the problem, and the reason I didn't much enjoy reading it. Because some have been keen to throw that grenade, and it's landed quite close to home for me. And it's here that this book might come unstuck: it is a wake up call, a call to action, an extended sermon on the urgent priority of taking abuse seriously. Good! But it is not a sophisticated analysis, a careful treatment of how to do justice, unpick historic wrongs, protect the innocent, prosecute the guilty. As a call to revolution, it works. As a manual on jurisprudence, not so much. Whatever this is, it is not the book of Proverbs.
No doubt, that's not the book Langberg wanted to write. But in our immediate context, I think it is the book we need. Our problem right now is not an unwillingness to act, it is a headlong rush to pass judgement without knowledge. And I think that might explain why this book has had such ambiguous fruit over the last few months: for those lacking courage or conviction, this is a great tonic. Now, who'll get us some wisdom?
On the other hand, though, I wasn't really sure who this book is for. Essentially, it is a prolonged, fairly unnuanced, and highly emotive call to action on the subject of abuse (another review described it as a bit preachy, and I'd say that's on point): Christlikeness is not less important than power, institutional reputation should not come ahead of truth and love, it is inexcusable that people are abused by those in authority in the church, people matter more than ministry careers, fame and fortune, deceit is never ok in Christian ministry. Character counts. Yes! I agree! But I'm not sure I can think of anyone in my context who doesn't agree with those statements. If the Southern Baptist Convention or Sovereign Grace needed a wake up call (and they may very well have done - I'm too far removed to know), this is just the ticket. In our context - at least to me - it really feels like preaching to the choir. I'm told that not all that long long ago (within the last decade or two) that wasn't the case, and that there have been occasions in my constituency where institutional reputation has been prioritized over transparency. Well, this would be a very useful grenade to chuck into those discussions. And I'm sure there must still be some enablers out there now, and they need to be held to account. But I'm not sure I know who they are, and I'm not sure who I really want to chuck this grenade at now.
Which is the problem, and the reason I didn't much enjoy reading it. Because some have been keen to throw that grenade, and it's landed quite close to home for me. And it's here that this book might come unstuck: it is a wake up call, a call to action, an extended sermon on the urgent priority of taking abuse seriously. Good! But it is not a sophisticated analysis, a careful treatment of how to do justice, unpick historic wrongs, protect the innocent, prosecute the guilty. As a call to revolution, it works. As a manual on jurisprudence, not so much. Whatever this is, it is not the book of Proverbs.
No doubt, that's not the book Langberg wanted to write. But in our immediate context, I think it is the book we need. Our problem right now is not an unwillingness to act, it is a headlong rush to pass judgement without knowledge. And I think that might explain why this book has had such ambiguous fruit over the last few months: for those lacking courage or conviction, this is a great tonic. Now, who'll get us some wisdom?
March 5, 2021
Summary: A psychologist looks at the dynamics of power behind various forms of abuse and trauma in which church figures are either perpetrators or complicit.
Diane Langberg is a career psychologist and Christian who has studied physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence and trauma around the world. Much of what she has seen involves the church, whether sanctuaries filled with bodies in Rwanda, killed by other Christians of a different tribe or churches who have suppressed the truth, protecting power rather than victims, when a woman or child has been abused.
The topic is urgent when reports come weekly of such incidents. But what has Langberg’s attention is power and its abuse, and the reflex to protect power rather than victims or the potentially vulnerable. It is not enough to set up systems of accountability for the protection of potential victims if the issue of power is not addressed. What is distinctive about Langberg’s approach is its theological character, that begins with conceiving power as given by God for good. Power is derived from and sourced in God, which for Langberg is what makes its misuse so offensive:
“Any time we use power to damage or use a person in a way that dishonors God, we fail in our handling of the gift he has given. Any time we use power to feed or elevate ourselves, we fail in our care of the gift. Our power is to be governed by the Word of God and the Spirit of God. Any use that is not subject to the Word of God is a wrong use. Any use of power that is based on self-deception, when we have told ourselves that what God calls evil is instead good, is a wrong use….The exercise of the power of position to drive ministry workers into the ground ‘for the sake of the gospel is also a wrong use of power. Using emotional or verbal power to achieve our own glory when God says he will share his glory with no one is a wrong use of power” (p. 12).
She goes on to name the abuses of success, finances, theological knowledge and exploiting position or reputation to get one’s way as wrong uses of power. It is a sweeping indictment.
She begins her work with a study of the source of power, as already noted, in its derivation from God. She also explores its nature in a fallen world and the paradoxical tie between power and vulnerability, both how we use power against the vulnerable, but also how we use power to protect our own sense of vulnerability, as a cover for our own woundedness. She invites us to consider how Jesus became vulnerable for us.
Her two chapters on the use of deception and the use of words in power are striking and worth long reflection in our post-truth culture. Not only has this been a feature of abusive and totalitarian political leadership, but it strikes close to home in the church where words are used to cover rather than to heal in ministries where speaking truth is crucial. Of course, the ultimate result of deception is self-deception, where the lies we spin ultimately inure us to the truth we so desperately need.
The second part of the book dives deeper into the abuse of power. It looks at the combination of physical, verbal, and emotional power used to manipulate and “groom” victims. Langberg also considers the use of systemic power in complicity with abuse, considering the case of the Boy Scouts where abuses were covered by leaders for decades. She speaks about power between men and women and how often church teaching and counsel has implicitly supported domestic violence, where women and children are not believed when trying to report abuse, and teaching dehumanizes and subjugates women. She contrasts this with the Lord’s treatment of women, who asked for water from a Samaritan and revealed his identity to her and who showed compassion on Mary Magdalene, one of the women who was the first to see and testify to the risen Lord.
In this section she also discusses the abuses of power around race and speaks of the generational trauma of those and their descendants, who have become the objects of vicious racism. She explores the dynamics of abuse across cultures. Finally, she touches on how we have exchanged Christ for various Christendom projects, exchanging the way of the servant for attaining cultural power over others.
The final part of the book returns to its title and the redemption of power. She believes this can only be grounded in Christ, his person and work. Only relentless dependence upon and pursuit of Christ will redeem the abuses of power. She writes:
“We who are Christ followers are to follow hard after love. We humans are easily deceived. We originally ran after fruit that looked good! Now we run toward the fruit of numbers, money, expansion, ovation, and status. Our original purpose was likeness to God. Our purpose today is the same: to be Christlike. Our purpose is not church growth. When growth–or anything else is our aim, we will bow to whatever we must do to acquire that goal. God in Christ is our goal. And our God tells us he is love” (p. 180).
Langberg surprised me in this book. Instead of offering an expose’ of abuse, she gives us a theological study of power, used either to abuse or to promote the flourishing of humans and the healing of nations. It offers the hope of those in places of power following “hard after love” and hard after Christ. Indeed, she pinpoints the tragedy both within U.S churches and our wider engagement with the culture. Why have we exchanged the majesty of the risen Christ who loves us for piddling exercises of power in tiny church fiefdoms or the illusion of influence in paltry politics? Has Christ become so little to us? When out of our woundedness we inflict wounds on the other, do we no longer recognized the Wounded Healer who would make us whole?
This is an important work for church leaders or any Christian in ministry leadership. It is a searching book, that makes us take a look at how we use power, how we teach, the reasons we exploit, and the ways we use words to deceive and manipulate. It also holds out the One who both meets us in our vulnerability and calls us into the loving use of power for the common good.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Diane Langberg is a career psychologist and Christian who has studied physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence and trauma around the world. Much of what she has seen involves the church, whether sanctuaries filled with bodies in Rwanda, killed by other Christians of a different tribe or churches who have suppressed the truth, protecting power rather than victims, when a woman or child has been abused.
The topic is urgent when reports come weekly of such incidents. But what has Langberg’s attention is power and its abuse, and the reflex to protect power rather than victims or the potentially vulnerable. It is not enough to set up systems of accountability for the protection of potential victims if the issue of power is not addressed. What is distinctive about Langberg’s approach is its theological character, that begins with conceiving power as given by God for good. Power is derived from and sourced in God, which for Langberg is what makes its misuse so offensive:
“Any time we use power to damage or use a person in a way that dishonors God, we fail in our handling of the gift he has given. Any time we use power to feed or elevate ourselves, we fail in our care of the gift. Our power is to be governed by the Word of God and the Spirit of God. Any use that is not subject to the Word of God is a wrong use. Any use of power that is based on self-deception, when we have told ourselves that what God calls evil is instead good, is a wrong use….The exercise of the power of position to drive ministry workers into the ground ‘for the sake of the gospel is also a wrong use of power. Using emotional or verbal power to achieve our own glory when God says he will share his glory with no one is a wrong use of power” (p. 12).
She goes on to name the abuses of success, finances, theological knowledge and exploiting position or reputation to get one’s way as wrong uses of power. It is a sweeping indictment.
She begins her work with a study of the source of power, as already noted, in its derivation from God. She also explores its nature in a fallen world and the paradoxical tie between power and vulnerability, both how we use power against the vulnerable, but also how we use power to protect our own sense of vulnerability, as a cover for our own woundedness. She invites us to consider how Jesus became vulnerable for us.
Her two chapters on the use of deception and the use of words in power are striking and worth long reflection in our post-truth culture. Not only has this been a feature of abusive and totalitarian political leadership, but it strikes close to home in the church where words are used to cover rather than to heal in ministries where speaking truth is crucial. Of course, the ultimate result of deception is self-deception, where the lies we spin ultimately inure us to the truth we so desperately need.
The second part of the book dives deeper into the abuse of power. It looks at the combination of physical, verbal, and emotional power used to manipulate and “groom” victims. Langberg also considers the use of systemic power in complicity with abuse, considering the case of the Boy Scouts where abuses were covered by leaders for decades. She speaks about power between men and women and how often church teaching and counsel has implicitly supported domestic violence, where women and children are not believed when trying to report abuse, and teaching dehumanizes and subjugates women. She contrasts this with the Lord’s treatment of women, who asked for water from a Samaritan and revealed his identity to her and who showed compassion on Mary Magdalene, one of the women who was the first to see and testify to the risen Lord.
In this section she also discusses the abuses of power around race and speaks of the generational trauma of those and their descendants, who have become the objects of vicious racism. She explores the dynamics of abuse across cultures. Finally, she touches on how we have exchanged Christ for various Christendom projects, exchanging the way of the servant for attaining cultural power over others.
The final part of the book returns to its title and the redemption of power. She believes this can only be grounded in Christ, his person and work. Only relentless dependence upon and pursuit of Christ will redeem the abuses of power. She writes:
“We who are Christ followers are to follow hard after love. We humans are easily deceived. We originally ran after fruit that looked good! Now we run toward the fruit of numbers, money, expansion, ovation, and status. Our original purpose was likeness to God. Our purpose today is the same: to be Christlike. Our purpose is not church growth. When growth–or anything else is our aim, we will bow to whatever we must do to acquire that goal. God in Christ is our goal. And our God tells us he is love” (p. 180).
Langberg surprised me in this book. Instead of offering an expose’ of abuse, she gives us a theological study of power, used either to abuse or to promote the flourishing of humans and the healing of nations. It offers the hope of those in places of power following “hard after love” and hard after Christ. Indeed, she pinpoints the tragedy both within U.S churches and our wider engagement with the culture. Why have we exchanged the majesty of the risen Christ who loves us for piddling exercises of power in tiny church fiefdoms or the illusion of influence in paltry politics? Has Christ become so little to us? When out of our woundedness we inflict wounds on the other, do we no longer recognized the Wounded Healer who would make us whole?
This is an important work for church leaders or any Christian in ministry leadership. It is a searching book, that makes us take a look at how we use power, how we teach, the reasons we exploit, and the ways we use words to deceive and manipulate. It also holds out the One who both meets us in our vulnerability and calls us into the loving use of power for the common good.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
December 22, 2020
This book has changed my brain in how it sees authority and power! That's the tweet.
[possible longer review to come, upon reread]
[possible longer review to come, upon reread]
October 19, 2020
It took three years to learn about and understand what happened to me and my family at the church we left in 2017. Dr. Diane Langberg and her work helped give me the language to tell our story of spiritual abuse. Through her lectures, articles, and podcast interviews, for the first time in my life, I understood that every kind of abuse is ultimately an abuse of power.
Almost daily we hear a news story about another politician, corporate leader, or celebrity misusing their power. Christian leaders are no exception. The leader of the largest Christian college in the world and a globally known Christian apologist have recently been in the news for abusing those in their care. They used their power to emotionally, financially, sexually, and spiritually abuse those who trusted them.
Dr. Langberg's newest book is a loud call to the church to remember that our power is derived from the only One who has all power, Jesus Christ. She thoroughly defines power and emphasizes that each one of us has been given it. She teaches the ways in which deception and culture shape the way we use our power. Through her stories, we see the beauty of power used for good and the horror of it when used for evil. She doesn't avoid the tough topics of racism, sexism, and spiritual authority. Through the ages, people have been harmed in the name of God. Precious souls created in God's image continue to be harmed by those abusing their power. We can no longer be silent.
Woven throughout the book are the words of Jesus, stories of his interactions with the least of these, and with those in powerful positions. And she reminds us of the way Jesus used his power. He came down to be with us. He became small, bent low, and died a cruel death. "Jesus used power not to rule but to influence, to invite, to welcome, and to transform," she writes. We are to be like Jesus.
Dr. Langberg is a prophetic, yet tender voice to the church today. This book should be in the hands of every person who calls themselves a Christ follower.
Almost daily we hear a news story about another politician, corporate leader, or celebrity misusing their power. Christian leaders are no exception. The leader of the largest Christian college in the world and a globally known Christian apologist have recently been in the news for abusing those in their care. They used their power to emotionally, financially, sexually, and spiritually abuse those who trusted them.
Dr. Langberg's newest book is a loud call to the church to remember that our power is derived from the only One who has all power, Jesus Christ. She thoroughly defines power and emphasizes that each one of us has been given it. She teaches the ways in which deception and culture shape the way we use our power. Through her stories, we see the beauty of power used for good and the horror of it when used for evil. She doesn't avoid the tough topics of racism, sexism, and spiritual authority. Through the ages, people have been harmed in the name of God. Precious souls created in God's image continue to be harmed by those abusing their power. We can no longer be silent.
Woven throughout the book are the words of Jesus, stories of his interactions with the least of these, and with those in powerful positions. And she reminds us of the way Jesus used his power. He came down to be with us. He became small, bent low, and died a cruel death. "Jesus used power not to rule but to influence, to invite, to welcome, and to transform," she writes. We are to be like Jesus.
Dr. Langberg is a prophetic, yet tender voice to the church today. This book should be in the hands of every person who calls themselves a Christ follower.
May 5, 2022
What an important book. May we learn more every day to model the loving power of Christ, hate the things God hates, and righteously stand by the vulnerable.
October 17, 2020
I am still pondering "Redeeming Power." But my first impression is that this is a powerful call to the church and especially its leaders to be like Christ in its use of the authority he has given. One scandal after another involving the abuse of that power dishonors God and the church's gospel witness because the world is watching how the church treats the vulnerable. Our only hope is in Christ who laid aside what was rightfully his to heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds. But receiving that healing requires us to admit that we are sick and need of a physician. It requires repentance.
Dr. Langberg brings decades' worth of counseling experience and in-the-trenches work with trauma victims across the globe. She writes with an evident love for the church and burden for the wounded sheep. Grounded in Scripture, she points the reader again and again to Christ.
I strongly recommend this book.
(Thanks to Brazos Press for the pre-release copy as part of being on the book's launch team.)
Dr. Langberg brings decades' worth of counseling experience and in-the-trenches work with trauma victims across the globe. She writes with an evident love for the church and burden for the wounded sheep. Grounded in Scripture, she points the reader again and again to Christ.
I strongly recommend this book.
(Thanks to Brazos Press for the pre-release copy as part of being on the book's launch team.)
July 10, 2021
The goal of this book is noble, but like a beautiful house built on fractured foundations the result is jumbled.
In the wake of several church abuse scandals many are recommending this book as the necessary wake-up call for christians to understand abuse and power correctly, to repent of wrong and evil attitudes and follow Christ for real.
The evils this book is responding to are truly horrid. AND it makes many excellent challenging points, Diane Langberg correctly highlights how much of what she calls "christendom" is far removed from what Christ taught, many western churches and para-churches are focussed on visible results and building their status rather than promoting godliness and serving others.
Men & Women have been bullied and abused by supposed christian leaders and it has been hushed up to protect institutions that shouldn't have been protected because priorities have been totally wrong.
There are some pages of this book that are absolute gold, both in the criticisms made and in positive alternatives presented, but it also has significant flaws running through it that show up on almost every other page:
- a distorted doctrine of God (including no consideration of the sovereignty of God)
- a confused/unclear doctrine of the visible church
- minimal discussion of forgiveness
- an opposition to complimentarianism
- denigration of doctrine (Jesus vs Theology)
I'm going to look at themes addressed in the book under 3 headings:
A. The Excellent - Biblical truths taught in this book that we could all benefit from grasping
B. The Flawed - strange/bad ideas presented in the book
C. The Absent - points either barely mentioned or completely omitted that seemed conspicuous in their absence
A. The Excellent
A-1. Explaining power and influence
The book brilliantly explains how we all have some measure of power over others: if you are sober and meet an unconscious drunk you can help them recover OR you can abuse them, they're in your power. If you're a parent you can feed and nourish your children OR you can neglect and exploit them. If you're a preacher your congregants are highly likely to do things you suggest - this can be used for good or ill.
Further a system (such as a church, a school or a nation) has power; the actions of the people within it produce effects that impact other people (for good or ill) there's also a certain inertia, having acted in a certain way for some time it will continue to do so, it takes significant effort to go against the system.
A-2. Understanding abuse and Trauma
Diane Langberg is obviously an expert on this and her explanation of the lasting damage of abuse is very helpful. The book also teaches clearly about the necessity of listening to the abused and not trying to rush solutions as well as avoiding further harm by immediately doubting what they're saying etc.
A-3. Highlighting the idolatry of big ministries
Many big ministries sadly functionally exist more for their prestige and wealth than the name of Christ, the book argues that we must repent of supporting such ministries - if a ministry does not reflect Christ it should shut down. Some of what Diane Langberg says about big ministries with completely wrong priorities echoes the critiques that many in the reformed world have made of big mainstream evangelical churches for years - a focus on results, brand, marketing etc. and a neglect for God, prayer, people and truth.
Some of this is very reminiscent of Paul Washer's "10 Indictments against the modern church" - though it doesn't match up completely and the focus is a little different. I was also reminded me strongly of Martin Luther's Theology of Glory vs the Theology of the Cross - this book does not mention Luther BUT I think it would be highly profitable for someone to apply that theme from Luther to the modern church.
A-4. Reviewing the danger and ease of deception
It's far too easy to avoid rocking the boat, it's far too easy to avoid the hard questions that may result in answers we don't want to hear. Similarly if someone comes to you with a horrifying accusation you may have a vested interest in saying/doing nothing BUT if we're following Christ we must be willing to act against our interests. Evil must be brought into the light wherever it is found even if that will be personally costly OR cause large ministries to shrink or close.
Again in this theme one could compare with Luther, what matters? The outwards appearance of the church OR the truth of what it's saying?
A-5. The error of prioritising gifts over godliness
Often gospel ministers are recruited based primarily on outwards gifts. This is unbiblical and wrong. Ministers must first of all be godly men of character (1 Timothy 3 is not referenced but the points made could be brought from there), they must be men of prayer, their ability to teach is irrelevant or even actively harmful if not grounded in a sincere genuine relationship with God.
Some of this material (particularly around page 151) echos Chapter 3 of Charles Spurgeon's "Lectures to my students"
B. The Flawed
B-1. "We" need to repent
Repeatedly throughout the book there are calls for "we"/"us" to repent, to repent of idolising ungodly ministries, to repent of covering up sexual abuse, to repent of racism, to repent of condoning slavery, to repent of greed, to repent of lies and deception etc.
The "we" generally appears to be American christians as a whole, but is this right? Biblically repentance normally involves an individual turning from sin, in some cases when there is a widespread sin a nation must follow a leader in repentance (looking to ancient Israel). I think I would be hard pressed to find many modern western christians who condone slavery.
The call for repentance and the charge of guilt on some of these points is too broad. And no end point is offered - some of this language reads like a call for perpetual condemnation. Repentance involves, a change of direction it's very unclear what change of direction is being called for on some of these points.
B-2. Christians obey only Jesus
At the top of page 92 it's stated of Christians that "our obedience is to him (Jesus) alone, not a leader a denomination or a church." This individualistic (obey/be loyal to Jesus only) idea comes up on many occasions throughout the book BUT biblically there are many other lines of obedience and hierarchy christians are meant to observer - "children obey your parents" (Ephesians 6:1), "Wives submit to your own husbands" (Ephesians 5:22), "Obey your leaders and submit to them" (Hebrews 13:17), "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities" (Romans 13:1).
Yes parts of the Bible make it clear that when God says one thing and a lower authority says another we should side with God and disobey the lower authority BUT normally we are meant to obey these lower authorities.
The book is inconsistent on this point as it does talk about the characteristics of a Godly leader on pages 149-152, if you obey no one but Jesus then having leaders would be irrelevant.
B-3. Condemnation of Complementarians
This is asserted as early as page 5 and picked up a few times. On page 100 speaking of egalitarian and complementarian views Diane Langberg states "I will not settle the debate here". However she then asserts on page 103 that the idea of male rulership is based on incorrect application of Genesis 3:16 she goes on to speak of "headship" modelled on Christ as serving not ruling. But this is a false dichotomy.
Strangely - and falsely - she asserts that Jesus did not rule or demand at the top of page 104; contra what she says, he is the king of kings and Lord of Lords he absolutely rules and he demands many things. Yes he also came to serve, to seek and to save - it's both and (ruling and serving) not one or the other.
She then (still on page 104) goes on a anti-complimentarian rant for half a page, saying that those who emphasise male-headship provide cover for sending abused women back to their abusers to be abused again AND deprive the church of potentially great female prophets, before citing Galatians 3:16 and calling us to repent.
B-4. Confused doctrine of the church
Whilst many of the critiques of the business of modern day christianity are spot on, almost nothing is said positively of what a church should be in fact it's stated that Jesus' kingdom is not of this world and so we shouldn't look for a visible kingdom, the book goes on to speak of what a good church leader should look like; hence clearly believing that there should be some kind of visible church with godly servant leaders BUT having denigrated all authority and denied that Jesus intended to set up any institutions this comes over as confused.
There is a section towards the end pages 181-186 that tries to say something positive about what the church should be, talking of people who reflect the image of Christ and do good to others but it doesn't define it clearly or counteract the earlier errors.
Additionally one of the weaknesses highlighted in failed ministries is pastors who have no equals, no one they can lean on/share their woes with etc. An obvious solution to this is the biblical model of a plurality of elders but this isn't mentioned.
B-5. God weeps/suffers/fails with us
"The capacity to love makes everyone vulnerable...even God. By creating us in such a fashion, he opened himself up to failure and injury. And injured he has been!" - page 26
No, God never fails his plans are perfect and he always bring them to pass.
"The book of Hosea is a picture of the heartbreak of God. The sins of God's people had wounded his heart." - page 187
What does this mean? Does sin wound God in himself? This isn't speaking of the cross - this seems to be saying that active harm can be done to God through sin, this is not in keeping with the classical (Biblical) christian understanding of God.
This isn't a book on the doctrine of God BUT points like this come up several times - it's not entirely clear but I think Diane Langberg holds to some sort of process theology.
C. The Absent
C-1 The gospel
This is not a book on understanding the gospel, nonetheless in reading a christian author dealing with sin whether it's the sin of prayerless-ness (page 151) or sexual abuse (page 70) I expect a christian author at some point to go to the gospel.
To talk about how sin permeates us all but there is forgiveness because Jesus has paid the penalty, but that never happens.
In fact the only time I saw "forgive" mentioned was in a quote of Daniel 9:3-19 at the end of the book. I could have missed another reference but the whole theme of forgiveness seemed strikingly absent for a book dealing so much with sin.
On pages 188-191 (end of the last main chapter) there is a call to repent (of complicity in abuse) and listen to those who have suffered followed by a promise of heaven BUT whilst Jesus is mentioned the reader is left to hopefully assume that it's talking about him having taken the penalty for any such complicity because it's not stated; and you could as easily infer that the act of following Jesus' example in listening to the suffering is the thing that saves us. Do these people who've suffered need saving (from sin and judgement) too? It's unclear.
On page 197 (in the postlude) it says that those who follow Jesus will stand before God "ungiven" (i.e. not given away to destruction) because "Jesus said to his enemy, 'You can take them, but you'll have to kill me first'", this followed by a call to follow his example and suffer for others - a noble instruction. But what on earth is it teaching about the cross? Who was this enemy that Jesus was at odds with? Is this Christ vs the Devil? it's unclear but it's certainly not a presentation of the biblical gospel.
C-2 The sovereignty of God
Nowhere in the book do I recall a mention of the sovereignty of God; when my faith nearly collapsed a year ago part of the reason for that was asking the question "why has God allowed several Christian leaders I looked up to, to fail dramatically?" in a book addressing abuse in the church that is a question I would expect many readers to have, but it's not addressed (or I missed it somehow).
I was helped in my doubt by reading books that discussed the sovereignty of God and the problem of evil, I wouldn't expect this book to be able to address that fully BUT it should have discussed it/mentioned it, it should also have examined a passage like 1 Timothy 5:19-24 that discusses handling serious sin by church leaders (hence predicting that such will happen).
As some parts in the book seem to point towards Process Theology (see B-5 above) it could be that the author is an Open Theist, I don't know this though so don't wish to assert it.
Conclusion
Abuse in the church is horrendous.
Much of modern western christianity is a business rather than a church caring about profit instead of God and people, it should be torn down.
BUT we need to look to the gospel for answers and rest in the sovereignty of God, this book doesn't do that.
It highlights the problems brilliantly and it rightly calls us to imitate Christ in character, to seek God first and follow him in caring for others - this is right and good. BUT when it comes to a doctrine of church and where to find our ultimate answers (God and his gospel) this books is a mess.
In the wake of several church abuse scandals many are recommending this book as the necessary wake-up call for christians to understand abuse and power correctly, to repent of wrong and evil attitudes and follow Christ for real.
The evils this book is responding to are truly horrid. AND it makes many excellent challenging points, Diane Langberg correctly highlights how much of what she calls "christendom" is far removed from what Christ taught, many western churches and para-churches are focussed on visible results and building their status rather than promoting godliness and serving others.
Men & Women have been bullied and abused by supposed christian leaders and it has been hushed up to protect institutions that shouldn't have been protected because priorities have been totally wrong.
There are some pages of this book that are absolute gold, both in the criticisms made and in positive alternatives presented, but it also has significant flaws running through it that show up on almost every other page:
- a distorted doctrine of God (including no consideration of the sovereignty of God)
- a confused/unclear doctrine of the visible church
- minimal discussion of forgiveness
- an opposition to complimentarianism
- denigration of doctrine (Jesus vs Theology)
I'm going to look at themes addressed in the book under 3 headings:
A. The Excellent - Biblical truths taught in this book that we could all benefit from grasping
B. The Flawed - strange/bad ideas presented in the book
C. The Absent - points either barely mentioned or completely omitted that seemed conspicuous in their absence
A. The Excellent
A-1. Explaining power and influence
The book brilliantly explains how we all have some measure of power over others: if you are sober and meet an unconscious drunk you can help them recover OR you can abuse them, they're in your power. If you're a parent you can feed and nourish your children OR you can neglect and exploit them. If you're a preacher your congregants are highly likely to do things you suggest - this can be used for good or ill.
Further a system (such as a church, a school or a nation) has power; the actions of the people within it produce effects that impact other people (for good or ill) there's also a certain inertia, having acted in a certain way for some time it will continue to do so, it takes significant effort to go against the system.
A-2. Understanding abuse and Trauma
Diane Langberg is obviously an expert on this and her explanation of the lasting damage of abuse is very helpful. The book also teaches clearly about the necessity of listening to the abused and not trying to rush solutions as well as avoiding further harm by immediately doubting what they're saying etc.
A-3. Highlighting the idolatry of big ministries
Many big ministries sadly functionally exist more for their prestige and wealth than the name of Christ, the book argues that we must repent of supporting such ministries - if a ministry does not reflect Christ it should shut down. Some of what Diane Langberg says about big ministries with completely wrong priorities echoes the critiques that many in the reformed world have made of big mainstream evangelical churches for years - a focus on results, brand, marketing etc. and a neglect for God, prayer, people and truth.
Some of this is very reminiscent of Paul Washer's "10 Indictments against the modern church" - though it doesn't match up completely and the focus is a little different. I was also reminded me strongly of Martin Luther's Theology of Glory vs the Theology of the Cross - this book does not mention Luther BUT I think it would be highly profitable for someone to apply that theme from Luther to the modern church.
A-4. Reviewing the danger and ease of deception
It's far too easy to avoid rocking the boat, it's far too easy to avoid the hard questions that may result in answers we don't want to hear. Similarly if someone comes to you with a horrifying accusation you may have a vested interest in saying/doing nothing BUT if we're following Christ we must be willing to act against our interests. Evil must be brought into the light wherever it is found even if that will be personally costly OR cause large ministries to shrink or close.
Again in this theme one could compare with Luther, what matters? The outwards appearance of the church OR the truth of what it's saying?
A-5. The error of prioritising gifts over godliness
Often gospel ministers are recruited based primarily on outwards gifts. This is unbiblical and wrong. Ministers must first of all be godly men of character (1 Timothy 3 is not referenced but the points made could be brought from there), they must be men of prayer, their ability to teach is irrelevant or even actively harmful if not grounded in a sincere genuine relationship with God.
Some of this material (particularly around page 151) echos Chapter 3 of Charles Spurgeon's "Lectures to my students"
B. The Flawed
B-1. "We" need to repent
Repeatedly throughout the book there are calls for "we"/"us" to repent, to repent of idolising ungodly ministries, to repent of covering up sexual abuse, to repent of racism, to repent of condoning slavery, to repent of greed, to repent of lies and deception etc.
The "we" generally appears to be American christians as a whole, but is this right? Biblically repentance normally involves an individual turning from sin, in some cases when there is a widespread sin a nation must follow a leader in repentance (looking to ancient Israel). I think I would be hard pressed to find many modern western christians who condone slavery.
The call for repentance and the charge of guilt on some of these points is too broad. And no end point is offered - some of this language reads like a call for perpetual condemnation. Repentance involves, a change of direction it's very unclear what change of direction is being called for on some of these points.
B-2. Christians obey only Jesus
At the top of page 92 it's stated of Christians that "our obedience is to him (Jesus) alone, not a leader a denomination or a church." This individualistic (obey/be loyal to Jesus only) idea comes up on many occasions throughout the book BUT biblically there are many other lines of obedience and hierarchy christians are meant to observer - "children obey your parents" (Ephesians 6:1), "Wives submit to your own husbands" (Ephesians 5:22), "Obey your leaders and submit to them" (Hebrews 13:17), "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities" (Romans 13:1).
Yes parts of the Bible make it clear that when God says one thing and a lower authority says another we should side with God and disobey the lower authority BUT normally we are meant to obey these lower authorities.
The book is inconsistent on this point as it does talk about the characteristics of a Godly leader on pages 149-152, if you obey no one but Jesus then having leaders would be irrelevant.
B-3. Condemnation of Complementarians
This is asserted as early as page 5 and picked up a few times. On page 100 speaking of egalitarian and complementarian views Diane Langberg states "I will not settle the debate here". However she then asserts on page 103 that the idea of male rulership is based on incorrect application of Genesis 3:16 she goes on to speak of "headship" modelled on Christ as serving not ruling. But this is a false dichotomy.
Strangely - and falsely - she asserts that Jesus did not rule or demand at the top of page 104; contra what she says, he is the king of kings and Lord of Lords he absolutely rules and he demands many things. Yes he also came to serve, to seek and to save - it's both and (ruling and serving) not one or the other.
She then (still on page 104) goes on a anti-complimentarian rant for half a page, saying that those who emphasise male-headship provide cover for sending abused women back to their abusers to be abused again AND deprive the church of potentially great female prophets, before citing Galatians 3:16 and calling us to repent.
B-4. Confused doctrine of the church
Whilst many of the critiques of the business of modern day christianity are spot on, almost nothing is said positively of what a church should be in fact it's stated that Jesus' kingdom is not of this world and so we shouldn't look for a visible kingdom, the book goes on to speak of what a good church leader should look like; hence clearly believing that there should be some kind of visible church with godly servant leaders BUT having denigrated all authority and denied that Jesus intended to set up any institutions this comes over as confused.
There is a section towards the end pages 181-186 that tries to say something positive about what the church should be, talking of people who reflect the image of Christ and do good to others but it doesn't define it clearly or counteract the earlier errors.
Additionally one of the weaknesses highlighted in failed ministries is pastors who have no equals, no one they can lean on/share their woes with etc. An obvious solution to this is the biblical model of a plurality of elders but this isn't mentioned.
B-5. God weeps/suffers/fails with us
"The capacity to love makes everyone vulnerable...even God. By creating us in such a fashion, he opened himself up to failure and injury. And injured he has been!" - page 26
No, God never fails his plans are perfect and he always bring them to pass.
"The book of Hosea is a picture of the heartbreak of God. The sins of God's people had wounded his heart." - page 187
What does this mean? Does sin wound God in himself? This isn't speaking of the cross - this seems to be saying that active harm can be done to God through sin, this is not in keeping with the classical (Biblical) christian understanding of God.
This isn't a book on the doctrine of God BUT points like this come up several times - it's not entirely clear but I think Diane Langberg holds to some sort of process theology.
C. The Absent
C-1 The gospel
This is not a book on understanding the gospel, nonetheless in reading a christian author dealing with sin whether it's the sin of prayerless-ness (page 151) or sexual abuse (page 70) I expect a christian author at some point to go to the gospel.
To talk about how sin permeates us all but there is forgiveness because Jesus has paid the penalty, but that never happens.
In fact the only time I saw "forgive" mentioned was in a quote of Daniel 9:3-19 at the end of the book. I could have missed another reference but the whole theme of forgiveness seemed strikingly absent for a book dealing so much with sin.
On pages 188-191 (end of the last main chapter) there is a call to repent (of complicity in abuse) and listen to those who have suffered followed by a promise of heaven BUT whilst Jesus is mentioned the reader is left to hopefully assume that it's talking about him having taken the penalty for any such complicity because it's not stated; and you could as easily infer that the act of following Jesus' example in listening to the suffering is the thing that saves us. Do these people who've suffered need saving (from sin and judgement) too? It's unclear.
On page 197 (in the postlude) it says that those who follow Jesus will stand before God "ungiven" (i.e. not given away to destruction) because "Jesus said to his enemy, 'You can take them, but you'll have to kill me first'", this followed by a call to follow his example and suffer for others - a noble instruction. But what on earth is it teaching about the cross? Who was this enemy that Jesus was at odds with? Is this Christ vs the Devil? it's unclear but it's certainly not a presentation of the biblical gospel.
C-2 The sovereignty of God
Nowhere in the book do I recall a mention of the sovereignty of God; when my faith nearly collapsed a year ago part of the reason for that was asking the question "why has God allowed several Christian leaders I looked up to, to fail dramatically?" in a book addressing abuse in the church that is a question I would expect many readers to have, but it's not addressed (or I missed it somehow).
I was helped in my doubt by reading books that discussed the sovereignty of God and the problem of evil, I wouldn't expect this book to be able to address that fully BUT it should have discussed it/mentioned it, it should also have examined a passage like 1 Timothy 5:19-24 that discusses handling serious sin by church leaders (hence predicting that such will happen).
As some parts in the book seem to point towards Process Theology (see B-5 above) it could be that the author is an Open Theist, I don't know this though so don't wish to assert it.
Conclusion
Abuse in the church is horrendous.
Much of modern western christianity is a business rather than a church caring about profit instead of God and people, it should be torn down.
BUT we need to look to the gospel for answers and rest in the sovereignty of God, this book doesn't do that.
It highlights the problems brilliantly and it rightly calls us to imitate Christ in character, to seek God first and follow him in caring for others - this is right and good. BUT when it comes to a doctrine of church and where to find our ultimate answers (God and his gospel) this books is a mess.
October 12, 2020
In his 1633 poem, “The Bag,” George Herbert depicted the Incarnation as a descent from almighty majesty to naked vulnerability:
The God of power, as he did ride
In his majestic robes of glorie,
Reserv’d to light; and so one day
He did descend, undressing all the way.
This descent, which Paul described as an emptying (Greek, kenosis) in Philippians 2:7, presents profound metaphysical challenges to theologians. After all, how does God empty himself? It presents more practical problems to Christians, however, who are called to “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (2:5). This is doubly true of Christian leaders, for how does one lead as a servant?
To the extent we have not felt the tension between a leader’s power and a servant’s vulnerability, we have not yet developed a Christlike mindset.
The intersection of power and vulnerability is the theme of Diane Langberg’s excellent new book, Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church.
A Christian psychologist who cofounded the Global Trauma Recovery Institute at Philadelphia’s Mission Seminary, Langberg serves on the board of Godly Response to Abuse in a Christian Environment (GRACE), and cochairs the American Bible Society’s Trauma Advisory Council.
Over the past decade, her expertise in trauma and abuse has been sorely needed by many Christian churches and ministries.
For Langberg, the issue is not whether we can eschew power or overcome vulnerability entirely. All people have power to one degree or another. And all people are vulnerable. The issue, then, is how we use power in the face of vulnerability.
Too often, leaders use their powerful positions to abuse the vulnerability of their followers. This abuse always involves deception, and it often creates an abusive culture in the organization the abuser leads.
Langberg offers a depressing catalogue of the forms that abuse can take: physical, verbal, emotional, knowledge- and skill-based, economic, sexual, and even spiritual. Such abuse manifests in various relationships: between men and women, between racial/ethnic majorities and minorities, and between adults and children, among others.
Whatever the form or relationship, the powerful leverage their power to selfish ends, hiding their vulnerabilities even as they prey on the vulnerabilities of others. This is not the way of Jesus.
The antidote to such abuse is a closer following after Christ. “Because Jesus never wavered from choosing love and obedience to the Father as the driving force in his life,” Langberg writes, “he was a threat to both individuals and systems of his day, a holy dissident with a disruptive presence and disruptive words.”
She goes on to say, “This Christ disturbs massive systems and turns the world upside down. We, as his people, are to be like him.”
Christ followers should use their power to help and heal the vulnerable and to call out abuse and injustice.
Langberg believes the American church is passing through a “Valley of Achor” moment. (Achor is Hebrew for “trouble.”) In Joshua 7:26, this name describes the valley where God judged Achan for disobeying His commandment and enriching himself from the destruction of Jericho.
Like Achan, too many Christian leaders have abused their power and brought cultural discredit on Christ’s church.
“This Valley of Trouble is God ordained,” Langberg says, “and in this place, he is calling his people back to himself.” There is no way around this valley. American Christians can only go through it, repenting of their abuse of power and turning again and again to Christ.
Only in this way will God “make the Valley of Achor a door of hope” (Hosea 2:15), for us and for the vulnerable Christ calls us to serve.
Book Reviewed
Diane Langberg, Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church (Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2020).
P.S. If you liked my review, please click "Helpful" on my Amazon review page.
P.P.S. This review appears in the November/December 2020 issue of Influence magazine.
The God of power, as he did ride
In his majestic robes of glorie,
Reserv’d to light; and so one day
He did descend, undressing all the way.
This descent, which Paul described as an emptying (Greek, kenosis) in Philippians 2:7, presents profound metaphysical challenges to theologians. After all, how does God empty himself? It presents more practical problems to Christians, however, who are called to “have the same mindset as Christ Jesus” (2:5). This is doubly true of Christian leaders, for how does one lead as a servant?
To the extent we have not felt the tension between a leader’s power and a servant’s vulnerability, we have not yet developed a Christlike mindset.
The intersection of power and vulnerability is the theme of Diane Langberg’s excellent new book, Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church.
A Christian psychologist who cofounded the Global Trauma Recovery Institute at Philadelphia’s Mission Seminary, Langberg serves on the board of Godly Response to Abuse in a Christian Environment (GRACE), and cochairs the American Bible Society’s Trauma Advisory Council.
Over the past decade, her expertise in trauma and abuse has been sorely needed by many Christian churches and ministries.
For Langberg, the issue is not whether we can eschew power or overcome vulnerability entirely. All people have power to one degree or another. And all people are vulnerable. The issue, then, is how we use power in the face of vulnerability.
Too often, leaders use their powerful positions to abuse the vulnerability of their followers. This abuse always involves deception, and it often creates an abusive culture in the organization the abuser leads.
Langberg offers a depressing catalogue of the forms that abuse can take: physical, verbal, emotional, knowledge- and skill-based, economic, sexual, and even spiritual. Such abuse manifests in various relationships: between men and women, between racial/ethnic majorities and minorities, and between adults and children, among others.
Whatever the form or relationship, the powerful leverage their power to selfish ends, hiding their vulnerabilities even as they prey on the vulnerabilities of others. This is not the way of Jesus.
The antidote to such abuse is a closer following after Christ. “Because Jesus never wavered from choosing love and obedience to the Father as the driving force in his life,” Langberg writes, “he was a threat to both individuals and systems of his day, a holy dissident with a disruptive presence and disruptive words.”
She goes on to say, “This Christ disturbs massive systems and turns the world upside down. We, as his people, are to be like him.”
Christ followers should use their power to help and heal the vulnerable and to call out abuse and injustice.
Langberg believes the American church is passing through a “Valley of Achor” moment. (Achor is Hebrew for “trouble.”) In Joshua 7:26, this name describes the valley where God judged Achan for disobeying His commandment and enriching himself from the destruction of Jericho.
Like Achan, too many Christian leaders have abused their power and brought cultural discredit on Christ’s church.
“This Valley of Trouble is God ordained,” Langberg says, “and in this place, he is calling his people back to himself.” There is no way around this valley. American Christians can only go through it, repenting of their abuse of power and turning again and again to Christ.
Only in this way will God “make the Valley of Achor a door of hope” (Hosea 2:15), for us and for the vulnerable Christ calls us to serve.
Book Reviewed
Diane Langberg, Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church (Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2020).
P.S. If you liked my review, please click "Helpful" on my Amazon review page.
P.P.S. This review appears in the November/December 2020 issue of Influence magazine.
October 3, 2020
“Those who are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not healed, the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not brought back, nor have you sought for the lost; but with force and with severity you have dominated them(Ezek. 34:4 NASB). Because the shepherds misused their God-given power, failed to care for wounded sheep, and allowed the flock of Israel to become prey, God removed the flock from their care." Diane Langberg, PhD
In Redeeming Power, Dr. Langberg is giving those who of us who say we are Christ followers another opportunity to examine ourselves. We are not called to look at our performance or perfection. God is not concerned so much with our perfect church attendance or how many people we converted to our "little corner" of Christianity. God cares about how we treat one another, especially those who "are under our care." All of us have power, whether it be a mother nursing her newborn baby, the pastor of a big or small church, or a leader of an entire nation. In all of these situations, others look up to those who are in a higher position to provide for them what they really need. Throughout history, humans have chosen to bless or curse those who are vulnerable to them by serving themselves or serving others. With power comes great responsibility, and none of us really understand this power until we are faced with the choice of how to use it.
In Redeeming Power, Dr. Langberg gives many examples of how power has been abused, the systems that enable it, and the desperation of our hearts that deceives us into believing that we are not abusing but doing good by protecting the broken systems of this world. She calls us to follow the One who had every opportunity to abuse power, because He had all the power, yet He chose to use His power to save us. I highly recommend this book for every person who wants to truly follow in Christ's steps.
In Redeeming Power, Dr. Langberg is giving those who of us who say we are Christ followers another opportunity to examine ourselves. We are not called to look at our performance or perfection. God is not concerned so much with our perfect church attendance or how many people we converted to our "little corner" of Christianity. God cares about how we treat one another, especially those who "are under our care." All of us have power, whether it be a mother nursing her newborn baby, the pastor of a big or small church, or a leader of an entire nation. In all of these situations, others look up to those who are in a higher position to provide for them what they really need. Throughout history, humans have chosen to bless or curse those who are vulnerable to them by serving themselves or serving others. With power comes great responsibility, and none of us really understand this power until we are faced with the choice of how to use it.
In Redeeming Power, Dr. Langberg gives many examples of how power has been abused, the systems that enable it, and the desperation of our hearts that deceives us into believing that we are not abusing but doing good by protecting the broken systems of this world. She calls us to follow the One who had every opportunity to abuse power, because He had all the power, yet He chose to use His power to save us. I highly recommend this book for every person who wants to truly follow in Christ's steps.
October 18, 2020
This book is pure gold! It is a must-have for every Christian, including church leaders, Bible Colleges, Seminaries, counsellors, therapists, victims, survivors and supporters. It is a call to the church to wake up to where she has gone astray abusing her power; being seduced, and deceived, tragic destruction of precious people has followed. We all need to understand what it is to genuinely follow Jesus Christ rather than Christendom's man-made traditions and rules that are not of Him. Every page will keep you riveted with a feast for the soul. It's a book that meets each reader at their point of need: there's a balm for the hurting, soul searching for those skewing into abuse of power, deception and control, a call to all Christians into a close relationship with Jesus Christ and Christ-like character, and for us all to gain a deeper understanding as to how Christendom has 'gone wrong' which is breaking the heart of God. Unreservedly *5 stars* Highly Recommended!
January 26, 2022
Take your therapist and then imagine they are a big fan of Christian devotional greats like Oswald Chambers, George McDonald, Charles Spurgeon and then give them a deep concern and care for those spiritually and physically abused in churches in the last 20 years and you get this book. Its a challenge for churches and pastors to truly shepherd and lead from a place of character and immersion in the caring, humble, self effacing holiness tradition and an exhortation to not be corrupted by slavish devotion to church growth and success.
Being on the older end of the scale i really like a lot of this. And by that i mean, i liked it as an older pastor who sees alot of wisdom in checking ego at the door. At the same time, I would say at times it is a bit moralistic, simplistic and doesn't engage the deeper complexities of abusive systems, ie: capitalism, poverty, individualism and narcissism.
Being on the older end of the scale i really like a lot of this. And by that i mean, i liked it as an older pastor who sees alot of wisdom in checking ego at the door. At the same time, I would say at times it is a bit moralistic, simplistic and doesn't engage the deeper complexities of abusive systems, ie: capitalism, poverty, individualism and narcissism.
May 7, 2021
Truly excellent. Diane Langberg's lucid categories will help readers see and understand issues around bullying, abuse and power in the church more clearly. I certainly have come to a clearer understanding of unsavoury experiences in my own past, and - as a Christian leader - see some of the temptations and threats to my own heart. May all of us be moved afresh to repentance and faith, and for the fruit of the Spirit to govern our dealings with one another... especially to those who are most vulnerable.
June 27, 2023
Un libro fantástico. Es repetitivo, pero intencionalmente. Habla con mucha claridad, franqueza y transparencia a la iglesia y al pueblo de Dios. En una cultura de distancia de poder enorme, cómo algunos lugares en nuestra bella América Latina, necesitamos estos conceptos para guardarnos de un mal uso del poder y la autoridad.
April 12, 2023
There is a huge difference between authority in the world's systems and the authority that Jesus demonstrated. Diane Langberg does an amazing job contrasting the two by the fruit each produces. This is such an important book for our times.
February 24, 2023
This book was great. It was realistic, empathetic, and honest. This author calls out the major issues of the church and how certain church culture creates environments where abuse can easily foster.
May 23, 2021
Great book about the nature of power, what it means to view power the way that Christ views it, and the tragedy occurs when Christians use power and authority for the gain of self over the gain of Christ.
April 22, 2024
A psychological and theological exploration of power, corruption, and redemption in the church. I liked how Langberg wrote for non-specialist audiences. Hopefully that helps her message go farther. She does not hold back! From her counseling and teaching work in Cambodia, Rwanda, and elsewhere, to her stories of average US Americans, she has both a bird's-eye perspective of systemic abuse and a more intimate, individual view of abuse. I really appreciated her insights for my life as a church leader, and will be recommending this book to others.
July 9, 2023
I’ve been doing a deep dive into abuse in the church books and so far this is the best one, in my opinion. She is a therapist and a Christian. It is heavily laden with scripture and other great Christians such as C. S. Lewis, George MacDonald and Amy Carmichael, which I felt enhanced the message even more. I would highly recommend any Christian to read.
April 16, 2022
Beware! This book WILL change your life.
August 30, 2026
Easily one of the best books I’ve read.
August 10, 2026
I truly don't like these kinds of books. They break my heart. They stoke the fires of my anger - anger at abuse and oppression and violations against people made in God's image. I recommend it, but not as pleasure reading. Rather, necessary reading to help us not become oppressors. Lord, have mercy.
October 6, 2020
This is the first book I have read by Diane Langberg, and it will certainly NOT be my last!
I was a little skeptical that I would be mired in story after story of actual abuse, wading through the muck, and that it would be a difficult read - bringing up all sorts of things from my past and causing me to relive them. I couldn't have been more wrong!
Instead - she gives words - beautiful words - to thoughts that had previously been nebulous to me. She gives these floating feelings form, substance, and describes them beautifully. Being able to name what you previously couldn't grasp is actually very healing.
Healing - that's the take-away of this book.
Naming, revealing, and healing is the result of reading this book.
And as she clears away the clouds - the Gospel shines through EVEN MORE so than ever before. I had feared that my faith would be more shaky - even more so than before - but no - she "made the crooked way straight" for me and "strengthened the weak knees" of my faith. By naming what is wrong, you can see it more clearly - and then contrast it with the Jesus of the word - not the Jesus that is often preached, but the Jesus of the text - and you see HIM so much more clearly! The Gospel shines through greater than before!
Warning: You may be challenged - but it will be to your eternal good. I pray all churches would incorporate this book into their reading for leaders. I challenge you to read it, then re-read your Bible with this new set of lenses, then preach it. And please let me know if you do - because that's the church I want to go to!
I was a little skeptical that I would be mired in story after story of actual abuse, wading through the muck, and that it would be a difficult read - bringing up all sorts of things from my past and causing me to relive them. I couldn't have been more wrong!
Instead - she gives words - beautiful words - to thoughts that had previously been nebulous to me. She gives these floating feelings form, substance, and describes them beautifully. Being able to name what you previously couldn't grasp is actually very healing.
Healing - that's the take-away of this book.
Naming, revealing, and healing is the result of reading this book.
And as she clears away the clouds - the Gospel shines through EVEN MORE so than ever before. I had feared that my faith would be more shaky - even more so than before - but no - she "made the crooked way straight" for me and "strengthened the weak knees" of my faith. By naming what is wrong, you can see it more clearly - and then contrast it with the Jesus of the word - not the Jesus that is often preached, but the Jesus of the text - and you see HIM so much more clearly! The Gospel shines through greater than before!
Warning: You may be challenged - but it will be to your eternal good. I pray all churches would incorporate this book into their reading for leaders. I challenge you to read it, then re-read your Bible with this new set of lenses, then preach it. And please let me know if you do - because that's the church I want to go to!
March 1, 2021
Powerful and profound. Really, really good. Essential reading for aspiring Christian leaders (I'm looking at you, seminary students). Whether you're grappling with experiences that seemed abusive, or you want to be sure as a leader you don't abuse people, this is a really helpful book. Dr. Langberg is a gift to the church.
August 14, 2021
Despite how much I liked the content itself, I gave this book 3 stars for the misleading title and, in my opinion, poor editing. The book seemed unfocused and spoke very broadly about concepts like power and authority in the world while struggling to land in the local church and how to address these horrendous issues.
October 17, 2020
Buy a copy for your Pastor, Priest, Elders, Church leaders.
This is a heart wrenching account of God's love for the vulnerable and hurting, and the dangers we face when we have authority and power, whether it's in a church, family, business or community.
This is a heart wrenching account of God's love for the vulnerable and hurting, and the dangers we face when we have authority and power, whether it's in a church, family, business or community.
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March 24, 2021A profoundly important book for the church at this time. When our default response to abuse of power seems to be to keep silence in the naive hope that we are protecting the church, this book rightly reminds us of the Biblical truth that light is to be shone on darkness.
December 21, 2022
This is a must-read book.
These are a few quotes that sum up the heart of the book and are personally important to me:
Maybe the most important: "The abuse exposes the heart of the abuser, not the heart of the victim. The refusal to help exposes those asked, not the victim. The asking exposes the courage of the victim."
"It is important to note that many people suffer from multiple kinds of abuse, often all at once. You can experience sexual abuse, verbal and emotional abuse, and abuse by someone trusted by virtue of their knowledge. The damage is, of course, exponential. It is also greatly increased when a cry for help results in more abuse. The use of verbal and emotional mistreatment to silence a victim,coupled with power used to prevent the exposure of an abuser, can have catastrophic outcomes in a vulnerable life." 73
"Systemic abuse applies when a system that is designed to serve people is instead destroying them, reducing, harming, wasting, and dehumanizing those created in the image of God. Dignity, vibrancy, impact, creativity, building, and producing are silenced and crushed. This distortion results in the parts of the system standing together to serve the system rather than the people." 76
"A male named Jesus interacted with all kinds of women and protected, blessed, healed, encouraged, and lifted them up. He never told them to submit to evil or wrongdoing. He didn't silence them. Much of masculinity in Christendom looks nothing like Jesus." 93
"To be called female is often to be demeaned and trashed--often in the house of God." 96
"We have been created in the image of a God who speaks, relates, and has power. Trauma silences, isolates, and renders powerless. That which mars God's image is not from God." 112
"A person is altered and shaped by chronic, complex trauma and oppression. The impact is mistrust, hopelessness, shame, and inferiority, with no sense of ability or choice...They are isolated, with no experience of love, no safety in relationships, and no sense of purpose except perhaps survival." 113
"Any church leader who feeds themselves rather than feeding the sheep is a counterfeit shepherd. Anyone in a position of power within the body of Christ who abuses a lamb or hides the abuse done to one the Good Shepherd knows and calls by name has profaned the name of our God. God stands against them just as he did the sheperds in Ezekiel 34. Should not his church stand with him against such sheperds?" 138
"Leaders have failed to look like the Good Shepherd. So have his people when they have followed along behind those who are not obedient to God's call regarding wolves dressed as sheep...How is it that lambs are abused in the house of God and then tossed aside because they disturbed the order of things?" 139
"Yes, pastors and elders have authority over sheep. Husbands and wives have power over each other. But in Scripture, the primary characterization of these relationships is love. We seem to ground authority in position or gender and then require obedience to that authority. But ALL authority is Christ's, and any derivative of that power given to us is to be submitted to him IN LOVE. Our obedience is to him and him alone. Any authority that is not exercised through love is a false authority." 179
Amen.
These are a few quotes that sum up the heart of the book and are personally important to me:
Maybe the most important: "The abuse exposes the heart of the abuser, not the heart of the victim. The refusal to help exposes those asked, not the victim. The asking exposes the courage of the victim."
"It is important to note that many people suffer from multiple kinds of abuse, often all at once. You can experience sexual abuse, verbal and emotional abuse, and abuse by someone trusted by virtue of their knowledge. The damage is, of course, exponential. It is also greatly increased when a cry for help results in more abuse. The use of verbal and emotional mistreatment to silence a victim,coupled with power used to prevent the exposure of an abuser, can have catastrophic outcomes in a vulnerable life." 73
"Systemic abuse applies when a system that is designed to serve people is instead destroying them, reducing, harming, wasting, and dehumanizing those created in the image of God. Dignity, vibrancy, impact, creativity, building, and producing are silenced and crushed. This distortion results in the parts of the system standing together to serve the system rather than the people." 76
"A male named Jesus interacted with all kinds of women and protected, blessed, healed, encouraged, and lifted them up. He never told them to submit to evil or wrongdoing. He didn't silence them. Much of masculinity in Christendom looks nothing like Jesus." 93
"To be called female is often to be demeaned and trashed--often in the house of God." 96
"We have been created in the image of a God who speaks, relates, and has power. Trauma silences, isolates, and renders powerless. That which mars God's image is not from God." 112
"A person is altered and shaped by chronic, complex trauma and oppression. The impact is mistrust, hopelessness, shame, and inferiority, with no sense of ability or choice...They are isolated, with no experience of love, no safety in relationships, and no sense of purpose except perhaps survival." 113
"Any church leader who feeds themselves rather than feeding the sheep is a counterfeit shepherd. Anyone in a position of power within the body of Christ who abuses a lamb or hides the abuse done to one the Good Shepherd knows and calls by name has profaned the name of our God. God stands against them just as he did the sheperds in Ezekiel 34. Should not his church stand with him against such sheperds?" 138
"Leaders have failed to look like the Good Shepherd. So have his people when they have followed along behind those who are not obedient to God's call regarding wolves dressed as sheep...How is it that lambs are abused in the house of God and then tossed aside because they disturbed the order of things?" 139
"Yes, pastors and elders have authority over sheep. Husbands and wives have power over each other. But in Scripture, the primary characterization of these relationships is love. We seem to ground authority in position or gender and then require obedience to that authority. But ALL authority is Christ's, and any derivative of that power given to us is to be submitted to him IN LOVE. Our obedience is to him and him alone. Any authority that is not exercised through love is a false authority." 179
Amen.
June 13, 2021
A incredibly sobering but a essential read for Christians and Christian leaders in this #MeToo era, Diane Langberg writes with theological and professional clarity sounding the right emotional tone on this topic. While we would rather naively remain silent, the way in which Jesus uses His power in humility is our example for shining light and speaking out against darkness. Diane writes, "the voices of victims today, of those abused and violated and crushed in our 'Christian' circles, are in fact the voice of our God to his people." Will you listen to them?
Some quotes I highlighted:
"Research on power and compassion/empathy has shown that elevated social power is associated with a diminished reciprocal emotional response to another's sufferings."
"The power of a person is found in likeness to Jesus Christ...Jesus used power not to rule but to influence, to invite, to welcome, and to transform... Humility is the mark of Christ. It is the way of power used rightly."
Some quotes I highlighted:
"Research on power and compassion/empathy has shown that elevated social power is associated with a diminished reciprocal emotional response to another's sufferings."
"The power of a person is found in likeness to Jesus Christ...Jesus used power not to rule but to influence, to invite, to welcome, and to transform... Humility is the mark of Christ. It is the way of power used rightly."
December 30, 2021
I’m many ways, reading “Redeeming Power” felt like rereading “Suffering and the Heart of God.” (which I immensely enjoyed reading.)
I appreciate how Dr. Langberg unapologetically challenges followers of Christ to consider who and what we serve. I also appreciate how she defines power and vulnerability. As other reviews have stated, her writing does sound like a sermon at times; however, having heard her speak, I believe this is simply her style of delivery.
Overall, I am so grateful for the work and writing of Dr. Langberg. She encourages me to constantly be open to learning from the experiences of others. I believe this is a must read for anyone in ministry.
I appreciate how Dr. Langberg unapologetically challenges followers of Christ to consider who and what we serve. I also appreciate how she defines power and vulnerability. As other reviews have stated, her writing does sound like a sermon at times; however, having heard her speak, I believe this is simply her style of delivery.
Overall, I am so grateful for the work and writing of Dr. Langberg. She encourages me to constantly be open to learning from the experiences of others. I believe this is a must read for anyone in ministry.
January 20, 2022
I’ve read a lot of books I’ve found incredibly meaningful, but I have never before wished I had written a book. Diane Langberg captures, expands, and preaches every thought (and more) I’ve had about power dynamics and abuse in the Church.
In a book that calls out the Church, sinister power structures, and defenders of abuse, it remains steadfastly hopeful. Langberg’s words cut through lies and deceptions that harm the most vulnerable, and she reminds us who Christ is. What a powerful thing it is to be able to convict the Bride of Christ while also calling her to repentance.
I’m confident I will return to this book over and over again for the rest of my life.
Thank you Diane Langberg for your 47 years of work with victims of trauma and abuse. Well done, good and faithful servant.
In a book that calls out the Church, sinister power structures, and defenders of abuse, it remains steadfastly hopeful. Langberg’s words cut through lies and deceptions that harm the most vulnerable, and she reminds us who Christ is. What a powerful thing it is to be able to convict the Bride of Christ while also calling her to repentance.
I’m confident I will return to this book over and over again for the rest of my life.
Thank you Diane Langberg for your 47 years of work with victims of trauma and abuse. Well done, good and faithful servant.
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