Even in the early church there was spiritual abuse, crimes committed by those who lorded over the flock, demanding that the Lord’s flock listen to them and them alone.
In Christendom today, whether in organized religious gatherings, churches, WordPress, Facebook, Christian TV, etc., we pretty much see the same thing going on in regard to these various and sundry “teachers and preachers, et al”, and whether they are willing to come right out and admit it or not, usually believe that they only have the word of truth.
“Galatians who lived through those confusing times, would have heard different voices saying: “Follow me. No, follow me! believe and do what I tell you! No! believe and do what I tell you!”… While those very voices would have been those of this church leader over here, and of that other church leader over there. Or of this teacher over here, or of that teacher over there. And that is why Paul was asked to intervene by writing and then by going back to the Churches in Galatia”.
http://churchabuse.wordpress.com/2014/01/19/understanding-chruch-abuse/
Something is wrong with this picture brethren. What is wrong with Christians that they must run to a man to teach them the things of God? Or, that they, having itching ears, have a desire to heap together many such teachers, and are then blown about by every wind of doctrine in total confusion, like silly women, learning, learning, and never coming to a knowledge of the truth. This is confusion, and we know that confusion is not of God.
Christians surely must know by the sacred scriptures that the Lord has given us all things freely, that pertain to life and godliness. We have not been left as orphans, but Jesus has sent the Holy Spirit; He has sent His Word to instruct us.
Be not led about by any man, but turn to Jesus, not second hand, and perhaps very deceptive scriptural information. Turn to studying His Word. Be His disciple. Be led by His Spirit. And then you may come to know the truth that sets you free. Not by following man, and His doctrine. Make sure that you are following Jesus Doctrine.
This is how we keep from being spiritually abused by others.
Spiritual abuse hurts! If you feel you are in a church, or fellowship setting, and have or are being spiritually abused…..Just leave! Just get out. The sooner or better. The Lord does not want his people to be controlled, manipulated or otherwise abused.
Spiritual Abuse Sanctuary 