Spiritual Abuse: Fact or Fiction

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

Is it irresponsible to have support groups, forums and books that speak on these issues????

Daniel,
I don't necessarily think it is harmful. But I do believe the people involved and responsible for the groups need to keep pushing the focus on healing and not venting.

Some people just want to keep venting and gnawing on that issue like a dog with a bone. Not a good idea.

[SDG]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Daniel,
I don't necessarily think it is harmful. But I do believe the people involved and responsible for the groups need to keep pushing the focus on healing and not venting.

Isn't awareness also important in dealing w/ this issue?

[Coonskinner]

Originally Posted by Ronzo

So are you saying your saints are your children? lol

Ron,

That is a metaphor used in the epistles several times.

I could quote the verses.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

but there is a process to forgiveness ... is their not ...???

Does forgiveness .... necessarily mean forgetting ... or not talking about it anymore?

Daniel,
I don't think it means either always forgetting or never speaking of it.

It is just the process of being adult enough to say, "All things work together for good."

If we have not suffered pain, we cannot have a heart of understanding. We have to pay the price for wisdom.

[Subdued]

Originally Posted by Pressing-On

Daniel,
I don't necessarily think it is harmful. But I do believe the people involved and responsible for the groups need to keep pushing the focus on healing and not venting.

Some people just want to keep venting and gnawing on that issue like a dog with a bone. Not a good idea.

I think this is key!

I don't see anything wrong with venting or even talking about the issues. But eventually, one needs to focus on healing. Hopefully, sooner rather than later. Though, some wounds do take longer to heal. Some don't heal properly & need to be re-opened to heal properly. Some heal quickly and/or miraculously! BUT, working towards healing is important.

[SDG]

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

Ron,

That is a metaphor used in the epistles several times.

I could quote the verses.

If so .. and a shepard holds this type of authority over his flock ... it would mean that pastoral abuse .... is lot more common place than saint abuse ...

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

Isn't awareness also important in dealing w/ this issue?

As long as we are not gnawing on it like a dog with a bone who will not let it go and growls if you come close to take that bone away from him.

I think women speak of things for a longer period of time and over and over until they feel a satisfaction that all their feelings have been expressed on the matter.

Many times that is annoying to a man.

But, if the women harbors that issue in her heart and won't let it go there is no healing that can take place. That is more annoying than running the gambit on the issue.

I've seen in my own life where I needed to make the differentiation.

[Subdued]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

Isn't awareness also important in dealing w/ this issue?

I'm not sure that it's appropriate in all cases. Making the proper authority(ies) aware, perhaps; but not just anybody. What good does that do?

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Subdued

I think this is key!

I don't see anything wrong with venting or even talking about the issues. But eventually, one needs to focus on healing. Hopefully, sooner rather than later. Though, some wounds do take longer to heal. Some don't heal properly & need to be re-opened to heal properly. Some heal quickly and/or miraculously! BUT, working towards healing is important.

It's annoying to work with someone that can't make the distinction.

[Sister Alvear]

Sister Rita Dawson once preached a sermon entitled "scars" wish all you all could sit down and listen to that tape. Someone from California way might still have a copy...