GLS15, Session 6, Brian Houston (Hillsong) – Q&R, IMO a missed opportunity and minimizing abuse

In this Q&R Bill asks Brian about his experience when his father's abuse of minors came to light. The discussion on this topic was really all about Brian and how he suffered and what he did to work through his issues. 

I was terribly disappointed in what I see as a missed opportunity as well as appalled at the minimization of the actual victims. It came across to me that Brian was describing himself as the victim. The request for prayer mentioned was not for any of the victims but for the fact that Hillsong and is part and current people are still dealing with the issue "that won't go away."

This could have been an opportunity for Hybels, Houston, Willow Creek, and Hillsong to step up to confront the very real problem of abuse and violence in the church. But that was all swept aside to focus on Brian.

So the interview coveted other stuff but my disappointment in missing what could have been a moment of light made it impossible to hear and take seriously anything else that was said.

Reblog: The Consequences Of Spiritual Abuse

I came across the following post today: The Consequences Of Spiritual Abuse

[Excerpt]
“It was like having the door slammed shut in my face. They wouldn’t listen to me. They wouldn’t try to understand or see things any other way. There was no reasoning with them. There was no compromise possible. They were right, the arbiters and gate-keepers of Truth,and I was wrong.”

If you’ve ever been on the receiving end, even if the details differ, I’m sure you will identify.

For the rest of you, particularly if you are in any kind of position where you have some kind of authority or control over another church member, please read and make sure you don’t fall into abusing someone.

When communicating with someone who has experienced spiritual abuse…

Many people never experience anything truly horrific in their spiritual lives. But some do. They are spiritually abused by those who, according to some kind of religious hierarchy, enshrined in laws, regulations, and policies, exert power over them. When communicating with those who have been spiritually abused, here are some pointers:

What Not to Say to Someone Who Has Suffered Spiritual Abuse