Spiritual Abuse among conservative Anabaptist groups?

[steve-in-kville]

For example a marriage where a couple is open and honest goes along with being more loving and knowing each others faults deeper we become more and more vulnerable. The more "truly" conservative the church the more loving and open and vulnerable we become too.

We were part of a group years ago that allowed for public comment at the end of the service for such things like prayer requests, personal struggles, confessions, etc. It was overdone. People "confessing" to things just to hear their own voice and/or to appear more spiritual or whatever. I didn't care for that part of the service. It wasn't sincere.

[Wade]

For example a marriage where a couple is open and honest goes along with being more loving and knowing each others faults deeper we become more and more vulnerable. The more "truly" conservative the church the more loving and open and vulnerable we become too.

We were part of a group years ago that allowed for public comment at the end of the service for such things like prayer requests, personal struggles, confessions, etc. It was overdone. People "confessing" to things just to hear their own voice and/or to appear more spiritual or whatever. I didn't care for that part of the service. It wasn't sincere.

I think once a leader confessed during service all the other times were during counsel meeting before communion where everyone did. I marvel at the different level of sincerity as far as I could tell it has been like nothing I have ever seen.

[steve-in-kville]

I think once a leader confessed during service all the other times were during counsel meeting before communion where everyone did. I marvel at the different level of sincerity as far as I could tell it has been like nothing I have ever seen.

I'm afraid I never experienced something like that.

[Sudsy]

I think some spiritually abusive leaders would quickly dismiss this article as it is written by a woman. She should keep silent.

[Grace]

I think some spiritually abusive leaders would quickly dismiss this article as it is written by a woman. She should keep silent.

It would be interesting to know the percentage of women who are spiritually abused, versus men. I wouldn't be surprised if there would be a higher percentage of woman in that category.

[Josh]

I think some spiritually abusive leaders would quickly dismiss this article as it is written by a woman. She should keep silent.

It would be interesting to know the percentage of women who are spiritually abused, versus men. I wouldn't be surprised if there would be a higher percentage of woman in that category.

I don’t think you’d find a gender difference. Men are just far more willing to “take it” and not speak up so they can appear “tough”.

[Biblical Anabaptist]

I think some spiritually abusive leaders would quickly dismiss this article as it is written by a woman. She should keep silent.

It would be interesting to know the percentage of women who are spiritually abused, versus men. I wouldn't be surprised if there would be a higher percentage of woman in that category.

In the setting I was in, the men bore the brunt of the abuse. Of course they were expected to keep the women in line. If they didn't, the hammer came down harder on the husband. You only need to follow that to it's logical conclusion to know how that worked out. It was in this setting I was told "it is OK to make your wife cry"

[TruthSeeker]

. . .It was in this setting I was told "it is OK to make your wife cry"

Would you categorize that mentality as patriarchal, misogynistic, both, or other?

[steve-in-kville]

It was in this setting I was told "it is OK to make your wife cry"

The last time my wife cried... I was crying too.

[Biblical Anabaptist]

. . .It was in this setting I was told "it is OK to make your wife cry"

Would you categorize that mentality as patriarchal, misogynistic, both, or other?

Probably other. The leadership was willing to trample anyone under foot in order to retain their power and control. It was probably somewhat patriarchal, but I don't think that is what drove the abuse.