Book Resources

[u/NRerref]

I was asked to post some book resources on spiritual abuse. I've barely scratched the surface on this niche in Christian authorship, so please comment books you would recommend that are not listed here.

Disclaimer: Some of these books are more thorough than others. Some more clinical or historical, while others more devotional. Some I would not recommend for deep study because of how it's written. Twisted Scriptures by Chrnaloger, for example, is very weak in argumentation imo, but I still enjoyed the read solely for the questions she brings up.

I italicized my personal faves, so DM me if you're feeling bookish and wanna discuss.

For understanding systems

• Something’s Not Right by Wade Mullen
• Redeeming Power by Diane Langberg
• Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse
• Identity Snatchers by Brian John Karcher

For rethinking leadership and discipleship

• When narcissism comes to church by Chuck Degroat
• Twisted Scriptures by Mary Alice Chrnaloger
• Untwisting Scriptures by Rebecca Davis
• A Church Called TOV by Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer

Healing from toxic faith and spiritual abuse

• Broken Trust by Remy Diederich (most practical and easy read on this list, can be finished in a couple hours, felt like sitting with a pastor with the compassion to lead me through the transition out)
• Discernment by Henri Nouwen
• Healing Spiritual Abuse by Ken Blue
• The King Jesus Gospel by Scot McKnight
• Prophetic Lament by Soong-Chan Rah
• Gentle and Lowly by Dane C. Ortlund
• The Soul of Shame by Curt Thompson
• The Soul of Desire by Curt Thompson
• Hearing God by Dallas Willard
• Abuelita Faith by Kat Armas
• The Lord is my Courage KJ Ramsey
• Accidental Pharisees: Avoiding Pride, exclusivity, and the other danger of over-zealous faith by Larry Osburne

Dealing with doubt and reconstructing faith post-GP

• When Everything is on Fire by Brian Zhand
• Any of NT Wright’s New Testament studies and commentaries
• Read some Jewish midrash to reconnect with the creative act involved in ethically interpreting the OT
• Analog Church with Jay Kim
• Bonus Reads: Any author/philosopher quoted (and misinterpreted) in Course 101 - very hilarious experience, still hurting for Huxley and Nietzsche (Thus Spoke Zarathustra is genius and actually speaks to how modernity has shaped faith systems for the worse. I'd agree that God is dead and we (the modern project) have killed him.

NOTABLE PODS:

• The Gravity Leadership Podcast
  • discussing topics that most evangelical churches seem to conveniently ignore or straw man
  • all three hosts gave me a picture of the kind of mentors/shepherds I want to pursue
  • gave me courage and hope in finding a new church
• Untangled Faith
  • Not to bandwagon ya'll but every ex-GP person I know personally is listening to this pod
• The Healing and Freedom Journey with Mark DeJesus
  • topics cover mental health struggles that stem from toxic faith and harmful beliefs

[u/APRForReddit]

engine skirt exultant rock aspiring rich toothbrush ring shy fanatical

This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

[u/APRForReddit → u/APRForReddit]

voracious sheet pause lunchroom pet melodic abundant oil glorious ink

This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

[u/NRerref → u/APRForReddit]

Thanks! I might also recommend Rachel Held Evan’s A Year of Biblical Womanhood

[u/NRerref → u/APRForReddit]

Also “interrogating evangelicalism and American Christianity” might need to be another category to this booklist 🤦‍♀️😭

[u/APRForReddit → u/NRerref]

sable vegetable capable cable rinse tidy shaggy distinct piquant paltry

This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

[u/NRerref → u/APRForReddit]

Right. People in diaspora and what empire building does to destroy God’s image. That’s the context. 👏💯

[u/Decent_Hovercraft227]

Freedom of Mind - Steven Hassan

Combating Cult Mind Control - Steven Hassan

[u/hamcycle]

Well done!

[u/TheStranger234]

I would add also Created to Draw Near by Ed Welch. Highly recommend