Books On Spiritual Abuse, Cults & Legalism

Spiritual Abuse Recovery Workbook by David Henke- Just recently released, this is a workbook created to help those who have been victims of "friendly fire." The link will take you to a page on Watchman Fellowship where the book may be ordered.

Churches That Abuse by Ronald Enroth- One of the first books on the subject that I read. Deals with some of the more extreme church abuse, giving insight into how these groups can make your exit painful. The book is out of print, but you can read it in PDF form here.

Recovering from Churches That Abuse by Ronald Enroth- Follow-up to the above book. Covers issues facing those who leave abusive churches. I enjoy reading personal experiences, yet many again covered more severe circumstances than mine. The book is out of print, but you can read it in PDF form here.

Toxic Faith: Experiencing Healing Over Painful Spiritual Abuse by Stephen Arterburn and Jack Felton- Discusses what toxic faith is and some beliefs found in such a system. When does religion become an addiction and what is its progression are some questions answered. Examines recovery issues and the characteristics of healthy faith.

The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse: Recognizing and Escaping Spiritual Manipulation and False Spiritual Authority Within the Church by David Johnson & Jeff VanVonderen- Broken into three parts, the authors cover abuse and its victims, leaders and why they are trapped, and recovery from abuse. One of the first books read, this was harder to read as it touched on several things I had seen or experienced. If you only want to read one book on the subject from a Christian perspective, try this.

12 Christian Beliefs That Can Drive You Crazy by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend- Easy to read book that would be good to occasionally re-read. Though this book does not specifically deal with spiritual abuse, I have included it since it deals with some Christian beliefs which are not biblically based or are distorted. A book to make you think!

Healing Spiritual Abuse: How to Break Free from Bad Church Experiences by Ken Blue- Good book that delves into majoring on minors and missing the point, healthy church leadership/discipline, and healing by grace.

Breaking Free!: Rescuing Families from the Clutches of Legalism by David Miller- Reading this book shows the author had his own encounters with legalism. Discusses many aspects of the issue and the bondage it produces. Thought there was too much trying to neatly package people into two categories.

The Drift Into Deception: The Eight Characteristics of Abusive Christianity by Agnes and John Lawless- The Lawless family was involved in the shepherding movement and their book shares some of their experiences as well as outlining some warning signs of an abusive group. You will see just how abusive things can get! I got the impression that they may not believe in the gifts of the Spirit being active today. The appendix was a nice touch and covers some background on William Branham. The chapters on how to get out and where to go from there need to be expanded.

Reaching the Hurting: A Biblical Guide for Helping Abuse Victims by Samantha Nelson- This is a book to help those who have been a victim of sexual abuse. If the book is unavailable through Amazon, you may purchase it by clicking here.

A New Suit for Lazarus: Shed the Rags of Conformity and Put on Christ's Custom-Fit Faith by Joe Battaglia- I feel he tried to cover too much, too briefly. Though better toward the end, I rated it as just okay. The book is separated into three sections: freedom, a unique identity, and a renewed mind.

Mistreated by Ron Lee Davis- This is not about spiritual abuse, but may be helpful in dealing with what happens to many of us when we leave these churches. "A quick turn of the wrist, and the knife is in your back. Someone you always trusted has suddenly turned on you. And you've got to decide: What will you do when you're mistreated."

How to Recognize Shepherdship Error by Ronald House & Judy House- What is the role of the pastor and the members? How should a church be governed? Gives answers to these questions, as well as warning signs.

Authority Abusers by George Bloomer

Twisted Scriptures: Breaking Free from Churches That Abuse by Mary Alice Chrnalogar- For those in an abusive discipleship or controlling church. You may obtain a new copy of this book by sending a $10.00 donation through the link below. It will be sent by media mail.

Exposing Spiritual Abuse by Mike Fehlauer

Wounded by Terry Wardle

Mending the Soul: Understanding and Healing Abuse by Steven R. Tracy

Ethics and Spiritual Care by Karen Lebacqz

The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey

Healing Spiritual Abuse & Religious Addiction by Dennis Linn

More Jesus, Less Religion: Moving from Rules to Relationship by Stephen Arterburn and Jack Felton- By the authors that wrote "Toxic Faith"; this is a follow up to that book.

Cults, New Religious Movements, and Your Family: A Guide to Ten Non-Christian Groups Out to Convert Your Loved Ones by Richard Abanes

The New Age Cult by Walter Martin

The Kingdom of the Cults by Walter Martin

Another Gospel : Cults, Alternative Religions, and the New Age Movement by Ruth Tucker

Out of the Cults and into the Church: Understanding & Encouraging Ex-Cultists by Janis Hutchinson

Toxic Churches: Restoration from Spiritual Abuse by Marc Dupont

What's in Your Pulpit: An Example of Spiritual Abuse by by Jeremiah I. James (pseudonym; actually Wesley J. Chase)

Imprisoned in the Brotherhood: A search into the fundamentalists' "web of tradition" by Don C. Marler Former UPC member. Copies of this book are available through this site by sending a $9.50 donation through the donate link below and will be sent by media mail. For insurance, add an additional $1.35. Or, if you prefer, payment by money order may be sent to: Lois Gibson, P.O. Box 215, Friendswood, TX 77549. These are new copies of this out-of-print book, however due to age there is discoloring of pages and jacket cover imperfections.

Recovery from Spiritual Abuse by Juanita & Dale Ryan

The Pharisees' Guide to Total Holiness by William L. Coleman

Twisting the Truth by Bruce Tucker

The Deceivers: What Cults Believe, How They Lure Followers by Josh McDowell & Don Stewart

Cult Proofing Your Kids by Dr. Paul Martin

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