Spiritual Abuse Forum???

[OneAccord]

I don't know alot about the Spiritual Abuse website being discussed here. I've been there once, but didn't see a reason to return. But...like any "Abuse Support Group" I am glad they are there. I may not agree with everything on that site, but, I don't agree with everything on this site either.

There are sites for helping the physically abuse, the sexually abused and so on. So, a site for spiritual abuse is important for spiritual abuse is a reality. And it does occur in Apostolic circles. We don't want to admit that, maybe, but, the truth is that it does happen. But, how do we define "abuse"? The answer is, we don't. We can't. Because what I see as abuse, may not be abuse at all. A woman spanks her child. Abuse? Not in my eyes. But, someone else sees any corporate punishment as abuse. The death penalty. Abuse? Cruel and Unusual? I see it one way, someone else sees it another. So I, we, can't define "spiritual abuse". Only the abused can do that. Do they feel abused? Do they feel they are in an abusive situation? Only they can answer that because they are the victim (if, in fact, there is abuse). I have seen, and expereinced, spiritual abuse first hand. I removed myself from that situation. For some, it may not be that easy. So, they need help... and they turn to a spiritual abuse website or center that helps them find the answer they seek, or need. The problem we seem to be having with a website like this is that we feel we (Apostolics) are being lumped in with the Jim Jones and Moonies of this world. But, that isn't the case. At least I don't see it as such. There have been spiritually abusive laders in all religions, including the Pentecostal and Apostolic Movement. They should be singled out, and no group or religious organization, including the UPCI, should be labeled as "abusive" as a whole.