Conversation 4

Summary

The article I read from Cult Recovery 101 is titled "Dysfunctional Churches (Cultic)," by Ronald Enroth.
In the article, Enroth, the author, discusses the idea of "dysfunctional" churches and spiritual abuse. He notes that, while churches are usually referred to as church families, some can actually be harmful to one's spiritual and psychological health. Enroth argues that religious and pastoral abuse is more prevalent than most people believe, and that, like child abuse, it's often undetected. Something that especially opened my eyes was learning that, as Enroth mentioned, control-oriented leadership is the main sign of a church that's unhealthy, as these churches generally have ministers that practically require blind loyalty from its people. Similarly, I learned that such abusive leaders target members who're vulnerable, and similarly use guilt, fear, and intimidation to control and manipulate them. Furthermore, the article goes on to explain that young adults are particularly attracted to abusive churches because of their dynamic programs and leaders who initially seem charismatic. Though, this often leads adults-- specifically those who are planning to start a family soon--to neglect their family obligations, and later on their children's developmental needs as well. In contrast, Enroth explains that healthy churches are reconciling, with a community that makes family commitment a priority, as well as having genuine leadership that welcomes questions that seem dissent. In light of this information, Enroth ultimately advises to choose a church thoughtfully as "not all religion is benign" and thus not all church experiences will be positive or beneficial.