Comments on: When Faith Turns Ugly… An interview

By: Deb Hurn

Deb Hurn — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 15:00:40 +0000

In reply to Patrick B Biglane. Hi Patrick, yes that's me. I am so glad you have found it (at all!) and have found it useful. It was a spin-off from my work on the exodus and wilderness itineraries. Deb

By: Patrick B Biglane

Patrick B Biglane — Fri, 21 Dec 2018 13:00:33 +0000

Hi Deborah, Are you the same person who wrote an article on the Kenites and Kenazites? Would be blessed to hear from you is so. I really loved that article, as I have been doing much research on Adoption (biblical)

By: Sandra Basham

Sandra Basham — Sun, 17 Apr 2016 08:56:48 +0000

I view another perspective of what I term spiritual abuse. I have regularly dealt with clients who have become unchurched and deemed ‘backslidden’ (a terrible judgment)according to their denominational leaders. I do not think Jesus would use such awful means to keep souls loving and obeying Him. Such merciless, systemic and emotionally contagious negativity towards genuinely curious souls. How does a person ‘work out their own salvation’ if they cannot ask genuine questions?
On the other issue….I can’t count how many women I have worked with who have been emotionally, psychologically and/or sexually abused within organisations calling themselves Christian churches…as if they are NOT too the image and likeness of God and God wouldn’t care about HIS daughters.
Jesus was an advocate for women…the Holy Spirit didn’t discriminate at Pentecost…..how did the church learn to do this?

By: Deb Hurn

Deb Hurn — Sat, 16 Apr 2016 12:41:33 +0000

In reply to Phil Pogson. Phil, the first time I took communion in an Anglican Church (or any mainstream church) was the morning of my 'disfellowship' as I fled to a nearby one for refuge. I was crying so hard through the service that the (female) deacon there had to support me at the rail. The newly consecrated first female bishop of Australia, Kay Goldsworthy, heard about it and rang me two weeks later to offer her understanding (she had been an activist for female ordination in the '70s and '80s) and any support the church could provide.

By: Phil Pogson

Phil Pogson — Sat, 16 Apr 2016 11:32:56 +0000

In reply to Deb Hurn. Thanks so much Deb. Your last paragraph especially resonates with me as I also have been draw to a similar interior realisation. Two Christmases ago we attended the Anglican midnight mass and the call to come forward and take the Eucharist was announced with a definite emphasis made that this would be offered to anyone of Christian faith regardless of denomination. This took me by surprise but also left a lasting impression at many levels.... a window opened in my mind and let in some oxygen to my atrophied brain. I too love the beauty of the liturgy, the egalitarian approach and the focus on being and doing the elements of the kingdom of God on earth right now through the medium of ourselves (among many other things).

By: Peter H

Peter H — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 22:20:59 +0000

I feel for you Deb! You expressed it all so very well and I can relate to all that you’ve been through. I’ve come to understand that people only do these things to you because they are afraid. Fear is never a good motivator.

By: Deb Hurn

Deb Hurn — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 08:47:37 +0000

This my ‘story’ was written a year ago now, and sadly the situation in the family has since gotten worse overall. It appears to me that our older ‘children’ are experiencing a progression of painful PTSD symptoms, while still operating out of the same absolutist, exclusivist tendencies that were advocated during our time in the sect albeit now from a position strongly opposed to religious faith.

As for my views on church life as explored above… lately I am feeling a strong pull to my ethno-cultural-religious roots before my great-grand-parents were diverted by the modernist appeal of 19th century ultra-Protestantism. I still firmly believe that exchanging one closed social group with another is not the right lesson to learn, but remaining on the fringes of all and any churches is not a solution either.

I have (with much joy) come to a position where I can relate positively to any expression of Christianity and attend any denominational service and find Jesus at work. However the open table and ‘anonymity’ offered by the Anglican Church, combined with the reverence of its liturgy, the full egalitarian state of its social policy, the beautiful churches, and rich deep (familiar) history, are considerations as I try to find a spiritual home for the rest of my life.

By: Kerry Robbins

Kerry Robbins — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 07:41:12 +0000

Hello Brian
A good but sad interview. I think all controlling and manipulative behaviour fits under witchcraft. Many well meaning Christians are unaware they practice this, and are fixated round traditions and inner circles that exclude others and are unaware of the long term damage they do. Those in authority over us will be judged more harshly . It is simple to say Jesus died on the cross for me – we make pretty gold crosses but it was a very ugly thing – the ugliness of betrayal and brutality; the loneliness and rejection we all have to fight. I have to cut out sophisticated stuff and realise I am a child again and Jesus loves me, Yes, jesus loves me … and He loves you, too. And that is enough for now.

By: Brian Harris

Brian Harris — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 05:09:50 +0000

In reply to Noel Angell. So sorry that this has been such a difficult and sad season for you Noel. You can get the book from Koorong and it is available for pre-order at this link. It will also be available on Amazon, Book Depository or directly from Vose.

By: Noel Angell

Noel Angell — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 02:33:59 +0000

Interesting reading and I believe I might know the sect to which she belonged. I have recently experienced a very similar thing in a Baptist church that I pastored. From the week that my wife died I began to experience a distancing from certain members and leaders. I do think that in my grief that perhaps some of my actions were not what they should have been, however many in the church simply pushed me away. I am still coming to terms with the uncaring attitude of the church at a time when I needed their support more than ever. It has also made he grieving process much more prolonged and difficult. To this day some eight months since leaving that church I have not attended a church anywhere, at this time I feel unable to place myself in a position where such hurt might happen again. Where can I get a copy of the book when its released?