Isolated but Not Alone: Spiritual Grooming Part 3

Isolated but Not Alone

On today's episode, I'm continuing my discussion on a current situation that is having a profound impact on me that has all kinds of intersectionality within the rural and isolated communities in which I have interaction and reside. The topics are the difficult and complex issues of spiritual grooming and spiritual abuse, which I believe often leads to sexual abuse. Spiritual grooming has become an epidemic in evangelical communities and is often subtle affecting children and adults. It is subtle because it uses our spirituality against us, and causes us to distrust ourselves and our buddies in order to trust others who claim that what they are saying comes from God. On this week's episode, I'm going to dive into some more of my personal story of spiritual grooming and spiritual abuse as well as provide a update of the current situation. The other thing I seek to do in this podcast is to challenge a missions board to investigate the potential of spiritual grooming and spiritual abuse involving one of their supported missionaries in order to bring healing to the family and the missionary and his family. I want to caution listeners that this content is passionate, and my feel a little different than my normal content. Please listen to the preface for this topic where I explain why I choose to do these episodes, why they are so passionate, and a disclaimer that I do not want to disparage anyone from their religious values or their spirituality. I simply want to bring to light what I see as a major problem within evangelical churches especially in rural and isolate communities.

Intro/Outro music & Transition Sounds, ambient-atmospheric-4947, found at https://cdn.pixabay.com/download/audio/2021/06/07/audio_cdfb955189.mp3?filename=ambient-atmospheric-4947.mp3

National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 1 [phone]

National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 [phone]

National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 [phone]

Crisis Text Line - Text “MN” to 741741

Call 911 for emergency

This and other content produced by James Rains is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy. Nothing in this podcast creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship. Please seek help from your therapist or seek help from one in your area if you are experiencing any mental health concerns. Nothing should be construed to be specific advice. It is for educational and entertainment purposes only.