Religious Abuse = Soul Raped

Religious abuse, as Jack Watts explains it, is the mistreatment of a person by someone in a position of spiritual authority, resulting in the diminishing of that person's sense of well-being and growth -- both positions of religious authority use their power to munipulate those entrusted to their care. It involves degrading people, harming them, and prevent  them from growing into potential God intended for them.

If there are lessons for our society to take from this trial, one was already stated loud and clear by the jury: Rape, sexual abuse, and underage marriage can never be condoned. But the other lesson to be learned is this: Religious leaders have tremendous power and tremendous trust given to them. That trust is a delicate and sacred thing. When religious leaders use that trust well, then we can empower people and help them to grow in their relationship with God. We can help them transform and find meaning in their lives. But when we make God into a false idol whose primary purpose is to gratify our own needs at the expense of others, we dishonor ourselves, our community, and our Maker. Whether lay or ordained, those who call themselves religious leaders must ask themselves every day: What as I worshiping? How can I sever my community? Without that kind of prayerful introspection, religious abuse will continue to occur.