There is a list concerning church trauma I am often asked about. Is it true, how should I respond, etc.? The list is antagonistic towards churches in a way that is both unhelpful and hypocritical. Rather than take on the list as a whole, I will be giving a response to each section. The biggest contention I have with the list is not that trauma doesn’t exist, but that the list is often a straw man argument or cover for one’s immaturity. Church is messy and a reflection of all the people in it. The format will be rating, the list in question, and my response.

The synopsis: Sigh.

Honestly, avoiding charismatic churches will solve most of the issues on this list, as well as the others. The key word is obsession, and there is truth to that. But this is not systemic to all churches. Rather, churches often struggle with not realizing some things are spiritual attacks. Yes we should be expressive in our worship. I do not like that, but it is in the Bible. My dad once told me to be careful about judging people based on the fringe, because everyone has their crazies. The list maker paints a broad brush over all churches, when it is the fringe who most churches striving to be healthy would agree with the criticisms.

The List: Obsession with Spiritual gifts and warfare

• If something bad happens to you, then it’s probably “spiritual attack”
• Watching or reading things like harry potter will invite the demonic into your life
• Told tongues and prophecy are for all believers and felt less than for not experiencing that
• Felt uncomfortable or pressured to worship in an outwardly expressive way

The Response: Don’t be charismatic

In helping people who have been spiritually abused, one of the largest “pools” abuse seems to come from is Charismatic churches. Obsession is the operative term, and I agree with the list in that light. A majority of churches I’ve had the privilege to interact with do not fall under this list or the others

That said, spiritual warfare is a reality. Expressive worship is taught in Scripture. Not all gifts are for all Christians as each part of the body is different. And if you’ve read the Bible you know how Harry Potter ends, according to the author. As a professor once said, all stories inherently demonstrate the Gospel.

”If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you!“ Proverbs 11:27 NLT