Whoever said UBF was dysfunctional? -- RSQUBF Discussion Boards 2001 highlights

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Date Posted: 15:39:00 01/09/02 Wed
Author: multiple
Subject: Whoever said UBF was dysfunctional?
In reply to: rsqarchive 's message, "January 2001" on 10:32:30 01/09/02 Wed

Author: noneya
Subject: Whoever said UBF was dysfunctional?

Look at this paragraph and try to tell me if UBF coud possibly be dysfunctional? I dare you!

"What are the hallmarks of unhealthy, aberrant churches? The key indicator is control oriented leadership, ministers who have a need to "lord it over the flock." Abusive leaders demand submission and unquestioning loyalty. The person who raises uncomfortable questions or does not "get with the program" is cast aside. Guilt, fear, and intimidation are used to manipulate and control vulnerable members, especially those who have been taught to believe that questioning their pastor is comparable to questioning God.

Why does a pastor or priest sometimes turn into a spiritual tyrant? I believe it is because of the human desire to control others and to exercise power over people. Each of us has been exposed to the temptation of power, whether in the role of spouse, teacher, or parent. An excessive will to power, coupled with sincere religious motives, can lead to the misuse of spiritual
authority.

More than any other age group, young adults are attracted to abusive churches, their seemingly dynamic programs, and their "take charge" leaders. Such churches often target young couples during the crucial child bearing years. As a result, the energy needed by these young couples for legitimate family interaction is siphoned off into a high intensity cause. Family obligations are sacrificed, and children's developmental needs are neglected.

How can we recognize a healthy church? In addition to matters of appropriate doctrine, a healthy church is reconciling and restorative, not adversarial and elitist. Members of healthy churches seek to deepen and strengthen their family commitments. Legitimate leaders will welcome dissent and hard questions from members without threat of reprisal. Trustworthy leaders will encourage accountability, and they will establish checks and balances.

Choose a church carefully and prayerfully. Remember, not all religion is benign, and not all church
experience is beneficial.

Ronald M. Enroth, a professor of sociology at Westmont College [Santa Barbara, CA], has written many articles and books on cults and aberrant religious groups, including Churches That Abuse. This article first appeared in the Savannah Parent magazine (Savannah, Georgia), Vol. 3, No. 3, and April 1992, p. 11 to which we are grateful for permission to reprint it here.

Author: anon
Subject: Re: Whoever said UBF was dysfunctional?

I found this info at:
You don't think UBF is like this, do you?

http://www.familylifefellowship.org/healthychurch.htm

Marks of toxic churches and cults.

Leadership:

Leadership is irreproachable. There is no accountability for their actions.
Leadership is unapproachable. They form an elite spiritual class that demands blind obedience.
Leadership has a lack of educational credentials.
Leadership is extremely authoritarian and exercises extreme control over the lives of followers.
Leadership demands allegiance above and beyond family and friendship ties outside the group.
Members have no say on activities of group or where finances are used.
Control of Group:
Intimidation and spiritual threats are used to foster blind loyalty.
Shame, guilt and fear are used to control members.
Isolation from family, friends and world is encouraged.
Rigid life style is enforced.
Decisions about personal life are made by the leadership.
Extreme
service of members and extreme financial giving are required.
Leadership is punitive to members who question authority.
Disagreement with group is seen as rebellion or work of demons.
Leaving group becomes very painful or fearful.
Group's View of Itself:

Group is found on religious fringe in society.
Group sees itself as special, superior, elite from all other groups.
Persecution seen as proof of righteousness of group.
Group blames responsibility of their sin on the activities of evil, as in "The devil made me do it".
Love in group is conditional, based on the behavior of members.
Salvation is based on the works of members.
Group's Teachings:

Teachings lack Biblical support.
Biblical texts are taken out of context to form proof texts for strange doctrines.
Leadership interpretation of Biblical texts is the only accepted interpretation.
Leadership publications of Biblical texts are seen as superior to other publications.
Historical
Christian doctrine is rejected or replaced by secret or special revelation.
Spiritual experience is held higher than Biblical revelation.
Doctrinal statements are missing or vague.
Leadership uses hard-to-interpret Scriptures to redefine clearly understood Scripture.
Teachings demand blind loyalty.
Teachings expect perfection.

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On Bitterness -- multiple, 15:41:25 01/09/02 Wed