Tag: complementarianism

Posted on in Bible, biblicalworldview, challenges, christianfaith, deconstruction, faith, history, JesusChrist, mental health, nervous system, newagetojesus, physiology, podcast, scripture, self-help, spiritualabuse, testimonies, theology, wordofgod, worldview

The Impact of Biblical Counseling on Scrupulosity and Mental Health in Religious Contexts

Did you know that nearly one in five adults in the U.S. experiences mental health issues each year, with many of these individuals deeply embedded in religious communities? Unfortunately, within certain religious contexts, these struggles are often misunderstood or outright dismissed, leading to significant harm.

This week on the podcast, our guest explains more about Scrupulosity, a form of religious OCD, is particularly prevalent in such environments. Its debilitating effects are often compounded by biblical counseling practices that prioritize doctrinal purity over psychological well-being. This issue is glaringly evident in the teachings of influential figures like John MacArthur, whose views on mental health have had a profound and dangerous impact on his followers.

🎧Listen here!

Understanding Scrupulosity

Definition: Scrupulosity is a psychological condition where an individual experiences obsessive concerns about sin and moral behavior, often leading to compulsive religious rituals. It’s a form of OCD that is frequently misunderstood as heightened piety rather than a serious mental health issue.

Impact on Individuals: The emotional and psychological toll of scrupulosity can be devastating. Individuals suffering from this condition often live in constant fear of divine punishment, leading to extreme anxiety and depression. Marissa Burt shared harrowing stories of people trapped in this cycle, where every thought and action is scrutinized under the weight of perceived sinfulness, leaving them isolated and in despair.

The Role of Biblical Counseling

Biblical counseling is a form of therapy that relies solely on Scripture to address psychological issues, often rejecting modern psychological practices. Unlike secular mental health care, which is based on scientific research and evidence-based practices, biblical counseling assumes that all mental health issues stem from spiritual problems.

The Harmful Impact of Spiritually Abusive Counseling and Complementarianism

Section 1: The Dangers of Spiritually Abusive Counseling Programs

The spiritually abusive counseling program I was part of advocated for trusting in God and walking in the Spirit, based on Ephesians 4:22-24. While this approach may seem pious, it dangerously neglected real mental health needs and suggested that faith alone could ‘cure’ conditions like borderline personality disorder (BPD).

The Reality of Mental Health Needs

BPD is a serious mental health condition requiring professional treatment. While faith can offer support, it is not a substitute for evidence-based therapy. The notion that BPD is merely a result of not being ‘Christ-like’ enough not only invalidates legitimate mental health struggles but also manipulates individuals into believing their worth is contingent on religious compliance.

The Damage of Biblical Counseling

Biblical counseling, particularly when practiced by organizations like the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC), can be profoundly damaging. This approach often lacks nuance and sensitivity, especially in cases of marital abuse. Instead of addressing abusive behaviors, it focuses on wives’ submission, perpetuating harm and failing to uphold biblical principles of love and justice.

Research indicates that frequent causes of women’s anger include:

  • Feelings of helplessness
  • Not being listened to
  • Injustice
  • Irresponsibility on the parts of others
  • The inability to make desired changes

The Flaws in ACBC’s Approach

ACBC’s counseling model relies on flawed interpretations of biblical passages and neglects psychological insights. It is authoritarian and has the potential for spiritual abuse, lacking accountability and sensitivity. The emphasis on traditional female gender norms that prioritize tenderness over assertiveness further hinders women’s ability to address unfair treatment effectively.

Complementarianism and Gender Equality

The conservative church promotes dangerous ideologies through Complementarianism, which emphasizes women’s submission to men. Historical analysis reveals that contemporary teachings about women’s roles often misinterpret or selectively use biblical passages to justify patriarchal structures rather than promoting equality and mutual respect. Critics argue that these teachings reflect human power structures more than the true message of Christ.

Critique of Biblical Counseling in Cases of Scrupulosity

This approach can be particularly harmful in cases of scrupulosity, where the condition is often mistaken for a lack of faith or moral failure. Instead of providing relief, biblical counseling can exacerbate the problem by reinforcing the idea that the sufferer must simply pray harder, read the Bible more, or repent more sincerely. Insights from Marissa Burt into these counseling sessions reveal a troubling pattern: individuals are often led deeper into their condition, with no recognition of the need for professional mental health care.

Towards Equality and Liberation

Achieving gender equality and women’s liberation is crucial for building a more prosperous and harmonious world. By examining church history and contemporary interpretations, we can challenge and move beyond outdated beliefs, advocating for a more equitable and respectful understanding of biblical teachings.

Real-Life Examples: Marissa shared examples of people who, after years of biblical counseling, found themselves more entrenched in their fear and anxiety. Instead of receiving the help they needed, they were told that their mental struggles were a sign of spiritual weakness, further alienating them from any form of relief.

John MacArthur’s Controversial Views

Introduction to MacArthur’s Views: John MacArthur, a prominent evangelical leader, has long been a vocal critic of psychological diagnoses and treatments, dismissing them as unbiblical. He argues that mental health issues are primarily spiritual problems that should be addressed through Scripture, prayer, and repentance.

Impact on Followers: MacArthur’s teachings have had a profound influence on his followers, many of whom reject necessary mental health care in favor of biblical counseling. This can lead to the worsening of conditions like scrupulosity, as individuals are discouraged from seeking professional help. Marissa Burt’s experiences highlight the real harm caused by these teachings, as people are led to believe that their suffering is a result of sin rather than a treatable mental health condition.

Marissa’s Insights: Marissa shared that within biblical counseling settings influenced by MacArthur’s teachings, there is little room for acknowledging the validity of psychological science. Instead, individuals are pushed to conform to a narrow view of spirituality, often at the expense of their mental health. This rigid approach can have devastating consequences, leaving individuals trapped in a cycle of guilt, fear, and spiritual abuse.

The Intersection of Faith and Mental Health

The Struggle for Balance: Many individuals find themselves torn between their faith and the need for mental health care. The struggle to reconcile these two aspects of their lives can be overwhelming, particularly when religious leaders like MacArthur promote the idea that mental health issues are purely spiritual.

Call for Change: It’s time for religious communities to adopt a more compassionate and informed approach to mental health. Psychological science and faith need not be at odds; in fact, they can complement each other in helping individuals achieve overall well-being. Recognizing the validity of mental health issues and seeking appropriate care is not a sign of weak faith but of a holistic approach to human flourishing.

Conclusion

Scrupulosity is a serious mental health condition that can be exacerbated by the teachings of biblical counseling and figures like John MacArthur. The dismissal of psychological science in favor of a purely scriptural approach can lead to significant harm, trapping individuals in cycles of guilt and fear.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, it’s crucial to seek out appropriate care. Be cautious of religious teachings that diminish the importance of psychological well-being. Remember, it’s possible to maintain your faith while also taking care of your mental health.

Sources:

https://mburtwrites.substack.com/p/the-stranglehold-of-christian-scrupulosity

The statistic about nearly one in five adults in the U.S. experiencing mental health issues annually is based on general findings from sources like the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For example, the NIMH often reports that about 20% of adults experience some form of mental health disorder each year.

  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): They provide comprehensive data on mental health statistics. NIMH Statistics
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): They offer data on mental health prevalence and its impact. CDC Mental Health

Books

  • “The Doubting Disease: Help for Scrupulosity and Religious Compulsions” by Joseph W. Ciarrocchi: A classic resource that offers a mix of psychological and spiritual guidance for those dealing with scrupulosity and religious OCD.

Articles & Guides

  • International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Guide on Scrupulosity: Provides a thorough overview of scrupulosity, including treatment options and practical tips. IOCDF Guide
  • “Understanding Scrupulosity” by Dr. Gregory Bottaro: Offers insights from a clinical psychologist who integrates faith and psychology, providing both professional and spiritual perspectives.

Online Communities & Forums

  • Reddit’s r/scrupulosity: A supportive online community where individuals share experiences, resources, and support related to scrupulosity. Reddit r/scrupulosity
  • OCD Action Forum: Contains specific sections for religious and moral OCD, allowing individuals to connect and share experiences. OCD Action Forum

Therapy & Counseling

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): This is the gold standard for treating scrupulosity. Finding a therapist who specializes in CBT and ERP can be particularly effective.
  • Faith-Based Counseling: For those seeking to integrate their faith into therapy, it’s important to find a counselor who understands both OCD and the individual’s religious background.

Non-Christian Sources

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Provides general mental health resources and information on how different settings, including religious ones, can impact mental well-being. NAMI Website
  • Pew Research Center: Offers reports and data on the intersection of religion and mental health. Pew Research Center Religion & Public Life
  • American Psychological Association (APA): Publishes research and articles on mental health, including impacts of religious environments. APA Website
  • Secular Therapy Project: Connects individuals with secular therapists sensitive to the impact of religious settings on mental health. Secular Therapy Project

These resources should offer a well-rounded approach to understanding and managing scrupulosity, catering to a variety of needs and perspectives for anyone navigating the complexities of scrupulosity.

Posted on in Bible, biblicalworldview, challenges, christianfaith, deconstruction, JesusChrist, new age spiritual, newagetojesus, scripture, spiritualabuse, testimonies, theology, wordofgod, worldview, worship music

Crystals âžĄïž Complementarianism: Exploring the hidden links along the Crunchy-to-Patriarchy Pipeline

Navigating the Intersection of Wellness and Ideology

Have you noticed this social trend New Age lifestyles to Jesus testimonies embracing far-right ideologies?

It’s a phenomenon influenced by social media algorithms and influencers who blend wellness with conspiracy theories and extreme views. What starts as an interest in yoga and herbal remedies can subtly transition into something much darker.

Understanding the Trad Wife and Stay-at-Home Girlfriend Movements

Enter the Trad Wife and Stay-at-Home Girlfriend movements—cultural trends advocating for traditional gender roles within relationships. Followers prioritize homemaking, submission to husbands, and nurturing domestic skills. This intersects with the Crunchy to Alt-Right Pipeline when online narratives blend wellness with conservative ideologies, portraying traditional roles as spiritual ideals.

Motivations Behind the Movements

  1. Embracing Traditional Values: Supporters cite a desire to uphold stability and traditional family roles, believing in the importance of creating a nurturing home environment and supporting their partners as leaders of the household.
  2. Rejecting Modern Feminism: Many within these movements view modern feminism as promoting anti-family agendas and undermining traditional values, preferring roles they see as empowering and fulfilling.
  3. Cultural and Religious Influences: Cultural and religious beliefs play a significant role, with some viewing traditional roles as rooted in religious teachings or cultural heritage, finding validation in communities that promote these values.

Understanding Fear Tactics and Cultural Influences

Fear tactics are prevalent in online content that combines wellness with extreme ideologies. These tactics manipulate users into adopting the group’s beliefs by promoting fear of worldly dangers, apocalyptic scenarios, or spiritual consequences. For example, narratives within the “culture wars” often lead to anti-LGBTQ and anti-feminist sentiments. Influencers may use fear of societal collapse or moral decay to urge followers towards conservative values, portraying them as a defense against perceived threats to traditional lifestyles.

Historical Precedents: Satanic Panic and Moral Panics

Historically, movements like the “Satanic Panic” in the 1980s and ’90s stoked fears of occult influences on children and communities, leading to widespread moral panic. Similarly, today’s online narratives can exaggerate or fabricate threats to bolster ideological adherence. The fear of cultural shifts, such as evolving attitudes towards gender roles or LGBTQ rights, fuels narratives that paint progressive changes as morally corrupt or spiritually dangerous.

Example: Evangelical Fears and Pop Culture In recent years, evangelical communities have expressed fears over pop culture icons like Taylor Swift, attributing spiritual significance to her lyrics and persona. This illustrates how fear can be used to mobilize against perceived threats to traditional values, even in seemingly innocuous contexts.

Examples:

  1. Harry Potter and Witchcraft: The “Harry Potter” book and film series sparked concerns among some evangelical groups who viewed the portrayal of magic and witchcraft as promoting occult practices and undermining Christian values. This led to debates and even bans on the series in some communities.
  2. Rock and Roll Music: Throughout history, evangelical circles have expressed fears over the influence of rock and roll music on youth, believing it promotes rebellion, promiscuity, and anti-Christian values. This fear was particularly pronounced during the rise of rock music in the 1950s and continues in various forms today.
  3. Secularization of Media: Evangelical fears often extend to broader secular media, with concerns over its perceived influence on moral values and religious beliefs. For instance, certain movies, TV shows, and music artists are scrutinized for their content and perceived impact on cultural norms.
  4. Celebrity Influence: Pop culture icons like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, or Madonna have been subjects of evangelical concern due to their lyrics, imagery, or public personas, which some interpret as promoting values contrary to traditional Christian teachings. These concerns reflect broader anxieties about the influence of celebrity culture on moral standards.

Navigating Complexity

While these movements resonate with some as empowering choices, they also perpetuate outdated stereotypes and limit opportunities for autonomy and self-fulfillment outside traditional roles. Some narratives oversimplify complex societal issues, promoting a binary worldview of good versus evil and omitting nuances and alternative perspectives. It’s essential to critically evaluate such content and consider its broader implications on personal beliefs and societal attitudes.

Understanding the motivations and concerns behind these movements fosters dialogue about gender, family, and cultural norms in contemporary society.

Let’s discuss: Have you observed or encountered these dynamics in your online experiences? What are your thoughts on their impact on societal norms?

Posted on in Bible, biblicalworldview, challenges, christianfaith, deconstruction, faith, mental health, nutrition, physiology, podcast, scripture, spiritualabuse, testimonies, theology, wordofgod, worldview

 A Critique of Nancy Pearcey’s book “Toxic War on Masculinity”

“Complementarian men only do well when they don’t act out hierarchy and put aside their beliefs.” John Gottman of the world-renowned Gottman Institute.

A big part of my deconstruction process was realizing the dangerous lies behind Nancy Pearcey’s book The Toxic War on Masculinity. Which was heavily promoted by David Wolcott, Alisa Childers, Alexa Clark & Frank Turek, who are often associated with right-wing fundamentalist Christianity. đŸš©It was such a disappointment to find out that this book, touted as a high quality, scholarly work, was clearly just an opinion piece full of logical fallacies, misrepresentation of research data, and poor quality (non-peer reviewed) sources.

She said “There’s no need to debate complementarianism or egalitarianism when it comes to marriage” đ”žđ•”đ•„đ•Šđ•’đ•đ•đ•Ș ℕ𝕒𝕟𝕔đ•Ș, 𝕎𝕖 đ”»đ• !

Pearcey pulls findings from Gottman’s work, citing that in both egalitarian & hierarchical marriages “emotionally intelligent husbands have figured out the one big thing: how to convey honor and respect.” Thus, she claims, labels don’t matter.

However, she omits to mention the big finding Gottman uses to frame this entire chapter: Complementarian men only do well when they don’t act out hierarchy and put aside their beliefs. You can’t claim beliefs in complementarianism are irrelevant by quoting someone who found acting out those beliefs is disastrous.

This is only ONE of the major criticisms of the book pointing to the lack of empirical evidence to support the claims made in the book, particularly regarding the alleged “war on masculinity.”

🚹 We should consider the consequences of promoting ideological narratives without empirical support. 🚹

Other concerns but not limited to:

  • Oversimplification of Gender Issues: Critics argue that Pearcey’s book oversimplifies complex gender issues by framing them as a “war on masculinity.” They suggest that this framing perpetuates a binary view of gender and fails to adequately address the diverse experiences and identities of individuals across the gender spectrum.
  • Perpetuating Gender Stereotypes: Critics contend that Pearcey’s characterization of masculinity as under attack reinforces traditional gender stereotypes and norms, which may contribute to harmful social expectations and restricts the freedom of individuals to express their gender identity authentically.
  • Lack of Intersectionality: Some critics argue that Pearcey’s analysis lacks intersectionality, as it fails to consider how factors such as race, class, sexuality, and disability intersect with gender to shape individuals’ experiences and social realities. This omission may result in a limited understanding of the complexity of gender dynamics.
  • Ideological Bias: Some critics suggest that Pearcey’s perspective reflects a conservative or right-wing ideological bias, as she tends to frame gender issues within a traditional Christian worldview. This ideological framing may alienate readers with different religious or philosophical beliefs and limit the book’s appeal to a narrow audience.

Click to watch THIS VIDEO–>Dr. Nancy Pearcey, author of ‘The Toxic War on Masculinity’ claimed in a recent podcast interview that women’s suffrage was a net loss and that Christian marriages are healthier than their non-christian counterparts. Tim brings on Sheila Gregoire, author of ‘The Great Sex Rescue’ and her co-author Rebecca Gregoire Lindenbach, along with Dr. Beth Allison Barr, author of ‘The Making of Biblical Womanhood’ to respond.

Nancy claimed in the book and on a podcast interview that women’s suffrage was a net loss!!!! This is dominionism aka Christian Nationalism.

This is a whole ‘nother rabbit hole, connected to the TRAD wife movement/conservative resurgence… let’s get into it a bit….

Beginning in 1979, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) experienced an intense struggle for control of the organization. Its initiators called it the conservative resurgence while its detractors labeled it the fundamentalist takeover. It was launched with the charge that the seminaries and denominational agencies were dominated by liberals. The movement was primarily aimed at reorienting the denomination away from a liberal trajectory.

This led to the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood (CBMW) At a 1986 meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS), Wayne Grudem gave a speech on “Manhood and Womanhood in Biblical and Theological Perspectives” in which he invited delegates to join “a new organization dedicated to upholding both equality and differences between men and women in marriage and the church.”[11] This was followed by a meeting in Dallas with Grudem, John Piper etc.  

A subsequent meeting was held in Danvers, Massachusetts; at this meeting, the Danvers Statement on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood was finalized. coining the term “complementarianism” in 1988.

This is connected to New Calvinism, also known as the Young, Restless, and Reformed Movement, is a movement within conservative Evangelicalism that reinterprets 16th century Calvinism under contemporary US values and ideologies.

The New Calvinism movement started in the 1980s, with the founding of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood in 1987 in the United States, which stresses the complementarianism between men and women (in contrast to egalitarianism, and as opposed to feminism). The teaching of covenant theology (as opposed to Wesleyanism, or Arminian theology), a rejection of dispensationalism, and a church governance by male elders are also hallmarks of the movement.

The movement gained wider publicity with a conference held in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2006, Together for the Gospel by American pastors John Piper, Mark Driscoll, John MacArthur, Matt Chandler, Al Mohler, Mark Dever and CJ Mahaney. In March 2009, Time magazine ranked it as one of the “10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now”, while questioning if “more Christians searching for security will submit their wills to the austerely demanding God of their country’s infancy”.

Dominion theology, also known as dominionism, is a group of Christian political ideologies that seek to institute a nation governed by Christians and based on their understandings of biblical law. Extents of rule and ways of acquiring governing authority are varied. For example, dominion theology can include theonomy but does not necessarily involve advocacy of adherence to the Mosaic Law as the basis of government. The label is primarily applied to groups of Christians in the United States.

Prominent adherents of those ideologies include Calvinist Christian reconstructionism, Charismatic and Pentecostal Kingdom Now theology, and the New Apostolic Reformation. On the podcast we talk more about Dominion Theology & it’s connections to far right fundamentalists aka Christian nationalist and Nancy’s book.

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/B9rouAoTiJb
🎧Tune in for more!

For further reading:
‱The Bible vs Biblical womanhood by Philip Payne
‱Man and Woman, One in Christ: An Exegetical and Theological Study of Paul’s Letters by Philip Barton Payne
‱Terran Williams’ Book How God Sees Women
‱The Making of Biblical Womanhood How the Subjugation of Women became Gospel Truth by Beth Allison Barr
‱Marg Mowczko’s work

đŸ‘‡đŸ»Sources: Sheila Wray Gregoire and Joanna Sawatsky đŸ‘‡đŸ» đŸ‘‡đŸ»

The IFS report that showed that conservative highly religious men were far more likely to perpetrate intimate partner violence (p. 36):

Click to access worldfamilymap-2019-051819.pdf

Do complementarian men do better? A response to Nancy Pearcey

https://leo-cruz.medium.com/nancy-pearcey-pt1-44f98c2a3602

MORE Resources: – Susan Ware, Why They Marched: Untold Stories of the Women Who Fought for the Right to Vote (Cambridge, MA: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press) – Anita Anand, Sophia: Princess, Suffragette, Revolutionary (New York: Bloomsbury) – Manuela Thurner, “’Better Citizens without the Ballot’: American AntiSuffrage Women and Their Rationale During the Progressive Era,” Journal of Women’s History 5:1 (Spring 1993), 33-60 – Hallie Rubenhold, The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper (New York: Mariner Books An Imprint of HarperCollins) – Martha S. Jones, Vanguard: How Black Women Broke Barriers, Won the Vote, and Insisted on Equality for All (New York: Basic Books)

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