by MacHislopp 9 Replies latest jw friends
Hello everyone,
Just few words to share with you:
“When someone’s words and actions tear down another, attack or weaken
a person’s standing as a Christian, to gratify you, your position or your
beliefs, while at the same time harming another, that is spiritual abuse”.
Agape J.C.MacHislopp
PS. all …indirect references to the WTS..are accidental and only mine.
Just a cursory comment MacHislopp, personally I could substitute “human being” in place of “Christian”.
Flip
Hello Flip,
good and logical comment. Thanks
Agape, J.C.MacHislopp
Hi MacHislopp,
Flip brings up a good point, but replacing "human being" with "Christian" moves the definition from a religious concept and into abuse beyond religion. Thus "spiritual abuse" doesn't work in that setting because it goes beyond the definition of "spiritual." I'm not trying to pick at gnates in the wind, but do you see what I mean?
I like the term "spiritual abuse" because it describes what the Watchtower and similar groups do to members. Like Flip, I think another word should be used instead of "Christian," because spiritual abuse happens in non-Christian religious groups, too.
Substituting "personal beliefs" in place of "Christian" might work for the spiritual definition. BTW, what is the source of your quote? I have a book somewhere in the house that goes by that title.
Hi java and flip,
I'm glad this was brought up! I agree that using human being rather than christian and personal beliefs rather than christian would effect a broader application. Those substitutions would encompass diversity from a global perspective and not one that sounds so theocentric. I appreciate the insight shown. regards,Tina
'Nuke a Godless Communist Gay Baby Seal for Christ'
MacHislopp,
Are you trying to tell us that you beat up by a Watchtower?
Fred:MacHislopp,
Are you trying to tell us that you beat up by a Watchtower?
Wait until I run this through my gibberish translator; I'll get back to you!
MacHisslop,
Good thought. I would like to see the term 'personal beliefs' substituted because it is often what relionists do to atheists also. Really, I'll have to look up 'spirituality.' That's an ambigious term.
Java,
Liked your rationale; however, did you mix your metaphors? "Gnats in the wind"? Shouldn't it be 'straining the gnats' or 'straws in the wind' or 'grasping at straws'?
Sorry, I can't help myself. Looking for a 12-step program for nitpicking. I can also launch into cliches, for which I need help. Have a list of 1200 of 'em that I compiled. Used to even jot them down at meetings (gasp!).
Patio
Patio,
did you mix your metaphors? "Gnats in the wind"? Shouldn't it be 'straining the gnats' or 'straws in the wind' or 'grasping at straws'?
Yeah, I often do that. I'm dyslexic (really) and sometimes I get the horse before the cart. My spouse has a lot of fun with some things I say--but I usually get even.
Good morning Tina, Java, et al.
Claiming special status as a “Christian” is ultimately meaningless, unless for “political” reasons, such as claiming the “moral high-ground” and/or creating a protective division between those who don’t believe, is simply a form of “spiritual” abuse to begin with.
By subjectively calling ones self a “Christian”, one is still capable of being the perpetrator of “spiritual” abuse regardless of whether the receptor also calls ones self “Christian” or otherwise.
Ultimately, “Spiritual” abuse flows in every direction so “human beings” must be vigilant.
Flip
