Menu
ATSS-lukic

ATSS: Marko Lukic, “Two Ways of Dealing with Spiritual Abuse”

,

23 November 2022  |

Spiritual abuse is a sensitive and largely neglected topic in the church. We are accustomed to talking about it in the context of cults, such as the infamous Waco group.

For some, any criticism of the church seems like cutting the branch we are sitting on. So to even suggest that spiritual abuse exists within the church seems risky—hence, the silence.

The topic is complex. There is more than one type of spiritual abuser. There are those who are 100% aware what they are doing, who are deliberate and have clearly selfish goals. But there are also spiritual abusers who are sincere in their hurtful relationships with their children, spouses, neighbors, and friends, who are not always aware they are manipulating people. These people may be among the most helpful to the church and the pastoral staff, but they are nevertheless doing serious harm to people. 

In this class, I will define spiritual abuse, discuss its main features the way they appear within the religious context, and discuss two ways of dealing with it for those people who do not have the option of leaving the spiritually abusive environment.

Teacher:

Marko Lukic works as a pastor in Smederevo, Serbia. He holds a PhD in systematic theology from Lampeter, University of Wales (completed at Newbold College) in the area of Adventist Studies, with a focus on paradigms and paradigm changes.

Moderator:

 

How to join:

Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85219591780
Passcode: JESUS

ATSS starting time depends on where you are. If you’re on the west coast of the United States, it’ll be 10:30 AM. On the east coast, 1:30 PM. Please calculate the correct time where you live.

Times around the world:

    • Reykjavík: 5:30 PM
    • College Place: 10:30 AM
    • Lincoln: 12:30 PM
    • Denver: 11:30 AM
    • Bracknell: 6:30 PM
    • Loma Linda: 10:30 AM
    • Nairobi: 8:30 PM
    • Gackle: 12:30 PM
    • Hosur: 11:00 PM
    • Waco: 12:30 PM
    • Keene: 12:30 PM
    • Helsinki: 8:30 PM
    • Stockholm: 7:30 PM
    • Hamburg: 7:30 PM
    • Cape Town: 7:30 PM
    • Madrid: 7:30 PM
    • Paris: 7:30 PM
    • Honolulu: 7:30 AM
    • Cooranbong: 5:30 AM (Sunday)
    • Perth: 2:30 AM (Sunday)

The class is intended to last about 2 hours, though the conversation often continues to 4 PM (Eastern time).

About our class:

  • The AT Sabbath Seminar is intended to be a courteous forum. We discuss and ask questions politely. We don’t accuse, get angry, or put people down.
  • Stick to the topic in both comments and chat discussion.
  • Make your comments and questions short—don’t dominate.
  • Keep your microphones muted unless you are called upon to make your comment or ask your question.
  • Indicate your interest in speaking by raising your electronic hand—under the “reactions” button.
  • Please use your name when you sign in! Not your phone number, not your initials. This will help us differentiate you from unwelcome guests who want to disrupt us. You can set your name after signing on by clicking on the 3 dots next to your picture, which drops down a menu.

We look forward to getting acquainted with you!

Coming up:

  • Gerald Winslow
  • Jon Paulien
  • Bill Knott
  • Bryan Ness
  • Tom deBruin
  • Olive Hemmings

To comment or question, click/tap here

Related Posts