If there is one scheme of the evil one that has permeated the western culture and the church is being a "victim" of something.  It is never the individuals fault.  Someone or something is to blame for why you are hurt, suffering, incapable of achieving or overcoming.  Regarding the church, this is a particular result of trying to use carnal means to attract carnal people.  One common statement is people, "just have not been church-ed".  In order to keep an institution made by man those who are responsible for the gathering will use "modern" methods or current culture devices to hopefully raise the curiosity of others to come and visit.

A result of this is people who come in or who have been raised up in the "church" but not CHRIST JESUS, if/when they become disillusioned or encounter hardship will blame the church.  After they have left (or perhaps while still attending) they will say they have suffered religious trauma.  They will simply not understand why they can live a sinful life and GOD not love them for who they are.  Doesn't the church say, "GOD loves you just the way you are."?  Thus when an individual encounters the truth of GOD and HIS hatred of sin, it has to be GOD'S fault...or at least the god who is being portrayed by the pastor.

Sadly, another more serious result from mans institution, not GOD'S, is spiritual abuse.  This is the result of when a person, in authority, especially the church, takes it upon themselves to be the replacement for CHRIST as head of the church and home.  The result of this can have massive and far reaching devastation and consequences.

Is there real "religious trauma" and "spiritual abuse" - yes there is.  However, a large significant portion, is victim mentality brought on by the evil one through the culture.  This is nothing new.  The very first place where "victim mentality" is seen in in Genesis when Adam blames GOD for his sin:

11      And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?”
12      The man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate.”
(Genesis 3:11–12)

The evil one through western culture has just utilized another avenue for people to embrace their sin and rage against GOD.

The bible does not shy away from imposters placing themselves in positions of authority.  It is an area, like many others GOD does not shy away from revealing:

9      I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say.
10      For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, he himself does not receive the brethren, either, and he forbids those who desire to do so and puts them out of the church.
11      Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God.
(3 John 9–11)


You will also see the LORD'S interaction with the religious leaders of HIS time like in Matthew 12:1-7 or even in the churches in Revelation.

We are responsible for our own words and actions.  GOD will hold us accountable and there will be no excuse.  GOD has, in HIS infinite love, made a way for you to have true forgiveness and peace with HIM and that is through HIS SON JESUS.  Come to the FATHER through the SON by way of repentance and faith.  Accept the free gift of GOD'S grace and believe on the LORD JESUS CHRIST and be saved!

Glory to GOD!  Worthy is the LAMB!

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