Teachings of an abusive church*
God is vindictive.
God is a caretaker.
Ministers are people of God and can always be trusted.
Authority should not be questioned.
Ministers have a higher level of spirituality.
Things that don't make sense are not to be questioned but accepted on faith.
There are different standards and levels of expectation for clergy and laity: members are answerable to the ministers and ministers are answerable only to God.
The church's name must not be tarnished, therefore when bad things happen they are to be buried and never shared with outsiders.
If you have real faith, God will do what you ask.
If you are having troubles, it is because God is displeased with you.
Material goods are an indication that God is with you.
You can work your way to heaven.
If you give money to God or his representative, you will receive a tenfold amount.
God expects Christians to live nearly perfect lives.
Man is powerless and can do no good apart from God.
True faith is demonstrated by asking God for something and then waiting for him to provide it.
More than anything, God wants you to be happy.
You are here as a servant and must never hold back from meeting other people's needs.
If your faith is strong you will be protected from all problems.
The Holy Spirit reveals himself through emotions and gut feelings. To not follow that leading is to rebel against God.
Someone who has the "gift of discernment" knows if you have demons and what kind of demons they are. You are rebellious towards the Holy Spirit if you dispute their message.
Truth is revealed only in the Bible or through one of God's special servants.
Christians who have mental problems and seek help outside of the Bible and the church are worldly and lacking in faith that God will deliver them.
* Note: some traits are mutually exclusive to others and cannot exist in the same church. There are various forms of religious abuse.
Stephen Willis M.MFT