On the previous series on spiritual grooming and spiritual abuse, I discussion on a current situation that is having a profound impact on me that has all kinds of intersectionality within the rural and isolated communities in which I have interaction and reside.   The topics focused on the difficult and complex issues of spiritual grooming and spiritual abuse, which I believe often leads to sexual abuse but not always.  Spiritual grooming has become an epidemic in evangelical communities and is often subtle affecting children and adults.  It is subtle because it uses our spirituality against us, and causes us to distrust ourselves and our buddies in order to trust others who claim that what they are saying comes from God.

On this week's episode, we are going to continue to develop a theology of the family.  On this episode we are going to go into depth on a topic that the author's call Trinitarian Relationality.   This is a concept that discusses how we have been create in the Imago Dei, or the image of God, and this includes our minds, emotions, and will as well as our distinction and unity.  We are relational beings with unity and distinction just like God.

The information for this podcast today comes from the book The Family: A Christian Perspective on the Contemporary Home written by Balswick, Balswick, and Balswick.  Please consider purchasing this book to enjoy the depth at which this author's develop a picture of the Christian Family.  Here is a link to that book:

https://www.amazon.com/Family-Christian-Perspective-Contemporary-Home/dp/0801032490

Another book is mention in the podcast that speaks on the subtle power of spiritual abuse.  Here is the link for that book:

https://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Power-Spiritual-Abuse-Manipulation/dp/0764201379

Intro/Outro music & Transition Sounds, ambient-atmospheric-4947, found at https://cdn.pixabay.com/download/audio/2021/06/07/audio_cdfb955189.mp3?filename=ambient-atmospheric-4947.mp3

National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 1 (800) 273-8255

National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233

National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-4673

Crisis Text Line - Text “MN” to 741741

Call 911 for emergency

This and other content produced by James Rains is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this podcast creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please seek help from your therapist or seek help from one in your area if you are experiencing any mental health concerns.  Nothing should be construed to be specific advice.  It is for educational and entertainment purposes only.