A study of spiritual abuse - "The Crucible"

[Aida]

Recently, I read “The Crucible” for the first time. This play written by Arthur Miller in the early 1950’s is today considered a classic. Set in colonial Salem, Massachusetts, it describes the events that occurred which later became known as the Salem witch trials.

This was an era of insecurity. Fear of the unknown was rampant and, as a result, over 150 people were arrested and imprisoned as witches. Nineteen of these were convicted and hung as witches and, at least, five more died in prison. All of this was done in the name of purifying and protecting the church from satanic influences. Although this was extreme behavior, it had the same characteristics of all other forms of spiritual abuse with fear being a major tactic. Since those in spiritually abusive systems don’t understand the nature and grace of God, they are subject to delusions and superstition which results in fear.

During the witch hunts, fear was widespread. Being ignorant of God’s nature and not understanding the scriptures, there was excessive fear of the devil and the supernatural. The people didn’t understand that Jesus had already defeated the devil so that they no longer needed to fear him. They didn’t understand that Jesus’ victory was complete in every way.

As families increased, the need for land also increased. As a result, there was much fighting over land and lawsuits were common. When the trials began, greedy farmers used this opportunity to accuse other villagers so that they could take their property.

Internal jealousies is another characteristic of spiritually abusive groups. The members compete for favors and the system of rewards and punishment used by the leadership encourages competition.

Colonial Salem was a highly religious community organized as a theocracy. The church was involved in every aspect of life and could administer capital punishment in spiritual matters. The minister was considered equal to God and was not to be questioned in spiritual matters.

The minister of Salem was a man named Samuel Parris. His sermons had a strong emphasis on hell and he used his pulpit to push his own agenda. As a result, he was disliked by the villagers and there was constant friction between him and them.

When his daughter became ill with an unknown illness, he grew anxious and began to seek out the cause. At first, he was opposed to the idea of witchcraft causing her illness but he soon wholeheartedly accepted this as the answer. Because of his insecurities, his desire to protect himself and his ministry became obsessive. Not wanting his reputation tarnished, he allowed the witch trials to continue and made no attempt to calm the people. As the trials continued, he did everything possible to prevent the truth from coming out. He and other leaders were more concerned about protecting their own interests than they were in seeing that justice was done or that the people were protected.

This is common with leaders of spiritually abusive groups. These groups are all led by insecure leaders. Protecting themselves is their primary concern and the people under their care become something to use and then discard when they are no longer useful. Instead of being an avenue for teaching and encouragement, sermons become a tool to push their agenda and to keep the people under tight control.

Behavior in Salem was tightly controlled. Dancing was forbidden so when the girls were discovered dancing in the woods, the witch hunts began as they sought to protect themselves. People were expected to be in church every Sunday and to be able to recite by heart The Ten Commandments. Those who failed in doing this were considered suspect.

In spiritually abusive groups, conformity is expected. The people are expected to follow without question the rules dictated by the leadership. Individuality and creativity are considered forms of rebellion and all free thinking is to be suppressed.

“The Crucible” is a powerful and haunting portrayal of the pain caused by spiritual abuse. Although the events that occurred in Salem are extreme, all forms of spiritual abuse are harmful and destructive. People are victimized and families are torn apart.

A lack of understanding of Father’s nature causes people to allow themselves to be abused. That’s why I believe it’s critical for these hurting people to hear the message of grace and love. A number of years ago, I was the victim of spiritual abuse by a leader who was insecure so I can relate to the hurt and devastation that this type of abuse causes. Sometimes the hurt continues for years with residual effects that continue to bleed through lives.

However, I also know that healing is possible so God has laid it on my heart to encourage others who has been victimized. This blog is an attempt to inform and encourage. Also, I've posted some resources on the sidebar of my blog that might be helpful.

[Aida]

Thanks, Nik. That's great! I don't tend to start forum discussions but I do post blogs and I didn't want to cause any stress here by speaking inappropriately.

[Nik P.]

Aida,
Your blog is yours, to ruminate whatever the spirit stirs within. See "Faith, Community, Mission" to the right. It is only on the forums, where the sections are a little more defined, that you would use caution in deciding how or if your post may fit.
Blessings,
Nik

[Aida]

Thanks for commenting, Nik. That was interesting about the ergot poisoning. I wasn't aware of that.

I've learned that spiritual abuse can have different roots but the methods and the symptoms are all pretty similar. I've read quite a few accounts from those who have been victimized and am amazed at how similar each story is.

This is actually an older blog of mine and I hesitated to post it here because I wasn't sure if spiritual abuse is an appropriate topic to discuss on this board. However, in my opinion, it is an important topic and is part of the "ministry" God has given me. However, if it's not an appropriate topic, I won't bring it up again.

[Nik P.]

Aida,
Thank you for sharing from your own experience and how that connected to The Crucible. I had toured the "Salem Witch Museum" some years back, and though it was cheesy wax figures, it did tell the history quite well.
I think the one part that is different from the hurt you suffered and the intensity of what happened back then is that there was a possible biological link of ergot poisoning which could have explained at least the initial symptoms, fevers, visions and hysteria.
Otherwise, it is good to learn from history so that we do not repeat it.
Nik