CCC 28-1

TRENDING NOW

WHEN SCRIPTURE IS TWISTED TO CONTROL Gaslighting and Spiritual Manipulation:

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David Hawkins, M.B.A., M.S.W., M.A., Ph.D.

Sarah sat on the edge of her bed, her Bible open on her lap, tears blurring the words. Her husband’s voice still echoed in her mind: “You’re supposed to submit. God commands it. If you were truly a godly wife, you wouldn’t question me. I didn’t write those words, Sarah, God did.” What was she to do now? She wanted to honor God. She knew those Scriptures, too. Deep down, something

felt wrong. The Scripture she once loved—a source of hope and freedom—had become a weapon turned against her. This was the devastating reality of spiritual gaslight ing… when Scripture is twisted, reinterpreted, or selectively quoted to manipulate, control, or silence others . Unlike other forms of emotional abuse, spiritual manipulation strikes at the deepest level of identity and faith.

22 Christian Counseling Connection