Something Was Wrong and I Couldn’t Name It

Today we explore the painful reality of spiritual abuse through the personal narrative of a young minister who faced systemic intimidation and control from church leadership. The author defines this type of harm as the misuse of religious authority to dominate others, often leaving victims trapped in a state of shame and self-blame. Because this abuse is frequently disguised as faithfulness or correction, individuals often struggle to identify the source of their distress, concluding instead that they are personal failures. The source emphasizes that the confusion and fear experienced by victims are natural responses to a toxic environment rather than signs of spiritual weakness. Ultimately, the piece aims to help readers name their experience as a vital first step toward reclaiming their autonomy and beginning a process of healing.