Bible Study

The Myth of the Weaker Vessel

In response to a popular pastor’s perplexing pronouncement that “God has given Christianity a masculine feel,” Rachel Held Evans asked Christian men to write a blog post “that celebrates the importance of women in the Church.” Here’s mine. Lately, both from online creepers and respectable preachers, I’ve seen several comments that come back to one [...]

Ashamed of the Gospel? <br/> A Case Study of Teen Mania and Works-Based Doctrine

Ashamed of the Gospel?
A Case Study of Teen Mania and Works-Based Doctrine

By Eric Pazdziora A controversial youth ministry, Teen Mania’s Honor Academy, has made headlines lately with some alarming allegations of spiritual abuse. From print media (e.g. the Tyler Morning Telegraph) to MSNBC’s documentary Mind Over Mania, people seem to be giving a hard look to what this Teen Mania thing is really about. Teen Mania [...]

How God Guides (by R. A. Torrey)

This article was written by R. A. Torrey, and it's been especially instructive to me. For more writings and Bible studies by Torrey, visit the R. A. Torrey Archive. For a hymn with lyrics by R. A. Torrey, check out Bless Thou Jehovah on my New Creation CD. — Eric * * * "Yet I am [...]

The Bondage of Betrothal

Another in my series for Quivering Daughters. One of the fundamental teachings of the Biblical Patriarchy and Quiverfull movements is the doctrine of “biblical courtship,” or “betrothal.” (My brother suggested the word “casuistries” instead of “teachings,” which is perfect except that I didn’t know it before, either.) This teaching has it that since a father [...]

Clean

Another in my series for Quivering Daughters I have felt dirty and unworthy of a clean slate with God ever since my experience, ever since that meeting with Mrs. H—, this feeling has plagued me for years…. The struggle that has lingered from my TM days is guilt. –Anna (on Recovering Alumni) Everybody’s felt that. [...]

Antidotes to Spiritual Abuse

Newly updated and expanded for Quivering Daughters. First published here September 26, 2009. Guilt, shame, and condemnation. Unspoken rules you have to live up to. Authoritarian leaders you can’t ever question. An exclusive “us-vs.-them” mentality. Subtle or not-so-subtle pressure to fit in. Barely veiled manipulation and peer pressure tactics. Fear of doing the wrong thing. Public [...]