Abuse in World Religions: Articulating the Problem

This book opens out religious studies discussion on spiritual abuse to extend beyond the primary focus on Christian settings and situations. Emphasising the diversity and reach of manifestations of spiritual abuse, it offers snapshots and examples from five major religious traditions.

Following a definition of “spiritual abuse” and a qualification of the application of the designation “world religions”, five chapters-each by subject experts-demonstrate that spiritual abuse can be identified in contexts of Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Sikhi(sm). The chapters draw on sacred texts, historical events, religious institutions, practices, or figures particular to each tradition, paying heed to how specific examples can relate to wider, or systemic tendencies. Throughout, there is emphasis on trauma-informed and survivor-centred approaches.

Abuse in World Religions (Vol. 1) will appeal to academics of religious studies with interest in rape culture and spiritual abuse, as well as upper-level undergraduates and postgraduates, and religious leaders, or leaders of faith-based organisations, seeking to understand and to confront spiritual abuse and rape culture in their own communities.