Spiritual abuse and religious trauma, or what many give the politely dismissive name “church hurt,” is often judged as cynicism. Often without ill intent, pastors make themselves into judge and jury instead of shepherd and surgeon, separating themselves from the anxious possibility that you might be a source of criticism to them in the near future too. The sharing of a painful story should always be a moment to suture and soothe rather than size up or sermonize.
