Bully Pulpit: Confronting the Problem of Spiritual Abuse in the Church

by Michael J. Kruger

Thankfully, despite Saruman’s honey-tongued manipulations, Theoden and Gandalf aren’t fooled. They don’t go up into Saruman’s chambers to broker a peace deal. Theoden is quite plain: “We will have peace, when you and your works have perished. . . . You are a liar, Saruman, and a corrupter of men’s hearts.”26 Similarly, Gandalf does not accept the offer to meet: “Nay, I do not think I will come up. But listen, Saruman, for the last time! Will you not come down?”27 Instead of meeting on Saruman’s terms, Gandalf simply calls Saruman to repentance—and does so with genuineness and earnestness. But, like most abusive leaders, Saruman will not relent. Thus, Gandalf removes his office from him: “You have become a fool, Saruman, and yet pitiable. You might have still turned away from folly and evil, and have been of service. But you chose to stay. . . . I cast you from the order and from the Council.”