S3E8: When Authority Wounds: Obedience in Religious Life
About this episode
The episode discusses spiritual abuse within the church and the impact of distorted authority in religious life through the experience of Lisa Leopold.
Content Warning: *This content is not appropriate for minors, so please use a headset or listen in their absence. This episode discusses experiences of spiritual abuse within the church. While we approach this conversation with respect for the Church and for religious vocations, some of the themes may be difficult for listeners who have experienced spiritual trauma. Please listen at your own pace and care for your heart as needed.* Friends, What happens when the vow of obedience that is meant to free the heart for Christ becomes a mechanism of control? In this episode of Forgiveness Is for YOU, I speak with Lisa Leopold about her experience as a postulant in a Catholic religious order and the spiritual abuse she encountered during formation. Together we explore how authority in religious life can become distorted, how the misuse of obedience can cause emotional and spiritual trauma, and what healing looks like on the other side. Spiritual abuse in the Church is often difficult to name, especially when it is cloaked in piety or justified as “God’s will.” Now a wife, mother, and licensed therapist, Lisa accompanies former religious and others who are healing from spiritual abuse…
More episodes of Forgiveness Is For YOU - Overcome Trauma Through Forgiveness
- S3E16 Divorced but Still Catholic? Demystiyfing Annulment with Theresa Matters
- S3E15 Healing from Divorce: A Catholic Approach to Connection, Support, and Restoration with Carolyn Klika Catino
- S3E14 Sacramental Healing: Finding Safety Again After Church Hurt
- S3E13: Narcissism in the Body of Christ: A Story of Abuse, Grace and Forgiveness with Cendrine Hosoda
- S3E12 When A Founder Falls: One Priest's Journey to Truth and Forgiveness
- S3E11 Abuse of Conscience: How Faith is Manipulated
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Forgiveness Is For YOU - Overcome Trauma Through Forgiveness podcast page.