Don't be Fooled by Counterfeit Faith

Whitney Hopler

Many philosophies and religious systems masquerade as genuine spiritual truth. But beware. If you place your faith in anything or anyone except Christ, your faith will bring you harm instead of healing. Tragically, some people have used Christ's name to peddle their counterfeit forms of faith to people, poisoning others seeking spiritual growth. But once you trust in Christ, who is truth personified, He will help you avoid the clutches of spiritual abuse.

Here are some principles to keep in mind as you discern what constitutes healthy faith:

Adapted from Toxic Faith: Experiencing Healing from Painful Spiritual Abuse, copyright 2001 by Stephen Arterburn and Jack Felton. A Shaw Book published by WaterBrook Press, Colorado Springs, Co., www.waterbrookpress.com.

Stephen Arterburn is the founder and chairman of New Life Clinics, host of the "New Life Live!" national radio program, and creator of the Women of Faith conferences. He is also a speaker, licensed minister, and author of more than two dozen books. Jack Felton is a licensed therapist, an ordained minister at New Hope Christian Counseling Center, and president and founder of Compassion Move Ministries.

Have you ever been spiritually abused? What was that experience like? How did you heal from it? What did you learn about God as you healed? Visit the Books Forum to discuss this topic. Just click on the link below.

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