Boyd C. Purcell, Ph.D.
Spiritual Terrorism is about the effect of fear-based religion on people's lives who have been spiritually abused by a negative conception of God through eternal hell-fire preaching and teaching. The doctrine of eternal punishment in literal fire is at the heart of many forms of spiritual abuse and all forms of spiritual terrorism which is the most extreme form of spiritual abuse. This book effectively explains the symbolic use of fire in the Holy Bible and other Holy Books. The common misunderstanding of the metaphorical usage of fire is the primary cause of spiritual terrorism.
Dr. Purcell clarifies the confusion over the Christian doctrine of salvation by grace and judgment which is based on the deeds of life—good or bad. This allows readers to grasp the liberating truth that people are totally free to live their lives but are also totally accountable, at the end of life, for how they have lived their lives. God will ultimately teach universal empathy and bring about perfect justice for all without violating anyone's free will.
Spiritual abuse has the potential to affect all stages of life: in the womb, childhood, youth, young adults, older adults, end of life, and bereavement after the deaths of loved ones. Spiritual abuse may also affect all areas of life: marriage/divorce, emotional/mental/physical abuse, medical treatment or refusal of such treatment for self and children, and domestic and international terrorism.
All major world religions are addressed: Judeo/Christianity, Islam, and the Eastern Religions—Buddhism and Hinduism. Included as well are Native American Beliefs. There is a theme running through all major religions of God's unconditional love, amazing grace, infinite mercy, perfect justice, and a universal homecoming.
Boyd C. Purcell is a National Board Certified Counselor, a Licensed Professional Counselor, an Ordained Christian Minister, and a Board Certified Chaplain. Educationally, he has a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling, a Master of Divinity Degree in Biblical Studies, and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in the integration of psychology and theology. Experientially, Dr. Purcell has over 40 years of ministry in counseling: agency, clinical, pastoral, psychiatric hospital, school, substance abuse, private practice, and chaplaincy—providing spiritual care at the end of life for hospice patients.
"READ NOT TO CONTRADICT AND CONFUTE, NOR TO BELIEVE
AND TAKE FOR GRANTED… BUT TO WEIGH AND CONSIDER."
When I first saw these words inscribed in large letters along the top of the wall of the then Campus Library at Bowling Green (Ohio) State University, during freshman orientation, I was so impressed with this mindset of reading to learn that I immediately memorized this quotation from Sir Francis Bacon, an English philosopher (1561-1626). This Bacon quote and two others have been especially powerful for me: "Who questions much, shall learn much, and retain much." And, "Small amounts of philosophy lead to atheism, but larger amounts bring us back to God." Following these words of wisdom has served me well for over 45 years through earning a Bachelor’s Degree, two Master’s Degrees, and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree. Reading with an open, questioning mind led me to even question the existence of God but brought me back to God where I found the truth that set me free from the most extreme form of spiritual abuse—spiritual terrorism!
The spiritual abuse I experienced was not due to my loving, devoted parents but to various, spiritually abusive churches attended, radio and TV evangelists, and Fundamentalist Christian literature. All of these sources have three things in common—a literal and legalistic interpretation of the Holy Bible and mixed messages of God’s love and Justice.
If you are a victim of spiritual abuse, this book contains the truth which will set you free as well, if you too read with an open, questioning mind. But, remember, minds are like parachutes—they only work when open! Fear closes minds to truth so it will take courage to read, weigh, and seriously consider the truth you will find in these pages. However, every minute of your time and every ounce of your energy will be richly rewarded with peace of mind and total spiritual freedom! For those of you who have been spiritually abused, without a doubt, this will be the best news you have never heard. It will also be the best news that you will ever hear! If you are among the very fortunate people who have never been spiritually abused, this book will increase your love of God and your service for God in helping other people. It appears that the vast majority of people has been and is being spiritually abused but few are even aware of it. They just assume that it is the way things are or even the way things are supposed to be. They may feel like something is terribly wrong but may be afraid to question the religious system in which they have been reared. Some do question and manage to get out of an abusive church only to get into another one that is little or no better—perhaps worse!
Being a survivor of spiritual terrorism has enabled me to relate to those who have been spiritually abused and to help them find peace with God in over 40 years of service in helping professions. This includes: public school counseling, pastoral counseling, substance abuse counseling, inpatient and outpatient therapy in a psychiatric hospital, my private counseling practice, teaching as an adjunct faculty instructor in the counseling department of a university graduate college, and providing spiritual care to dying patients as the chaplain of a hospice (a national and international organization which specializes in caring for those who are terminally ill).
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Board Certified Counselor, an Ordained Minister, and a Board Certified Chaplain. This broad-based education and training has made it possible for me to help the greatest number of hurting people through integration of psychology, philosophy, and theology. The number one reason patients get better in counseling is the "Therapeutic Alliance." This is the bond which develops between the patient and the therapist when the patient perceives that the therapist understands and is able to help. Clients are, thereby, motivated to do what is necessary to get well. Victims of various forms of abuse, especially spiritual, have reported this bond of confidence during my lifetime of ministry. In October of 2006, I retired from hospice after 14 years of service to patients, families, staff, and volunteers. Early retirement has given me time to write sharing my spiritual treasure trove of education and experience.
By writing this book, I hope to reach and help even more people find peace with God than I did during my lifetime of full-time ministry. It would, indeed, be gratifying if victims of spiritual abuse are still, through this book, finding freedom from fear and finding joy of living long after I have breathed my last breath and have gone to meet God, whom I grew up fearing as the cosmic tyrant but now love with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength! It is also my desire that the truth in these pages will promote unity among Christians and mutual respect between our brothers and sisters in the human family who are followers of other religions. There is a great deal of confusion and fear about religion, but it does not need to be this way.
