PALESTINE — Question: I am very concerned about a person associated with our church that seems psychologically off. He seems to have convinced a bunch of people that he is super spiritual and has some kind of special connection with God that no one else has. It’s like a whole church group is almost worshiping him instead of God. His compulsive behavior and obsession with spiritual matters seems to grow as the people become more in awe. He says God is audibly talking to him all the time. I need to know what to do. I have already spoken up and was told that I am jealous, of little faith, and getting in the way of the Lord. I and my wife are no longer comfortable attending this church, and we have decided to leave. However, I am worried about some relatives that I will leave behind. They won’t listen to me, and my relationship with them is in jeopardy. What should I do?

Answer: Unfortunately, you have brought up a problem that may manifest itself in churches more than we realize. Certain psychological disorders can make people obsess over spiritual issues. These people can appear to be normal in many ways and they believe they are normal. You have described a common cluster of symptoms in such situations: hearing voices, convincing people they have a direct link to God others don’t have or can’t get, and obsessions linked to religious-oriented issues. These obsessions can be such things as: never talking about anything else but religion; church workaholism; and compulsively reading the Bible. There is nothing wrong with talking about religion, working at church, or reading the Bible. However, there is a healthy balance to be had. Those who have psychological issues that manifest themselves in a religious vein will be way out of balance.

The sad thing is that a good number of well-meaning church people cannot see the earmarks of psychosis because it’s masked as spirituality. This is one of the reasons Scripture states, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1, NIV).

First, understand that others in the group may share your doubts but are afraid to speak up. They can be afraid of losing relationships or being wrong and ultimately of making God mad.  Therefore, I am thankful that you have the courage to speak up and remove yourself and your family from the situation. Depending on the extent of this person’s psychosis, he can cause minor to extensive damage on multiple levels. You should not sacrifice your family in preference for this church or for relatives who refuse to listen to you.  

Second, it sounds as if you have done the best you can to warn people-including your family members-of the truth. If they won’t listen, there is nothing you can do. Jesus Christ never forced anyone to believe truth. He simply stated it and let people make their choices.

Third, in most situations like this, the truth eventually comes out. Unfortunately, it often happens after many people get hurt. Rest in the knowledge that you are getting out before you and your family get hurt. Commit the situation to prayer and take heart in finding another church family that is balanced. You will be amazed at the peace God will give you. And don’t be surprised when a few of your friends and family eventually confess that you were right.

  

The author of 54 books, Debra White Smith holds an M.A. from U.T. and is the featured relationship specialist on the Fox News Radio Show, “Plain Jane Wisdom.” She and her husband, Daniel, co-pastor Palestine Church of the Nazarene. For more information, visit www.debrawhitesmith.com. Got a problem? E-mail Debra at askdebra@live.com.