Identity Crisis: The Cataclysm of Religious Propaganda and Church Culture

By Bishop John K. Vincent

Whenever a person allows their spiritual identity to be compromised, it immediately opens a door for them to be victimized, controlled, and manipulated by others, blurring the lines of their spiritual identity. Oftentimes, perpetrators have hidden motives and agendas in order to gain access to the hearts, minds, and even possessions of the vulnerable and unsuspecting.

Sadly, too many have been victimized by impostors in the church. These impostors have disguised their identity in the name of religion, using their influence, titles, and positions of authority to fleece the people of God.

The church has been under a cloud of great scrutiny for many decades because of the indiscretions and improprieties of leadership. This book will examine, explore, and expose a dangerous indoctrination and help to elevate our affinity back to our true spiritual Father.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798886169706

Book preview

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Identity Crisis

The Cataclysm of Religious Propaganda and Church Culture

Bishop John K. Vincent

ISBN 979-8-88616-969-0 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88616-970-6 (digital)

Copyright © 2023 by Bishop John K. Vincent

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Introduction

Manipulation Disguised in Religion

The Science of Church Psychology

The Origin of Identity Crisis

Who Are You?

The Debilitating Disease Called Tradition

Who Is Your Daddy (Spiritual Father)?

DNA Reveals You Are Not the Father

Say It Right, Portray It Right

Reclaiming Your Spiritual Identity

About the Author

To all victims and survivors of religious manipulation and abuse.

May you be healed in your spirit, soul, and body!

Introduction

Recent studies have revealed that fewer people are attending public worship gatherings and instead are searching for personal identity in their spiritual journey. Many have disassociated themselves from organized religion because of unfulfilled needs or disappointment! The reality is that many people began exiting the physical church building before the global exodus during COVID-19, and many are continuing to leave. Albeit very alarming, much of this trend is attributed to what I consider to be a major shift in Christendom, including a downward spiral and the exposing of corrupt leaders who hold positions of influence within the church. Consequently, this widespread phenomenon has provoked many to examine the relevance of the twenty-first-century church and to question its future identity. Has the church age, as we've known it, come to an end?

Many of the scandals and improprieties that have been exposed in religion stem from a rise of ungodly men and women who engage in activities that misrepresent the sanctity and sacredness of the kingdom of God. It's important to observe that the church has embraced a new liturgical paradigm while yet navigating through the past residue of entrenched indoctrination and tradition. If you really want to know the truth, a major shifting and sifting is occurring, and new leaders are emerging. God is raising leaders who truly understand their assignment!

The influence that a leader has over people should never be more important than the impact they make in the lives of the people they lead. The ultimate goal is to live an effective life in word and deed, bringing glory and honor to God. Pastors are called by God to shepherd and to lead those entrusted under their watch and care, protecting the flock from erroneous teachings and guiding them in the paths of righteousness. It is very important for every leader to understand the power of their voice and the clarity of their assignment and that spiritual authority does not replace or dismiss divine identity.

Many of you may be familiar with the term spiritual father. It is an identity in religion that, in my opinion, is a misused expression of piety and a misrepresentation of spiritual identity. This school of thought has undeniably perpetuated a systemic cycle of spiritual, physical, sexual, emotional, and even financial abuse within the church, causing many people to