PUTTING UP READILY WITH A DIFFERENT GOSPEL (PART V)
“Pharmacodynamics of a Rightly Divided Word of Truth” By Akin Ojumu Trauma bonding is the term used to describe the intense emotional attachment that forms between a victim of abuse and their abuser over a period of time. Despite the fact that the bond is damaging to their psychological, physical, and financial wellbeing, victims of abuse often develop a strong sense of loyalty towards their abuser. Stockholm syndrome is a specific, extreme form of trauma bond occurring during immediate, life-threatening captivity. Considering the abusive relationship that exists between the vast majority of church folks and the people they look up to as their spiritual leaders, you don’t have to be a licensed clinical psychologist to make a diagnosis of trauma bonding in the clergy-laity relationship dynamics. The fierce loyalty and the impassioned allegiance of many parishioners to their pastors, despite documented history of exploitation, manipulation, and deception on the part of the former, is evi...