Macht durch Charisma

Spiritual abuse has recently received increased attention as a distinct phenomenon. Never-theless, scholarly research on the topic is still in its infancy. In this particular form of abuse, a religious authority figure heavily interferes with a person’s personal and spiritual freedom, attempting to control the “inner core” of the other person—often with traumatic conse-quences for the victim’s psychological integrity. Using two religious communities in the Diocese of Osnabrück and the Diocese of Münster as case studies, this study examines fundamental questions about this phenomenon: What conditions give rise to spiritual abuse? Which practices and mechanisms characterize and perpetuate it? Which theological convictions and anthropological concepts facilitate it? How have the diocesan administrations dealt with the communities and the related accusations? The project is designed as a practical theological study that combines a qualitative empirical approach, a pastoral historical perspective, and archival research. The core data consist of an extensive file analysis, and numerous interviews with victims, (former) community members, knowledge holders, and the diocesan officials responsible for the mat-ter. The findings of the analysis are intended, among other things, to strengthen prevention efforts.