Bob Pardon, Judy Pardon
Saturday, June 25, 2022; 12:00 PM-12:50 PM
“The Bible has been used to enslave the individual to a system or group (that proclaims the “real” truth) rather than free them to become all that God desires them to be. This type of spiritual abuse is devastating and touches the very core of a person’s identity.”
Destructive, religious groups (mostly Bible-based cults) are by nature traumatizing environments, and trauma profoundly disconnects the member from their own self. Survivors of such spiritually abusive environments may experience many types of loss, however, the loss of one’s core sense of self, or one’s identity, is the most fundamental and damning. Attempting to reconnect with God under such circumstances can be filled with terror and thus virtually impossible. He is known only as a punitive Being; one who is distant, uncaring and unpleasable.
Therefore, attempting to connect with the true God first requires a sense of who “I” am – of being somebody as a valid and distinct individual. The survivor can then seek to develop an intimate relationship with the true God, never known in the destructive group.
This workshop will explore:
- Two initial critical principles, where the real struggle lies
- The components of identity, self-esteem triangle
- Traumatic disconnection across three continuums
- Strategies to reconnect with self and God
Bob Pardon
Robert Pardon, MDiv, ThM, is the Executive Director of the New England Institute of Religious Research (NEIRR) and MeadowHaven. During the past 10 years he has specialized in Bible-based communal groups and aberrational Christian groups. He also consults with law enforcement regarding destructive groups, and gives expert witness testimony. Both he and his wife, Judy, speak nationally and internationally on cults. Much of his work involves counseling, leading support groups, working with those born or raised in groups, and helping former members rebuild their lives. To facilitate the recovery process, MeadowHaven, a long-term rehabilitation facility, was opened in 2002. MeadowHaven can accommodate individuals or families who require long-term (up to a year) care to recover from trauma and cultic abuse. In 2014, Rev. Pardon received, with his wife, Judy, ICSA’s Herbert L. Rosedale Award.
Judy Pardon
Judy Pardon, MEd, has been a teacher and a counselor. Since 1992, she has been Associate Director of the New England Institute of Religious Research (NEIRR) and MeadowHaven, where she has worked with former cult members, including some who have experienced profound trauma. She has also spoken widely on the subject and conducted training programs for human-service personnel. In 2014 Ms. Pardon received, with her husband Robert, ICSA's Herbert L. Rosedale Award.
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