Spiritual Abuse- What is is, What it isn’t, and How to See the Warning Signs

Abuse could be defined as the improper use of something; unjust or corrupt practice; or cruel and violent treatment of another person.

Spiritual abuse is abuse administered under the guise of religion or spirituality, including harassment or humiliation, which may result in psychological trauma. Spiritual abuse may also include misuse of religion for selfish, secular, or ideological ends such as the abuse of a clerical position.

There are extreme examples of this found in sexual abuse coverups and in cult groups like the Branch Davidians and the People's Temple. But also doctrinally sound, Biblically based churches or ministries can sadly delve into the territory of routinely using fear, guilt, or manipulation to produce unquestioning obedience, a sense of elitism, uniformity, or inappropriate loyalty- which could qualify as forms of spiritual abuse.  

But does every bad church experience qualify as spiritual abuse? When it spiritual abuse, and when is it just the brokenness or immaturity of church leaders or members?