Uncovering the Bible's Insights on Spiritual Bypass: What You Need to Know
Neither spiritual bypass nor spiritual abuse are expressly mentioned in Scripture. Even though these are modern words, Jesus addressed these concepts in the Bible. Jesus, as well as Paul, addressed religious groups in their twisting of God’s truths. Through scripture, it is clear that Jesus addressed leaders who implemented spiritual bypass rebuking the act strongly.
The Bible and Spiritual Bypass
Some theologians see Matthew 23 as the "unloveliest" passage in the gospels (Viljoen, 2018). The fundamental notion in Matthew 23 is to contrast the religious leaders' arrogance and deception with the humility and readiness to serve that Jesus expected of his disciples (Viljoen, 2018). Jesus accuses the religious authorities, "You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people's faces" (New International Version, 1978/2001, Matthew 23:13). Jesus makes it obvious that the Pharisees' actions is intended to make their own lives easier. Furthermore, Jesus asks the severe question, "How will you escape being condemned to hell?" (New International Version, 1978/2001; Matthew 23:13–33). Jesus says that, despite the religious leaders' claims to have the ability to accurately interpret the Torah, their actions reveal the opposite. Jesus accuses them of doctrines that are dishonest, misleading, untrustworthy, and deceitful. He refutes their assertion that they are the most skilled interpreters of the law, pointing out that their actions show otherwise. Jesus' answer to the leaders was not cruel; rather, he was pointing out the crimes he saw them doing such as manipulation, compulsion, robbery, and exploiting others for personal gain. The behaviors Christ rebuked the Pharisees and Sadducees for were examples of spiritual bypass and even spiritual abuse. He would not tolerate watching his children experiencing such twisting of His truths.
Additionally, Jesus addressed what happens when man tricks, ignores, threatens, and controls God's children. Jesus says, "You will soon regret it if you give them [God's children] a hard time by bullying them or by taking advantage of their simple trust" (The Message, 2005, Matthew 18:6). Jesus clearly states in this verse that there will be dire repercussions for hurting a child of God [which is everyone] in any way, which includes taking advantage of them. Furthermore, God cares for His children on all levels, including psychological ones, and wants them to be healed on all levels. His compassion extends beyond humanity's spiritual needs. He desires us to experience freedom in our wholeness and spiritual bypass can impede this.
Moreover, Paul in Ephesians 4:29 reminds man, “When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need– words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you” (emphasis mine) (New Century Version, 1991). When someone receives spiritual bypass often their needs are not heard. The one imposing the spiritual bypass may assume he or she knows what the other person needs or may not really want to hear the need of the other person. Therefore, what a person says without hearing what the other person needs, does not do good for the one listening and does not make them stronger.
Paul also addresses the harm that comes from adhering to a "different gospel" in 1 Timothy 4:1-2. In 1 Timothy 4:1, Paul forewarns that "...in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons" (my emphasis). Paul states that "such teaching comes through hypocritical liars…" (New International Version, 1 Timothy 4:12, 1978/2001). He also states unequivocally that "we do not distort the word of God, nor do we use deception." (2 Corinthians 4:2, New International Version, 1978/2001). James 3:7–10 is a further instance where Paul discusses the importance of speech.
God’s children are to build up one another, but to do so, people must listen to one another to know what the other person needs so they may know how to build up the other person up (New International Version, 1978/2001, 1 Thessalonians 5:11). Likewise, James 3:7-10 reminds us that individuals must be careful with their speech to not distort the image of God or cause divisiveness among Christ-followers. Also, James 3:17 states, “But the wisdom that comes from God is first of all pure, then peaceful, gentle and easy to please. This wisdom is always ready to help those who are troubled and to do good for others” (New Century Version, 1991). When man builds each other up, and the wisdom is pure, this will provide peace, and do good for others.
Robinson (2020) stated that the proper use of words is the main emphasis of James 3:1–12 text. Speaking is sometimes referred to as "the tongue" in the context of communication, and it is a symbolic means of conveying knowledge, direction, as well intentions. Unfortunately, it seems that using one's tongue to injure someone is more common than to provide kindness (Robinson, 2020). Moreover, James 3:7–10 clarifies the need for human repair and sets the standard by which human restoration is required. When people use healthy language, they reflect the image of God (Robinson, 2020).
Today’s Spiritual Bypass
Unfortunately, the Pharisees and Sadducees were not the only ones who engaged in spiritual abuse and bypass. As in the past, so is it in the present. Today these actions are still present. People use truths and scripture without considering the needs of the other person or the context and aim of the scripture or spiritual truth. Furthermore, although it might happen accidentally, it can also happen with the aim of maliciously hurting someone else. Either way, pain can result.
Grover et al. (2019) discovered that the more severe the actions of a person, whether deliberate or unintentional, the lower one's image of the leader's compassion, reducing the likelihood of forgiving and renewing the connection to the individual in any capacity. As a result, it is important to remember that whether someone purposely or unintentionally steps on another person's toes (literally), the pain is still present. Consequently, the pain of spiritual bypass, whether utilized purposefully or unknowingly, may still cause hurt.
Christians recognizing that speaking kindly (even when applying a hard truth) promotes a closer relationship with God and enhances the general harmony and welfare of others. Conversely, the existence of chaos or negative wellbeing in one's faith community may be indicated by an increase of disruptive or divisive communication. Even in seemingly peaceful religious communities, combative speech may cause harm and confusion. This may be shown by someone using spiritual bypass on another person, since this can distort God's image and lead a person to become separated from Christ or His community.
The Research
While full results of my research are beyond what is meant for this blog, I have incorporated some of the results here. These results reveal that spiritual bypass is happening, and the impact it has is hurtful, and, at times, devastating.
As noted previously, Ephesians 4:29 reminds us that what we say to others should be what they need and what will make them stronger. However, when an individual commits spiritual bypass toward someone, they may not really want to hear what the other person needs, or they may assume they know what the other person needs without really listening to the other person. Thus, a person does not benefit, or get stronger, from what the other person says if the individual does not consider the needs of the other person. Many participants in my research expressed feeling overlooked, rejected, and abandoned in their experience of spiritual bypass. This resulted in the overarching themes of marginalization of feelings, dismissal of personal struggles and challenges, and lack of trust in self, none of which made the participants “become stronger.”
Additionally, none of the participants who experienced spiritual bypass reported receiving wise words, peace, or confidence. Rather, they had a sense of being ignored, confused, guilty, and a loss of confidence. Because of their experience with spiritual bypass, and some spiritual abuse, nearly half of the participants no longer attend church. While none claimed to have stopped their relationship with Christ, they definitely expressed distrust in religious organizations. Neither God nor his word should be used in such a way that it results in His children not feeling safe with other believers. As James 3:10 declares, "Brothers and sisters, this should not be."
Conclusion
The Bible displays evidence of spiritual bypass and its harm. Jesus was clear in the repercussions of using such acts against his children. With knowledge we can stop the harm of spiritual bypass. If we see it happening, we must address it with boundaries or educate the person on what he or she is doing. If we are the ones doing it, we need to catch ourselves and make amends to the person we have committed the act towards. In doing so, we offer an opportunity for all God’s children to experience the truth and grace of Christ as he intended it.
References
Grover, S. L., Abid-Dupont, M., Manville, C., & Hasel, M. C. (2019). Repairing broken trust between leaders and followers: How violation characteristics temper apologies: JBE. Journal of Business Ethics, 155(3), 853-870. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-017-3509-3
Robinson, A. L. (2020). Reflecting the Image of God through Speech: Genesis 1-3 in James 3:1-12. Evangelical Review of Theology, 44(4), 313-323.
Viljoen, F. P. (2018b). The Matthean Jesus’ surprising instruction to obey the teachers of the Law and Pharisees. Hervormde Teologiese Studies, 74(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v74i1.4911