Theological Gaslighting: Christian Sectarianism and Special Knowledge

“…Theological gaslighting can involve persistent contrariness during doctrinal discourse in which a person is perpetually told they simply “do not understand” the opposing opinion, despite directly quoting or referencing source material on the topic at hand. While such disagreements and conversations can be beneficial, ignoring the very real sectarianism and schismatic impulses of this phenomenon is dangerous. Indeed, Christians often are segregated by denominationalism and tribalism due to tertiary theological perspectives and, in some contexts, these theological households act almost as fraternities or sororities in which outsiders are considered “less enlightened” than those members of the in-group. This “special knowledge” that those in the know are privy to gives a sense of social cohesion and unity while simultaneously involving mental gymnastics and exegetical loopholes to maintain the framework.”