Curious Art: Freedom from Manipulation and Control

Since Eden, we have all fallen into-or fallen prey to-the abuse of power. It is not only the world but often, more subtly, the Church itself that encourages us to model ourselves after exploitative opportunists like King Saul. We are all too often dismissive of broken, humble shepherds like David.

In reality, both kings experienced the bondage of periergos, a biblical term describing the sorcery-literally, the curious art-of manipulation. Only one king broke free, through embracing vulnerability, surrender, and sacrificial love. David knew this as the heart of God. Saul despised it as the weakness of the flesh. Jesus preached it as enemy-love. We Christ-followers are called to cherish such values as the way of the cross, yet all too often the practice of manipulation has instead become normative in our churches.

In journeying with these two biblical kings-and the many brave, vulnerable men and women whose stories are contained in this book-we will learn how to resist and find healing from the abuse of authority. And as we ourselves identify and put aside the tools of the trade that support this idolatrous craft, we will go on to become men and women after God's own heart, leaders who can change the world.