Character Issues to Observe

Christian Counsellor George Hartwell makes observations based on professional training and 40 years of clinical experience

A Christian counsellor, especially one with 40 years experience in Christian counselling and holding a masters degree in clinical Psychology, has something of value to offer in understanding the personality and behaviour of Ralph Rutledge.

Three issues emerge from the first chapter of Demons in the Sanctuary.  These can be considered as initial observations of pastor Rutherford’s character.  In later chapters of the book we will look for further evidence to support these observations.

People with intimate experience of working with Pastor Rutledge as staff or volunteers will then be questioned to affirm whether or not these descriptions correspond to the facts according to their first hand witness of his life.

Boundary Issues        

In Chapter One of Demons in the Sanctuary it is reported that Pastor R. took over a church kitchen renovation project; nullifying decisions made by the kitchen committee, changing the plans and making private little deals on the side.  (Page 13)

This is a boundary issue because he is interfering in other people’s work and taking over responsibilities that were not his.  He is extending his own authority at the expense of others.

Character Issues

Dan is convinced that Pastor R. is a liar:  “He couldn’t tell the truth if his life depended on it!”  Dan says: “He knows exactly what the truth is, he is just incapable of telling it!”

“Well”, says Dan, “doesn’t the Bible have soothing to say about all liars going to Hell?”  Dan is on to something here.  Revelation 21:8 has liars joining murderers, the sexually immoral and others having their part in the lake which burns with fire.

Dan’s description is clear.  Pastor R. does not just lie sometimes; lying has become unstoppable.  He is a liar.  He is stuck in a sin identity.  This is a character issue.

Glory Issues

Isaiah’s vision of Lucifer is that he fell when exalting himself “above the stars of God.”  He was cut down imagining that he will be “like the Most High.” (Isaiah 14:12-15)

Dan noted that sitting under this “lying pastor” meant listening to him talk about himself not preach out of the bible.  Dan’s observation suggests that pastor R. may have a ‘glory issue.’  A glory issue occurs when we exalt ourselves, put the focus on ourselves and rob attention from God and the bible.  (Page 13)

Dan is pointing to a possible glory issue with pastor R.

Reading further in the Demons in the Sanctuary we will discover how the author develops the flaws in the main character.  

Indirectly we may find that we are learning about the character of Ralph Rutledge.  The contention of the Board Secretary and the others on the church board that met with me in person, is that the books main character is an accurate portrayal of Ralph Rutledge.  They confirmed the identification repeatedly.


George Hartwell M.Sc. Christian counsellor provides Christian counselling ( counseling / therapy ) through 90 minute in person sessions at his office in Mississauga.  As a professional Christian Marriage counsellor George provides Christian marriage counselling counseling for couples in Oakville, Mississauga, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.