The Church’s Role in Protecting Women from Abuse
There’s a topic that the church rarely addresses because it challenges long-held beliefs and practices. That topic is…
DOMESTIC ABUSE.
AND THE FAILURE OF SOME CHURCHES TO PROTECT VICTIMS.
The statistics and stories are heartbreaking. Churches should be sanctuaries, yet when it comes to domestic abuse, this isn’t always the case. Consider these alarming insights:
- Many churches have failed to support women experiencing domestic abuse, sometimes even siding with the abusers.
- Financial dependencies on male congregants lead some churches to overlook or downplay abusive behaviors.
- Errant theology from church leaders has led victims back into dangerous situations, exacerbating their suffering.
Despite Biblical teaching on love, care, and justice, domestic abuse remains a hushed reality in some Christian communities. Victims often face isolation, shame, and a lack of genuine support inside their faith communities, making it nearly impossible for them to find safety and healing.
In the Episode 124 of CHRISTIAN PARENT/CRAZY WORLD, I’m joined by Nancy Pearcey, an internationally acclaimed scholar and author known for dissecting cultural issues from a Christian perspective. Nancy shares her insights on transforming churches into safe havens for women, particularly those experiencing domestic abuse. Her book “The Toxic War on Masculinity” explores the damaging cultural narratives about men and calls for a more biblical understanding of masculinity.
Key Highlights include:
- Eileen Gray’s Case: Nancy and I dive into the harrowing story of Eileen Gray, a woman who faced severe and persistent abuse from her husband. Despite his eventual conviction and lengthy prison sentence for physical and sexual abuse, her church publicly shamed and excommunicated her and continued to support her abuser, illustrating a disturbing trend where churches fail to support victims and instead prioritize errant theology.
- Financial Dependency of Churches: Nancy delves into how some churches might refrain from alienating abusive men due to financial dependencies. This economic factor often leads to a tragic compromise on moral grounds, where the support and safety of victims are sidelined.
- Positive Sermons on Masculinity: A recent sermon at my church exemplifies how to reject toxic behaviors and underscores the importance of safe church environments for women. This kind of preaching is crucial for moving toward a healthier and more supportive church community.
- 35-Year Longitudinal Study: Nancy uncovers a significant 35-year longitudinal study that found fathers who are positively engaged have a major impact on their children’s faith journey. This confirms the importance of a loving and active fatherly presence in guiding children toward a strong Christian faith.
- Surprising Findings on Abuse: Committed Christian men produce the happiest marriages whereas nominal Christian men, who are Christian in name only, have the most divorce and abuse in marriage.
- Critique of Darwinian Theory: Nancy discusses how Darwinian evolutionary theory and societal stereotypes about masculinity have contributed to harmful views and behaviors among men. She argues for a return to viewing men and women as created in God’s image, which promotes a higher understanding and moral standard for behavior.
- Impact of Cultural Influences: The episode takes a close look at cultural figures like Andrew Tate and Myron Gaines, who advocate toxic masculinity ideals that even influence students in Christian schools. Nancy points out the dangers of these cultural influences and the need for a robust biblical response.
- Biblical Understanding of Masculinity: Biblical masculinity is presented as the antidote to what ails the church and our culture when it comes to toxic forms of masculinity.
- Call to Action for Listeners: The episode concludes with a strong call to action for listeners. We are encourage the body of Christ to ensure our churches are safe havens for all congregants and to consider leaving any church that advises victims to stay in abusive relationships.
Our churches should be sanctuaries, not battlegrounds for justice. In this episode, Nancy & I call churches to account, urging them to reflect Jesus’ love and protection for all congregants. If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic abuse, or you’re passionate about creating safer church environments, don’t miss this compelling discussion.
To hear this conversation on Life Audio, click on the image below:
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Episode Resources:
NANCY’S BIO: Nancy Pearcey is the author of The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes, as well as Love Thy Body, The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and Total Truth. She is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. She has been quoted in The New Yorker and Newsweek, highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today, and hailed in The Economist as “America’s pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual.”
OTHER EPISODES IN THIS SERIES:
Ep. 122 Why Does Our Culture Hate Men?
Ep. 123 How Christianity Transformed the Status of Women
EPISODE RESOURCES ON SEXUAL ABUSE IN THE CHURCH:
- EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthur Shamed, Excommunicated Mother for Refusing to Take Back Child Abuser (March 8, 2022)
- EXCLUSIVE: John MacArthur’s Church Supported Convicted Child Abuser & Pedophile, Records Show (March 17, 2022)
- Head of Counseling at John MacArthur’s School: Wife Should Endure Abuse Like Missionary Endures Persecution April 5, 2022
- Former Elder at John MacArthur’s Church Confronts Awful Patterns of Endangering Abuse Victims (Feb. 9, 2023)
Resources Referenced:
- · The Moral Animal: Why We Are the Way We Are: The New Science of Evolutionary Psychology by Robert Wright
- · Men and Marriage by George Gilder
