Books about marital abuse
These are some of the books by Christian authors that are available for use in self-education about marital abuse, both domestic violence and emotional/mental/verbal abuse. I have read only a small percentage of this list, therefore I naturally do not endorse every word, but I do believe the authors to be experienced in helping both the abused and the abuser. There is something to be learned from every person with whom we cross paths. Feel
Why marital counselling is not an option
It is natural for pastors and counsellors unfamiliar with the true nature of spouse abuse to assume that because a couple is married, meeting with them together makes sense. But the National Domestic Violence Hotline states that In order for couples counselling to be successful, both partners must be willing to take responsibility for their actions and make adjustments to their behaviour. Abusive people want all of the power and control in the relationship and
Reconciliation after separation
After an abuse victim has separated from her husband due to repetitive and serious sin, she will be faced with deciding what her response will be when he approaches her about getting back together. Whether he comes with charm, tears, or threats, it is crucial for her to first have full assurance that his heart is broken over the pain he has caused, he no longer minimises or justifies his sin, he welcomes consequences and
Freedom of speech, censorship, and the gospel
Note: I first started writing this post over two years ago, but never published it. Since the advent of the Charlie Hebdo massacre and subsequent hot debates about cartoon depictions, religious expression, and equating Christian and Muslim extremism, I have decided to finish and post it. Principles of free speech One of the great principles of the Free World is freedom of speech. "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the
Signposts of true repentance
"A truly repentant person does not negotiate the consequences of his actions."1 Scene: an abused wife has followed Biblical principles and the couple is now separated. One day, her unrepentant husband shows up at the door with her favourite flowers. He says he's had time to think about their relationship. He's sorry, it won't happen again, and he wants to get back together. He needs her. God's way is reconciliation (I Corinthians 7:11) and no
Biblical options for the emotionally abused
What should a wife do when her husband has a pattern of abusing her emotionally and verbally (but not physically)? Defining emotional abuse Abuse is not the occasional burst of anger, selfishness, or criticism. Genuine abuse equals the Biblical term “oppression.” Abuse is a pattern of toxic behaviour (see chart) intended to maintain control over the woman whom he vowed before God and witnesses to love, cherish, and protect. My post Defining Emotional Abuse further
New ebook! Resolution
Resolution: making your resolutions & making them happen is Jason Harris' brand new ebook and it is now available! You get one life. Just one. You live it. You use it up. And then it's gone. This is the reality that energises Jason's latest project, Resolution, making your resolutions & making them happen. The new year is the ideal time to assess your life to see if you're accomplishing what you're here to do. Jason
The Shepherd
His smile, the instrument of vice; The evil lurks beneath the nice. And truth, a shade to hide the light Dare never interfere with right. See wounded souls, they shrink in fear; He holds the sword of justice here. And woe to those poor sheep he leads, In pastures green, the shepherd feeds...
Biblical options for the physically abused
Question: Wouldn't a godly wife meekly submit “in everything, as to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:24)—including domestic violence—“til death us do part”? (statistically, death at his hand is a real possibility) Question: Isn't it “acceptable with God” to “endure grief, suffering wrongfully”? (I Peter 2 & 3) In a previous post, we saw that God hates abuse, labeling it evil and wicked. Will she “win” her husband by bowing to and enabling his sinful, wicked pattern
Benefits of dealing with the “too hard” box
If you commit to handling the "too hard" cases well, there will be some benefits. 1) Your "too hard" box will shrink. I'm not saying you'll have fewer difficult cases. You'll probably have the privilege of working with more difficult cases. What I mean is that there will be fewer and fewer problems which are too hard for you. As you work through difficult situations, you will find yourself more and more skillful at helping