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BOOKS

NO PLACE FOR ABUSE

BIBLICAL & PRACTICAL RESOURCES TO COUNTERACT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

 

By Catherine Clark Kroeger & Nancy Nason-Clark

 

200 pp., Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001, $10.99, paperback.

 

Scholarly and passionate, this book presents a strong case for compassionate support of abused women. However, more than just a book, it is a toolkit for intervention in abusive situations. Based on the work of the International Task Force on Abuse, formed by the Women's Commission of the World Evangelical Fellowship, the authors describe domestic abuse from an international perspective, including the disastrous effect of subordinationist doctrine exported from North America.

  
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The overwhelming witness of international research demonstrates how prevalent and serious the problem of abuse has become around the world. The authors also build a case for the church to work with secular agencies to provide the help and protection that battered women need, as well as hope for abusers through group therapy.

 

Although the book is sprinkled with stories of real situations, it is not a quick read, and it sometimes becomes tedious and preachy. The authors refuse to treat the problem lightly. They offer serious help for complex problems. The book is loaded with resources, such as research statistics, interview guides, assessment tools and copious Scripture references.

 

The outstanding aspect of the book is the solid biblical foundation for protecting lives before preserving abusive marriages. The authors present fascinating insights into the Scriptures, including an excellent exegesis of the passages related to violence and to divorce.

 

Six appendices provide a wealth of material, including Scripture passages and principles for dealing with abuse, Scripture passages that offer comfort and hope to victims, intervention resources for pastors, educational resources, Bible studies for groups and resources for congregations. An extensive reference list concludes the book.-JAS

 

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

WHAT EVERY PASTOR NEEDS TO KNOW

 

By Al Miles

 

208 pp., Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress Press, 2000, $18.00, paperback.

 

Although written for pastors, this book applies equally well to nurses. Miles, a hospital chaplain, shares his experiences with victims of domestic abuse and with caregivers who compound their pain by ignoring the problem, excusing the abuser and blaming the victim. He begins with setting the record straight on the biblical passages often used to justify abuse, examining the concepts of male headship, female submission, equality between the sexes and divorce.

 

Next, the author exposes four myths surrounding domestic abuse: 1) There are no abused women in my congregation (25 percent of all American women will be abused by an intimate partner); 2) Christian survivors need only faith, prayer, a positive attitude and God to be freed from domestic violence (they need protection and long-term counseling); 3) Domestic violence occurs only in certain cultural, racial and socioeconomic groups, and only in urban areas (it occurs equally among all groups); 4) Victims can stop the battering by changing their behavior; this will save their marriage and families (the battering is not their fault).

 

Throughout the book, Miles allows abused women to speak for themselves. Many of these were nurses in the hospital where Miles is chaplain. Chapter three is devoted wholly to survivors' stories. Chapter four deals with the difficult problem of whether abusers can change. The answer is maybe, but lasting change is rare and requires strong motivation and hard work on the part of the abuser.

 

Chapter five deals with the complex issue of forgiveness, providing some excellent biblical background on the true meaning of forgiveness. Miles contends that, while forgiveness is an invaluable aspect of the survivor's healing process, it does not mean reconciliation, forgetting or accepting the abuse. It is the process of "letting go." He encourages those supporting abuse victims to "be long on listening and short on advice," not pressuring the survivor to forgive an abuser or to stay in a dangerous marriage.

 

The book concludes with words to pastors and the church, followed by resources for further reading.-JAS

 

RELEASED FROM SHAME

MOVING BEYOND THE PAIN OF THE PAST

 

By Sandra D. Wilson

 

200 pp., Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002, $10.99, paperback.

 

Beginning with her story of abuse and shame, the author, a seminary professor and counseling consultant, describes how shame develops and how it can be overcome. She divides shame into three categories: biological (a child's time-limited, natural response to the observable differences between children and adults); biblical (an appropriate, healthy response to our sinfulness); and binding (rooted in childhood experiences in the family and in children's limited capacity to accurately interpret them). She compares healthy and unhealthy families, then explains the rules in unhealthy families: be blind, be quiet, be numb, be careful and be good. After describing the various types of abuse that occur in families, she shows how shaming also happens in Christian families. The rest of the book deals with the process of change and release from shame, including issues involving flaws, feelings, over-dependency and concepts of God. Finally, the book covers what we are released from shame to do: to forgive the shamers, to release our children from shame and to claim our potential and purpose.

  
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Each chapter is short and engaging. Filled with stories that illustrate points and pithy summaries of information provided, the book is readable and practical. Each chapter ends with points for personal reflection.-JAS

 

DECEIVED BY SHAME

DESIRED BY GOD

 

By Cynthia Spell Humbert

 

239 pp., Colorado Springs:, Navpress, 2001, $14.00, paperback.

 

This book examines how shame develops as a result of sin-both through various forms of abuse and through poor personal choices. With a solid foundation in Scripture, the author shows how shame is passed on in families from one generation to another and reveals the long-term affects of abuse. While laying out clear principles, the author, a former therapist with the Minreth-Meier Clinic, provides many illustrative stories of how others have faced these problems in real life.

 

Chapters deal with the problem of the inauthentic church where members are expected to appear perfect, while dealing with addiction, broken boundaries of sexuality, abortion, body image, eating disorders and the crushing blow of divorce. The final three chapters affirm our value in God's sight, along with his healing love and plan of grace. The last chapter considers how we can leave a legacy of glory rather than shame. The author suggests practical ways to do that, including: 1) be a giver (of time, love, acceptance and encouragement); 2) be authentic; 3) be a good listener; 4) be a forgiver; 5) be an imitator of God; 6) be a person of prayer; 7) be a dream builder, and 8) be a reconciler.

 

Each chapter has a parallel Bible study at the end of the book. The studies seem more appropriate for personal reflection and journaling than group discussion, but they could be adapted. It would probably take much more than one session to finish each study if all the questions were included in the discussion.-JAS

 

THE IVP WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY

Edited By Catherine Clark Kroeger & Mary J. Evans

 

874 pp., Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002, $29.99, hardback.

 

How many times have you been reading through Scripture when you came upon a passage that seemed to degrade women or limit their ability to participate fully in the church? I've been reading through the Old Testament and keep coming to passages where the enemy's wives and daughters are considered part of the spoils of war for the Hebrew men. How could God allow that? Then there are the New Testament passages where women are told to keep quiet in church or are forbidden to have authority over men, while in other passages Priscillais obviously Paul's teacher and Lydia is a church planter. How can we reconcile these seemingly conflicting passages? Most available commentaries either ignore the women's issues, or come down hard from a male perspective. This commentary is different.

  
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The authors confront hard issues involving women head-on, with fascinating insights from the cultures and worldview of the times and places where these biblical accounts took place. Instead of the apparent abuse and devaluing of women that we see by reading through our own cultural perspectives, we begin to see God's vision for how men and women were created equal to work together in God's kingdom.

 

Not only do the authors focus on specifically women's issues in the Bible, but they look at all of Scripture through the eyes of women, seeing the human side of war, violence and abuse, suffering, values, children, family, relationships, sexuality and community. This is a delightful new aid for Bible study that lends a refreshing new perspective on the Scriptures.-JAS

 

IN HER OWN TIME

WOMEN AND DEVELOPMENTAL ISSUES IN PASTORAL CARE

 

Edited By Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner

 

386 pp., Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress Press, 2000, $21.00, paperback.

 

This scholarly, multiple-authored volume is written from a gentle, feminist perspective, both theologically and practically. The authors dare to ask questions most Christian avoid and challenge long-established theories, such as the age-stage developmental theories of Erik Erikson, Jean Piaget and James Fowler. They explore theories developed by women and propose alternative perspectives based on scholarly research. Most of the authors hold academic degrees in both theology and professional disciplines.

 

The book begins with an essay on incar-national theology and reinforces the importance of the body in Christian theology. Part one addresses developmental themes: seasons and stages, socioeconomic class, narratives of harm, understanding the impact of trauma on development and the role of horror in spiritual development. Part two examines developmental passages: infancy through menarche, adolescence, mothering, peri-menopause, menopause, becoming an ancestor (end of life) and older widows. Part three sets a healthy pace for development by exploring various issues including female clergy, self-care for the African-American woman, food, being single and living with disabilities.

 

While the effects of violence and abuse form only a portion of the book's focus, their impact is addressed throughout the book. The vulnerability of women to power abuse in our culture shapes the way women develop emotionally and spiritually.

 

This collection of essays will stimulate your thinking, raise troublesome issues that you might prefer to ignore and challenge you to ask more questions. It made me wish I could travel around the country to audit the courses these women teach.-JAS

 

BOOK BRIEFS

JCN receives more books than we have space to review. Book Briefs are short synopses based on publishers' descriptions. JCN staff have not read or evaluated these books.

 

TRANSFORMING FIRE

WOMEN USING ANGER CREATIVELY

 

By Kathleen Fischer

 

202 pp., Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 1999, $14.95, paperback.

 

Anger can be a difficult emotion for many women. This book helps women to look at anger in its many complex dimensions-cultural, intellectual, physical and spiritual. Fischer, a theologian, counselor and spiritual director, incorporates perspectives from poetry, literature and the social sciences, as well as Christianity and other religions. She suggests ways to direct the energy of anger in positive ways and to integrate love and anger. She explores the role of anger in developing self-esteem, living in intimate relationships and dealing with conflict, then discusses how to work with anger in order to move beyond either suppressing or venting it.

 

AUTHENTIC HUMAN SEXUALITY

AN INTEGRATED CHRISTIAN APPROACH

 

By Judith K. Balswick and Jack O. Balswick

 

306 pp., Downers Grove IL: InterVarsity Press, 1999, $24.99, hardback.

 

In the face of the many distortions of sexuality in our culture today, what constitutes authentic human sexuality? The authors, a sociologist and a marital and family therapist, attempt to answer that question using principles gleaned from sociology, psychology and theology. They investigate how human sexuality originates both biologically and socially and lay the groundwork for a normative Christian interpretation of sexuality. They also cover such topics as homosexuality, premarital and extramarital sex, sexual harassment, sexual abuse, rape and sexual violence, pornography and sexual addiction.

  
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THE TRUTH ABOUT MALARKEY

By Dee Ann Miller

 

123 pp., 1stbooks Library (http://www.1stbooks.com), 2000, $11.00, paperback

 

In this fictional account of sexual abuse and collusion in a Texas congregation, Great-grandma Cora tells what she has seen and heard around her community-to a New York reporter and in a letter to her great-grandson, Davey. Written by JCN author Dee Ann Miller in a chatty, colloquial style, the story is sometimes hard to follow, but it clearly represents the confusion, anger and frustration experienced by victims of abuse.

 

WOMEN'S LIBERATION, JESUS STYLE

MESSAGES OF SPIRITUALITY AND WISDOM

 

Edited By Stephanie Bibb

 

138 pp., Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001, $12.99, paperback.

 

In this multiple-authored volume, a collection of outstanding African-American preachers address phenomenon that have altered the face of society-the empowerment of women and the collective quest for richer and more meaningful lives. They address topics such as building self-esteem, strengthening relationships, overcoming external obstacles and coping with grief and pain. They find their answers in the wisdom of the Scriptures and faith in God.

 

MY FRIEND IS STRUGGLING WITH PAST SEXUAL ABUSE

By Josh McDowell and Ed Stewart

 

54pp., Nashville: Word Publishing, 2000, $3.99, paperback.

 

With this true-to-life account, Josh McDowell and Ed Stewart offer biblical insights and practical instruction on dealing with past sexual abuse. The information provides insight on how to comfort, encourage and support friends dealing with abuse issues.

 

If you are a victim of sexual abuse, you'll learn how to move toward wholeness. This book is ideally suited toward teens.

 

RESTORING THE WOUNDED WOMAN

By Melinda Fish

 

246 pp., Grand Rapids: Spire, a division of Baker Books, 2001, $6.99, paperback.

 

Fish addresses women who find that their hope is gone. She walks readers through a healing journey from despair to restored hope and faith. The wounded woman has a hole in her soul where her faith used to be. Her prayers are unanswered and disappointments abound. Her journey through life is on automatic pilot.

 

Fish explores the unique battles a woman faces, the weapons formed against her, and the many masks her enemy wears. The book does not offer a quick fix, but a pathway to higher ground. Marriage, intimacy, anger, death of dreams and many other topics are addressed.

 

UNVEILING DEPRESSION IN WOMEN

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING AND OVERCOMING DEPRESSION

 

By Archibald Hart and Catherine Hart Weber

 

233 pp., Grand Rapids, MI: Revell a division of Baker Book House Co., 2002, $12.99.

 

At some point in her life, nearly every woman will experience some level of depression. The authors, experienced therapists, offer a holistic approach of counseling, health care, faith, and medication when needed. Aproactive approach can often help one overcome depression.

 

NO MORE VICTIMS

AN UNDERDOG WHO CAME OUT ON TOP CHALLENGES YOU TO PUT A STOP TO BULLYING IN YOUR SCHOOL

 

By Frank Peretti

 

64 pp., Nashville: Word Publishing Group, 2001, $2.99, paperback.

 

Peretti writes from his experiences of being bullied throughout his school years. Frank had cystic hygroma, which affected his face and body size. As a result of constant bullying and teasing, he eventually viewed himself as a monster.

 

Pertetti says that bullying, abuse, tormenting and teasing must stop. Many victims of abuse think it is their fault or that the abuse is justified. Nothing could be farther from the truth. He tells readers that victims of abuse and bullying do not have to tolerate abuse and to stand up for themselves, and suggests others in a supportive role, do so as well. No More Victims is designed as a giveaway to students for them to join the fight against bullying. It is written for youth ages 10-18.

 

VIOLENCE IN FAMILIES

WHAT EVERY CHRISTIAN NEEDS TO KNOW

 

By Al Miles

 

144 pp., Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress, 2002, $12.99, paperback.

 

Victims of family violence attend church regularly. The warning signs of abuse can be hidden or disregarded. What are victims hearing from their pastors and congregations? How does this help them deal with the abuse they are experiencing? Most experience silence.

 

Al Miles states that as faithful Christians we must respond in three significant ways. First, we must help victims of violence find a safe place. Second, we must help to hold the abuser accountable, legally and otherwise. And, we must support the restoration of the relationship based on two conditions: the goals of safety and accountability must be accomplished and the battered woman must freely choose to attempt to heal the relationship, trusting that she is safe and that her abuser has truly repented.

 

The author holds up a mirror to our churches and our Christian homes. He points out how churches can respond with a solid foundation of awareness and commitment to action. He confronts the issues surrounding family violence, its causes and possible solutions. He offers guidance for people experiencing domestic violence and lay people wanting to respond in appropriate ways.

 

Subjects covered include: hidden dynamics of domestic violence, religious beliefs that work against battered women, teen dating and clergy working as partners with community service providers.

 

SHARED GRACE

THERAPISTS AND CLERGY WORKING TOGETHER

 

By Marion Bilich, Susan Bonfiglio and Steven Carlson

 

230pp., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Press, 2000, $49.95 hardcover, $24.95 paperback.

 

The authors suggest a framework within which mental health professionals and clergy can work together to provide people in need with the appropriate psychological and spiritual services needed. This guide breaks down walls between psychology and religion, giving proven methods to victims and those helping them.

  
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Topics include the effects of childhood abuse, goals of treatment, the transforming power of love, types of collaboration, establishment of support groups, healing interventions and therapists and clergy working together.

 

ANGRY PEOPLE

AND WHAT WE CAN LEARN FROM THEM

 

By Warren W. Wiersbe

 

139pp., GrandRapids, MI: Baker Books, 2001, $10.99, paperback.

 

This book takes a look at several biblical characters and shows how anger worked for good or bad in their lives. As you learn about people in the Bible who felt the fire of anger, you will gain understanding of how to control and use anger the way God intended. Wiersbe points out biblical principles to help readers control and display anger in a way that protects, builds up and brings glory to God.

 

HEALING OUR ANGER

SEVEN WAYS TO MAKE PEACE IN A HOSTILE WORLD

 

By Michael Obsatz

 

72 pp., Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress, 2000, $12.99

 

This practical resource helps those wrestling with anger to approach life with a more relaxed, realistic attitude, which results in a decrease of angry outbursts. The author challenges readers to implement real and meaningful change in relating to ourselves and others. Obsatz identifies spiritual themes and practices that heal anger and offers alternative ways of living with anger.

 

Topics include: how does anger work, avoiding hostile confrontations, learning to destress yourself, instilling in yourself realistic attitudes and nourishing yourself through spiritual resources.

 

WHY DOES GOD ALLOW SUFFERING?

By Ralph O. Muncaster

 

48 pp., Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2001, $4.99, paperback.

 

The book offers helpful insight into the critical questions regarding suffering. The claims of the Bible regarding this passionate subject are unpacked in a quick, easy to read style. This is an excellent resource tool.

 

STRENGTH FOR HIS PEOPLE

A MINISTRY FOR FAMILIES OF THE MENTALLY ILL

 

By Steven Waterhouse

 

120 pp., Amarillo, TX: Westcliff Press, 2002 (second edition), $4.00, paperback.

 

The author's younger brother suffers from mental illness. As a result, the book is packed with practical suggestions from a family member who understands how mental illness torments the individual and his family. Each of the six chapters is followed by questions and thoughts to consider. The book provides emotional support to families in this situation and is a helpful tool for Christian counselors and those in the mental health field. To order, write: Westcliff Press, P.O. Box 1521, Amarillo, TX, 79105 or http://www.webtheology.com.

 

DISCOVERING GOD'S HEART FOR SUFFERING WOMEN

A 40-DAY PRAYER PILGRIMAGE

 

By Gwen McVicker and Idelette McVicker

 

168 pp., Vancouver, BC, Canada: Vision Publications, 2001, $19.00, paperback.

 

Using this book could change your life and the life of abused women all over the globe. That is the hope of authors Gwen and Idelette as they ask you to join them in praying and journaling through issues of abuse. The book is filled with practical information to help you help yourself or others suffering from abuse. And, the focus is global, addressing various types of abuse suffered by women of all nations. To order contact Women's Commission, World Evangelical Alliance, PO Box 362, Shafter, CA93263.

 

JOURNALS

JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND ABUSE

Edited By Marie M. Fortune

 

Binghamton, NY: The Haworth Press, Inc., $45 per year.

 

This journal covers a broad range of physical and sexual abuse issues from a religious perspective in an international, interdisciplinary and inter-religious context. Topics include rape, sexual abuse of children, incest, sexual harassment, battering and child abuse, as well as sexual abuse by clergy and religious leaders. This peer-reviewed, quarterly journal uniquely joins theory and practice, encouraging critical thinking about the issues surrounding abuse and its prevention and intervention. The editor is executive director of The Center for the Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence. You can order the journal at 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580.

 

BIBLE STUDIES

REDEEMING FAILURE

By Michael M. Smith

 

94pp., Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1999, $7.00, paperback.

 

Does failure frighten you? Get beyond the paralysis of failure, and learn that failure isn't final. It can be a necessary discipline to help you grow in Christ. Drawing on articles from Discipleship Journal, questions, quotes, Scripture, and related exercises, the eight sessions this discussion guide will move you beyond a sense of failure to hope for the future.

 

THE PATH TO SEXUAL HEALING

A BIBLE STUDY

 

By Linda Cochrane

 

87pp., Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000, $8.99, paperback.

 

With sensitivity and honesty, the issue of sexual sin and recovery are addressed. The book is for those who have been sexually abused and those who have hurt others or themselves through sexual sin. The author invites readers to dig into God's Word and discover his person, forgiveness and expectations regarding this difficult subject. The study can be done individually or with a small group.

  
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WOMEN OF THE OLD TESTAMENT

By Gladys Hunt

 

63 pp., Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002, $5.99, paperback.

 

Eve, Sarah, Hagar, Miriam, Rahab, Ruth, Naomi, Hannah, Abigail, Esther and others-they were ordinary women. Some of them were unloved and disreputable, yet they made critical choices with extraordinary results. Through faith and strong character they rescued their families, led people out of bondage, gave birth to kings and saved a nation. Each one demonstrates the far-reaching consequences of everyday actions. This book contains twelve studies.

 

SELF-ESTEEM

SEEING OURSELVES AS GOD SEES US

 

By Jack Kuhatschek

 

62 pp., Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002, $5.99, paperback.

 

The world tells us to believe in ourselves, but deep down, what we want to know most is what God thinks of us. These nine Bible studies on self-esteem will help you to understand both who you are and how Christ is restoring you to wholeness.

 

LETTING GOD BE GOD BIBLE STUDIES

By Dale & Juanita Ryan

 

46pp., Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002, $4.99 each, $39.92 complete set, paperback.

 

This series of eight Bible studies, developed by a Christian counselor and a psychiatric nurse, are based on the conviction that the spiritual life begins with God and receiving God's good gifts. The invitation to let God be God is a call to let God be who God really is and for us to be who we really are-God's needy children. Through reflections, Bible study and prayer, the guides in this series will help you experience God's presence in difficult situations. Each guide contains six studies for individuals or groups.

 

COMMUNITY

By Tobin & Joanne Heim

 

71 pp., Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2001, $7.00, paperback.

 

We yearn for security, friendship, acceptance, support and growth that community promises, but real Christian community doesn't just happen-it has to be built. In these six studies you will investigate what it takes to build skills, attitudes and behaviors that are essential for living in community with others.

 

MEN & WOMEN

By Tobin & Joanne Heim

 

77 pp., Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2001, $7.00, paperback.

 

Why does friendship between men and women often resemble a giant jigsaw puzzle with some key pieces missing-pieces like empathy, kindness, camaraderie, affection, transparency and trust? This interactive guide provides six sessions to help you discover what it means for men and women to be friends and interact as God intended, honoring and enjoying our complementary natures.

 

WOMAN OF GOD

By Cindy Bunch

 

63 pp., Downers Grove, Ill:, InterVarsity Press, 2002, $5.99, paperback.

 

These ten studies from the Old and New Testaments show us how to develop the traits of a godly woman: how to be strong, trustworthy, wise, resourceful, forgiving, beautiful, content and confident-and how to claim God's grace when we fall short.

 

SINGLENESS

A LIFE GROUNDED IN LOVE

 

By Ruth Goring

 

63 pp., Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002, $5.99, paperback.

 

Being single can feel like a fun adventure, or it can feel like an impossible aloneness. These ten studies explore what God's word and God's heart is for your life in singleness. Topics include finding God's presence in broken relationships, dealing with loneliness, facing temptation and living a life of thanksgiving.

 

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

By Rob Suggs

 

63 pp., Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002, $5.99, paperback.

 

One of the greatest gifts that Christ has given us is each other. Through his body, the church, we find our gifts and experience worship, healing and power. This guide's ten studies explore how we can grow in loving and nurturing each other.