2006-11-30 07:29:02 · 15 answers · asked by sheepinarowboat 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
They should go to the pastor, in confidence, for counseling. He/she should use biblical proof the show why abuse is wrong. If that doesn't work the pastor has an obligation to report it to the authorities as a crime.
2006-11-30 07:38:29 · answer #1 · answered by Pamela K 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not entirely sure of what you mean....question's a bit unclear.
A spouse has no more "right" to "discipline" (abuse) a life partner than he/she does to any other member of the congregation. ASSAULT IS A CRIME. Period. New paragraph. It's a legal issue, and a victim has the right to be safe and free from harm and harassment.
And I'm afraid that many Western monotheistic groups (Christian, Jewish, and Islamic) have hidden, under-reported, and denied the real and ugly fact of family violence for years, to the detriment of families and the spirits/souls of the people. (Can't speak about Eastern religious groups; not enough data.)
If you're asking about whether it's legitimate grounds for a religiously-sanctioned divorce, with or without remarriage, talk to the church authorities. Same thing if it means possibly barring someone from the sacraments---although shame might just be one possible means of forcing an abuser to get into therapy.
But IMHO, cannot see WHY there should be any objection to physical and legal separation---lifelong, if necessary---in order to protect oneself from harm.
2006-11-30 08:28:19 · answer #2 · answered by samiracat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So what you're saying is, the church is above the LAW!
Spousal abuse in a crime! Therefore it is not in the realm of the church to past on, and the police should be contacted.
2006-11-30 07:34:06 · answer #3 · answered by tom_casper_2000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think ANY church can tell you how to handle that. They can help council you and give you advice or help you during the transition of separation/divorce. But I don't believe that God would punish or look at anyone as a sinner for leaving someone who is abusing them whether it be physical, emotional, mental, whatever. I think if you try with your whole heart to make a relationship work and your life is in danger or your relationship is unhealthy, you should leave and God will continue to bless you. I think the sin is when you cheat on your spouse and that is the reason for the breakup....when the breakup occurs for selfish reasons.
2006-11-30 08:41:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It should be punished more harshly than regular assault or abuse, since the parties involved are married and thus have a closer relationship than some random mugger-victim relationship.
2006-11-30 07:31:02 · answer #5 · answered by kingstubborn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It should be handled in the court system. If you are experiencing abuse, contact the authorities right away. Don't wait, don't be sorry.
2006-11-30 07:31:13 · answer #6 · answered by Nunya B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It should be handled by the police not a church.
2006-11-30 07:30:29 · answer #7 · answered by Quantrill 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's a criminal matter. The church should not be involved other than to possibly protect the victim.
2006-11-30 07:31:50 · answer #8 · answered by Jet 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think if someone hit someone in church the preacher should go whoop his a**!!! Or heck the whole congrigationl.
2006-11-30 07:31:31 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
O Prophet! when you divorce women, divorce them for the prescribed period, and thereafter reckon the period; and fear Allah, your Lord. Turn them not out of their houses, nor should they themselves leave unless they commit manifest indecency. These are the limits set by Allah; and whoso transgresses the limits of Allah, he, indeed, wrongs his own soul. Thou knowest not; it may be that thereafter Allah will bring something new to pass
2006-11-30 07:35:35 · answer #10 · answered by MUHAMMAD 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋