Do you think church members contribute to abuse situations?

Question

Too often church members seem to be encouraged to remain in abuse situations and have faith that God will turn things around when they really need to get away and start afresh. Why do some give such misleading advise when they do not know what they are talking about?

I am a believer myself and I along with others over the years have been told to keep having faith and keep loving when in truth we needed to face up to the denial and get out of the situation fast. Some things do not have a happy ending.

Answer 1

First and foremost, it really depends on the church. My church speaks of faith in God in all situations, but it would never tell people to stick around if they are in danger or being abused.

I guess churches give misleading advice for the same reason that people outside the church give bad advice sometimes. Often, people have not completely thought out the implications of what is being preached. i.e. if I tell my congregation this, what could it possibly lead to.

Answer 2

I see it on the left and the right. Take any right wing rant, change a few nouns and it becomes a standard left wing rant. Fear and anger are a matter of power, not politics. People who are ignorant are easy to scare because, not knowing, they feel they have no choice but to accept what they are told as valid. They are easy to enrage because they can be told so-n-so is the enemy, and groundless charges can be attributed to them. I mean, nobody would accuse them if it wasn't true - right? Americans have spent a lot of time and trouble "deconstructing" their past. The result has been to destroy they myths that guided us. "Truth", it seems, has come at a high cost indeed. Without an anchor or a model to know of and respect, something crucial has been lost. I also see a lot of people using "truth" in the form of facts as a weapon. There is no tolerance, no respect. Makes for a pretty confrontational idea of social interaction, from what I have seen. And that is a good reason to be scared. As for the government fearing the voters, I think it's more contempt than fear. Social Darwinism never died out, and the idea that "rich people are better", especially the "old rich" and Ivy Leaguers like the Rockefellers and Kennedys. Thanks for the interesting question Take care.

Answer 3

Abuse is not tolerated in my church at all. We support a local women's shelter, and offer help to any who needs to escape an abusive situation. In our women's study classes we make it clear to each and every woman that you should not stay in an abusive home. We also do everything in our power to get the abuser help.
Personally, I wouldn't think twice about calling the police on a person who I knew to be abusing their spouse or children.

Answer 4

Some religions are into rules, as a matter of fact most are. God expects us to use our brains but yes some church members can be more into rules than into what the Bible says.

Answer 5

When was the last time you went to a bible believing church?
When did you hear a minister say to stay with an abusive mate?How many times?other believers?
What alternative help did you offer these people?

Answer 6

Ive never heard a believer ever say that people should stay in abusive relationships. I think that is just a stereotype of us that floats around among unbelievers.

Answer 7

I think it depends on the church. Mine would encourage the person to get away and even help them go.

Answer 8

There is more abuse outside of the church than in it.

Answer 9

Everyone has an opinion

It should be known that abuse should be stopped at any cost

Answer 10

And why is it that some criticize Christians when they themselves don't know what they're talking about?