John MacArthur’s bad shepherding and how churches respond to domestic abuse.

Saiko Woods has interviewed me about the church's responsibility to respond to domestic abuse, and how John MacArthur and Grace Community Church (GCC) treated Eileen Gray and David Gray. In the interview, Saiko asked me six questions. I've put time stamps for where each question occurs in the video. What contributing factors were involved in… Continue reading John MacArthur’s bad shepherding and how churches respond to domestic abuse.

James Dobson’s article “A Violent Spouse”

What is wrong with James Dobson's reply to this letter from an abused wife?  I invite my readers to analyse and critique the advice Dobson gives. Note: Dobson's article was published at his blog in 2015. It appears to have been scrubbed from his site now, but it can be found in the Internet Archive… Continue reading James Dobson’s article “A Violent Spouse”

Naghmeh’s story Part 2

Naghmeh Pahani's second interview with Julie Roys has been published. I highly commend it. Naghmeh’s Story: Abuse and Betrayal Behind #SaveSaeed, Part II If you have suffered domestic abuse, I think you will find things you relate to in Naghmeh's story. If you want to help victims of domestic abuse, I think you will learn… Continue reading Naghmeh’s story Part 2

Naghmeh Abedini tells of abuse and betrayal behind #SaveSaeed — interview by Julie Roys

Naghmeh Abedini Panahi endured horrific abuse from her husband Saeed, who was a pastor. Like most Christian women who are abused by their husbands, it took Naghmeh many years to realise that she was an abused woman. The purity culture in churches, common misinterpretations of Proverbs 31 and other scriptures, her Iranian cultural background and… Continue reading Naghmeh Abedini tells of abuse and betrayal behind #SaveSaeed — interview by Julie Roys

We can learn a lot about wise reconciliation by comparing and contrasting our own situations to that of Joseph

1. When Joseph tested his brothers so stringently, he came from a position of robust health, self-confidence and social approval. The abuse Joseph suffered, whilst grave, was not so extreme, soul-destroying or prolonged that he was permanently damaged. Joseph’s trauma was relatively light compared to the trauma of long-term domestic abuse, repeated rape, child abuse,… Continue reading We can learn a lot about wise reconciliation by comparing and contrasting our own situations to that of Joseph

Australia’s Family Court is ordering children into unsafe situations

Australia is not the only place where children are being forced to have contact with abusers by the legal system.  Caution: For some readers, some of the linked articles may be triggering. What is the so-called evangelical church doing about any of this? I answer that ^ question at the bottom of this post. I… Continue reading Australia’s Family Court is ordering children into unsafe situations

Apologies—the good and the bad. Wade Mullen’s wisdom from observing institutional apologies.

Fake apologies employ self-justification. They appease just enough to quell resistance. They excuse the abusers and condemn the victims. Real apologies involve surrender, confession, recognition and empathy. What I’ve Observed When Institutions Try to Apologize and How They Can Do Better by Wade Mullen. Too often the words "We are sorry" are casually offered and… Continue reading Apologies—the good and the bad. Wade Mullen’s wisdom from observing institutional apologies.