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Domestic Abuse Within the Christian Marriage

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Submitted By 1SimpleGirl
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Domestic Abuse within Christian Marriages
Linda J. Whitworth
Liberty University
Abstract
Domestic abuse has become a worldwide epidemic. It affects every part of life, from lost time at work to suicide or homicide. It effects every culture, every race, every gender and every socioeconomic background. When domestic abuse happens within the confines of a Christian marriage, it can shake the abused spouse to the core, causing her to question her belief in God. Women are told that they are to submit to both Jesus Christ and their husbands, acknowledging the husband as the head of the family. Sadly, this principle has been construed by abusive spouses as a coercive means in which to keep the abused (in this case, the wife) in complete submission. It is then threatened that should the wife try to leave or to seek help, she will be punished by God, thus sending a mixed message. For a woman of faith, holding on to God helps her to hold on to hope. Even through the questioning and the doubt, faith remains. Once they escape the abusive marriage, it is the victim’s faith that helps her start her life over, with a deeper knowledge of that faith and knowing that God will see her through anything.

Keywords: abuse, Christianity, domestic violence, faith, marriage, relationships

Domestic Abuse within Christian Marriages Abuse, in its most basic form means to hurt, mistreat, injure or insult (Briscoe & Hunt, 2009). There are many types of abuse, some more passive and some more aggressive. Whatever its form, it is still a means of controlling, manipulating and punishing someone (Briscoe & Hunt, 2009). Physical abuse is the most commonly known form of abuse. This can encompass such things as pushing, shoving, slapping, punching and any number of physical acts that can do bodily harm (Briscoe & Hunt, 2009). Other forms of abuse include, but not limited to,

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