The Long Journey Home

by Schmutzer, Andrew J.

• ISBN13: 9781608993956
• ISBN10: 1608993957
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-10-01
• Publisher: Wipf & Stock Pub

Summary

Maybe the only thing new about sexual abuse is quality discussion from several professions (psychology, theology, and pastoral care). Here are the insights of over two dozen psychologists, theologians, and those in pastoral care, all targeting the issue of sexual abuse. Designed as a resource for Christian educators, therapists, pastors, social workers, group leaders, and survivors, The Long Journey Home combines current research in mental health with rich theological reflection, global concern with fervent pastoral wisdom for the local faith community. Whether you are a counselor, professor, pastor, or spouse of a survivor, you hold in your hand a fresh resource of information and advocacy for those suffering from the devastating effects of sexual abuse and rape. The breadth of material, biblical insight, discussion questions, and helpful resources gathered here just may be the tool of a generation. Book jacket.

Author Biography

Andrew J. Schmutzer is Professor of Biblical Studies at Moody Bible Institute (Chicago, Illinois). In addition to numerous articles and essays on the Old Testament, he has written the exegetical heology, Be Fruitful and Multiply, and co-edited a volume of essays on the Psalms, and he serves as contributing editor for the interdisciplinary journal Edification. Andrew and his wife, Ashley, also lead support groups for survivors.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. xiii
Acknowledgments	p. xix
Introduction	p. xxi
Facing the Many Challenges of Healing and Helping
Understanding Sexual Abuse through the Social Sciences
Definitions and Prevalence Rates of Sexual Abuse: Quantifying, Explaining, and Facing a Dark Reality	p. 3
The Dynamics of the Sexually Abusing Family: A Family Systems Perspective	p. 13
Sexually Abusive Relationships: Their Kinds and Dynamics	p. 28
Characteristics and Typologies of Sex Offenders: Understanding Abusers and the Risks They Pose	p. 42
The Role of Dissociation in Sexual Abuse: Current Research and Approaches in Healing	p. 60
Wife Rape: Personal Realities and Hope for the Future	p. 74
The Impact of Sexual Abuse on Sexual Identity: Exploring the Relationship between Childhood Sexual Abuse and Adult Sexual Identity	p. 90
Engaging Sexual Abuse through the Theological Disciplines
A Theology of Sexuality and its Abuse: Creation, Evil, and the Relational Ecosystem	p. 105
Sexual Abuse in the Old Testament: An Overview of Laws, Narratives, and Oracles	p. 136
Experiencing God's Healing Power: A New Testament Perspective on Sexual Abuse	p. 155
Forgiveness in Sexual Abuse: Denning Our Identity in the Journey Toward Wholeness	p. 169
Sexual Abuse and a Theology of Embodiment: Incarnating Healing	p. 186
The Nature of Evil in Child Sexual Abuse: Theological Consideration of Oppression and its Consequences	p. 197
Addressing Sexual Abuse through Pastoral Care
A Charge for Church Leadership: Speaking Out Against Sexual Abuse and Ministering to Survivors	p. 211
What Every Minister Should Know about Sexual Abuse: A Counselor Shares Some Concerns	p. 224
Spiritual Formation and the Sexually Abused: Redemptive Companionship	p. 235
Counseling the Abuse Victim: Integrating Evidence-based Practice Guidelines with Spiritual Resources	p. 248
Confronting Abuse: Fostering a Sense of Healthy Responsibility in the Abuser	p. 262
The Adult Survivor: What Healing Is and Is Not	p. 277
Healing the Wounded Heart through Ritual and Liturgy: Accompanying the Abused in their Healing	p. 293
The Effect of Sexual Abuse on a Woman's View of God: The Impact of Incest	p. 314
The Spouses of Adult Survivors: How to Respond Christianly	p. 325
Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors as Parents: Navigating a Difficult Path	p. 338
Appendices
Stories of Survivors	p. 357
Diane's Story
Dillon's Story
Mirandas Story
Sean's Story
Whitney's Story
Some Written Prayers for Survivors	p. 375
Web-based Resources	p. 403
Glossary	p. 411
Bibliography	p. 453
Contributors	p. 497
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