(((happy101)))),

I think it was a good move on your part to present that book. In my opinion a church should be there to support victims and know that often victims feel that God has let them down and question their belief and faith. They don't want to hear that they should in any way allow the abuser forgiveness or a pathway to continue any abuse. I can't blame you for getting angry. You are right in keeping your distance from the abuse and the purpose of faith is to help you do that by allowing God to come in and help you, even though there was abuse that had taken place.

As far as the women who choose to stay with an alcoholic husband because they say, "That is the Christian thing to do" are only allowing themselves to be Codependants and further victims of abuse. The ONLY way that a woman CAN stay in a relationship with an alcoholic husband is IF he is actually pursueing a program like AA where he can recover and learn to respect him/herself as well as others. It IS a long difficult road, it is the road I traveled myself. I would not have a problem with any woman who chooses to walk away from an alcoholic. I would not support a woman who stays with an active alcoholic who continues to abuse others around him/her, especailly if there are children present who can suffer the consequences of abuse as well.

Stand your ground, you are right to speak up for victims and whoever is calling you and suggesting you continue to put yourself at risk with an abuser out of FAITH is extremely IGNORANT and should become better informed. It is a well known fact that an abuser will use ANY means to support their abuse, EVEN THE CHURCH.

((((Hugs))))
Open Eyes