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Mending the Soul, Second Edition: Understanding and Healing Abuse
A well-researched biblical and scientific overview of abuse--its various types and effects and how to heal from it.
Abuse can be sexual, physical, neglect, spiritual, and verbal. The chief arguments pursued throughout the book
Abuse is far more rampant than most Christians realize, but due to human depravity and satanic influence, widespread abuse is predicable.All types of abuse create profound, long-term soul damage due to the way abuse perverts various aspects of the image of God.God is the healing redeemer. Human salvation came through horrible physical abuse.Healing must take place in the context of relationships.Humans are deeply impacted by others due to being made in the image of God. Just as surely as abusive relationships have tremendous power to wound the soul, so healthy relationships have tremendous power to nurture and heal the soul. Questions answered in the book
How can a genuine believer abuse a child?Why would someone abuse a child?How can parents and children's workers identify abusers?How can abuse victims heal?What does genuine healing look like?Is anger appropriate or hurtful for abuse victims?Where does forgiveness fit in?This second edition has been updated to reflect research conducted and published in the past 15 years on abuse and trauma. It accounts for the significant social changes and increased mental health struggles in our culture, including dramatic escalation in rates of depression, anxiety, suicide, and isolation, which exacerbate the effects of abuse and complicate the healing process. Based on their now-extensive trauma care experience, this new edition helps readers how to minister to new domestic and global victims such as sex trafficking survivors, foster children, refugees, and survivors of genocide. Examples and illustrations are updated with more recent ones from high-profile abuse cases and the aftermath of the #MeToo movement. The appendixes include lists of helpful resources for child protection policies, worker/parent child abuse education, warning signs of potential abusers, and general abuse resources (books, internet sites, and organizations) to equip ministry leaders are provided in appendices. Illustrations, case studies, and art therapy drawings.
Abuse can be sexual, physical, neglect, spiritual, and verbal. The chief arguments pursued throughout the book
Abuse is far more rampant than most Christians realize, but due to human depravity and satanic influence, widespread abuse is predicable.All types of abuse create profound, long-term soul damage due to the way abuse perverts various aspects of the image of God.God is the healing redeemer. Human salvation came through horrible physical abuse.Healing must take place in the context of relationships.Humans are deeply impacted by others due to being made in the image of God. Just as surely as abusive relationships have tremendous power to wound the soul, so healthy relationships have tremendous power to nurture and heal the soul. Questions answered in the book
How can a genuine believer abuse a child?Why would someone abuse a child?How can parents and children's workers identify abusers?How can abuse victims heal?What does genuine healing look like?Is anger appropriate or hurtful for abuse victims?Where does forgiveness fit in?This second edition has been updated to reflect research conducted and published in the past 15 years on abuse and trauma. It accounts for the significant social changes and increased mental health struggles in our culture, including dramatic escalation in rates of depression, anxiety, suicide, and isolation, which exacerbate the effects of abuse and complicate the healing process. Based on their now-extensive trauma care experience, this new edition helps readers how to minister to new domestic and global victims such as sex trafficking survivors, foster children, refugees, and survivors of genocide. Examples and illustrations are updated with more recent ones from high-profile abuse cases and the aftermath of the #MeToo movement. The appendixes include lists of helpful resources for child protection policies, worker/parent child abuse education, warning signs of potential abusers, and general abuse resources (books, internet sites, and organizations) to equip ministry leaders are provided in appendices. Illustrations, case studies, and art therapy drawings.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2023
23 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 18, 2024
This is the updated edition to the original I read a few years ago, and once again I am blown away by this book. It is the most trauma-informed, deeply-researched source from a Christian perspective that I have read.
While I have a few hesitations with some of the more reformed-leaning theology and with a few brief mentions on bitterness that I do not agree with, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Mending the Soul—both the book and the ministry—to anyone wanting to learn more about helping abuse survivors in the church in a healthy, compassionate way.
I was hesitant to read the chapter on forgiveness, as I have found this topic to be frequently misused in harmful ways. But I was thankful to find this chapter was not only interesting and practical, it was also just as trauma-informed and thoughtful as the rest of the book. It gave me much to think about.
While I have a few hesitations with some of the more reformed-leaning theology and with a few brief mentions on bitterness that I do not agree with, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Mending the Soul—both the book and the ministry—to anyone wanting to learn more about helping abuse survivors in the church in a healthy, compassionate way.
I was hesitant to read the chapter on forgiveness, as I have found this topic to be frequently misused in harmful ways. But I was thankful to find this chapter was not only interesting and practical, it was also just as trauma-informed and thoughtful as the rest of the book. It gave me much to think about.
July 5, 2024
A heavy, but much needed topic of discussion in the church. While I don't agree with everything in this book, there is such a wealth of helpful, biblically-based, and wise insight here. I would highly recommend this book to every pastor and church leader, especially as abuse becomes more rampant; let's learn and do better, Christians!
June 21, 2025
wow, what an eye opener
I could be the poster child for this book. It was so insightful. I was taught and realized what abuse looks like. To say mending the soul was an eye-opener, is an understatement.
I could be the poster child for this book. It was so insightful. I was taught and realized what abuse looks like. To say mending the soul was an eye-opener, is an understatement.
September 7, 2024
Very strong on the "understanding abuse" and in that sense was quite helpful. Not as strong on the "healing abuse" and left me with questions of practical implementation.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews