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Untwisting Scriptures #5
Untwisting Scriptures to Find Freedom and Joy in Jesus Christ: Book 5 Brokenness & Suffering
When God Is Portrayed as an Abuser, Something Has Gone Wrong
You'll discover that you can . . .
— Reject the "God crushes His children" lie—those passages refer to God's enemies, not you
— Escape the "brokenness as lifestyle" trap and embrace God's call to healing and wholeness
— Demolish the "suffering as karma" deception—God doesn't orchestrate ongoing suffering as payback
— Break free from "suffering sanctifies" theology—only union with Christ produces holiness
— Disarm the "victim mentality" weapon used to silence genuine victims
— Master healthy boundaries using Jesus' example—He said no, withdrew from danger, and protected Himself
— Access greater capacity in Christ through God's sustaining presence, not through crushing
What Readers Are Saying
God is not an abuser. He is the Healer, the Restorer, the kind and faithful Shepherd who calls you to wholeness, not perpetual woundedness.
Have you been taught that God breaks His children? That embracing suffering makes you more holy? That setting boundaries is selfish?
These twisted teachings keep you trapped in spiritual defeat, believing God is an abuser instead of a Healer.
If you've been told to stay broken as "lifestyle humility," that your suffering is karma from God, or that calling yourself a victim is sinful—this book will set you free.
Church leaders weaponize Scripture to keep believers perpetually wounded. They teach that God crushes His children to make them usable, that suffering is the pathway to holiness, and that victims should focus on their own sin instead of seeking help. They condemn healthy boundaries as unspiritual and silence truth-tellers by accusing them of having a "victim mentality."
But these interpretations aren't biblical—they're spiritually abusive.
In Untwisting Scriptures to Find Freedom and Joy in Jesus Christ: Book 5 Brokenness and Suffering, Rebecca Davis exposes the Scripture-twisting that presents God as an abuser. With biblical scholarship and trauma-informed compassion, she shows you what Scripture actually teaches about God's restorative heart, healthy boundaries, and holiness.
You'll discover that you can . . .
— Reject the "God crushes His children" lie—those passages refer to God's enemies, not you
— Escape the "brokenness as lifestyle" trap and embrace God's call to healing and wholeness
— Demolish the "suffering as karma" deception—God doesn't orchestrate ongoing suffering as payback
— Break free from "suffering sanctifies" theology—only union with Christ produces holiness
— Disarm the "victim mentality" weapon used to silence genuine victims
— Master healthy boundaries using Jesus' example—He said no, withdrew from danger, and protected Himself
— Access greater capacity in Christ through God's sustaining presence, not through crushing
And much more. Group discussion guides are available without charge at heresthejoy[dot]com.
What Readers Are Saying
"I was told that it is dangerous and sinful to use the word victim, and to consider myself as such; and that Jesus never had boundaries, so I should not either... Rebecca counters these teachings by showing in scripture how victims are to be believed, comforted, and helped." - Carol
"For decades I had a wrong belief that I was called to suffer, staying in proximity to an abusive family member - as part of my sanctification. It was a prominent force that kept me in harm's way. Davis shows us where this teaching comes from... and she untwists them to show us the TRUTH." - Laurie T.
"I read this book during a season of deep sadness, perceived defeat, and darkness. It was so healing and anchoring... [Jesus] comes as Healer, Friend, Comforter, Savior--our true Emanuel--and not as abuser, schemer, or deceiver." - RLH
"On behalf of all of us who've been marinated in the 'brokenness as a lifestyle' joy-robbing teaching for a long while, thanks for sharing good news!" - DLD
"If you have been trying harder and harder to honor God by remembering what a wretched sinner you are...or if you have been attempting to bring Him glory through suffering - please, read this book!" - J Todd Tillman
God is not an abuser. He is the Healer, the Restorer, the kind and faithful Shepherd who calls you to wholeness, not perpetual woundedness.
You don't have to believe God breaks His children to build them up. You don't have to embrace brokenness as a lifestyle. You don't have to stay in harm's way to be holy.
Scriptures can be untwisted. You can rise up from crushing spiritual abuse and walk in the freedom of Christ.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2023
64 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Rebecca Davis
103 books47 followersI write the Untwisting Scriptures series of books for those who have experienced spiritual abuse that includes the twisting of Scriptures.
I also offer "untwistings" on my blog, heresthejoy.com, and in emails to my email subscribers.
Before writing for adults, I wrote nonfiction for children and young people--biographies of great Christians, true stories of "hidden heroes" in various countries, and two devotional books for children.
I also offer "untwistings" on my blog, heresthejoy.com, and in emails to my email subscribers.
Before writing for adults, I wrote nonfiction for children and young people--biographies of great Christians, true stories of "hidden heroes" in various countries, and two devotional books for children.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 24, 2023
Encouraging
As in the first four "Untwisting Scriptures" books, the author shows us how common scriptures and teachings (in this book--about brokenness and suffering) have been twisted to put burdens in the oppressed instead of the freedom and joy that can be found in Christ. It's easy to read and encouraging.
As in the first four "Untwisting Scriptures" books, the author shows us how common scriptures and teachings (in this book--about brokenness and suffering) have been twisted to put burdens in the oppressed instead of the freedom and joy that can be found in Christ. It's easy to read and encouraging.
September 18, 2023
A breath of fresh air
The Untwisting Scriptures books have consistently been a breath of fresh air as I navigate my relationship to the Bible. This fifth book is no exception, and tackles such pertinent information (and misinformation) related to brokenness and suffering.
Right from the get-go, in chapter 1, we explore the question of whether God consumes and crushes his people. Rebecca takes the space to look at the comprehensive use of those concepts throughout Scripture - not just single texts that support a specific theory - and the truth is then illuminated with such clarity. God doesn’t crush his people, he crushed his son for the sake of his people being whole. This was such a healing idea for me right from the start, and laid such an important foundation for the rest of the book. Over and over throughout the book, we get to benefit from the thorough study of Scripture that Rebecca has done.
Rebecca references her other writing when she has already addressed a topic so that the reader can dive further into the ideas where they have interest. What that means is that there is no filler in this book - we get concise, Bible-supported, and thought-provoking writing on the specific topics chosen for this volume.
The summary of Untwisted Truth at the end of each chapter is very helpful. I found myself highlighting the summaries so that I can come back to refresh my memory on these impactful truths.
I am so grateful for this series of books. As Rebecca so often states throughout the book (and in the title of her blog): “Here’s the Joy” for those who believe in God. And for those of us who are untangling the ways scripture has been used in our life, that joy is what I believe we are truly looking for.
The Untwisting Scriptures books have consistently been a breath of fresh air as I navigate my relationship to the Bible. This fifth book is no exception, and tackles such pertinent information (and misinformation) related to brokenness and suffering.
Right from the get-go, in chapter 1, we explore the question of whether God consumes and crushes his people. Rebecca takes the space to look at the comprehensive use of those concepts throughout Scripture - not just single texts that support a specific theory - and the truth is then illuminated with such clarity. God doesn’t crush his people, he crushed his son for the sake of his people being whole. This was such a healing idea for me right from the start, and laid such an important foundation for the rest of the book. Over and over throughout the book, we get to benefit from the thorough study of Scripture that Rebecca has done.
Rebecca references her other writing when she has already addressed a topic so that the reader can dive further into the ideas where they have interest. What that means is that there is no filler in this book - we get concise, Bible-supported, and thought-provoking writing on the specific topics chosen for this volume.
The summary of Untwisted Truth at the end of each chapter is very helpful. I found myself highlighting the summaries so that I can come back to refresh my memory on these impactful truths.
I am so grateful for this series of books. As Rebecca so often states throughout the book (and in the title of her blog): “Here’s the Joy” for those who believe in God. And for those of us who are untangling the ways scripture has been used in our life, that joy is what I believe we are truly looking for.
March 9, 2024
This series has been very helpful for me. I thought this book was better than the other one I read (about submission and authority). I have been learning and re-learning a lot of the theology that I thought was so set in my mind and I read this book at the perfect time.
Davis explains to us that following Christ means living in freedom and joy, and that suffering is not a requirement for that to happen. If we do suffer, we can be assured that Christ will be glorified. But Christ can also be glorified in our joy.
See this review and more on my Substack: https://momsmusings.substack.com/i/14...
She also talks about the wrong definition of brokenness many Christians have and helps to show us that we should be broken over our sin as opposed to broken because we are human.
So many helpful clarifications and lots of Scripture that is shown in context to provide better meanings. I also gleaned a lot from the testimonials; they can be heartbreaking but most of them show hope as well. Hope in a God who frees us and doesn't break us.
Davis explains to us that following Christ means living in freedom and joy, and that suffering is not a requirement for that to happen. If we do suffer, we can be assured that Christ will be glorified. But Christ can also be glorified in our joy.
See this review and more on my Substack: https://momsmusings.substack.com/i/14...
She also talks about the wrong definition of brokenness many Christians have and helps to show us that we should be broken over our sin as opposed to broken because we are human.
So many helpful clarifications and lots of Scripture that is shown in context to provide better meanings. I also gleaned a lot from the testimonials; they can be heartbreaking but most of them show hope as well. Hope in a God who frees us and doesn't break us.
November 8, 2023
Praise God that women are ready to answer His call and present clear and ordered Bible studies. Like so many with my background, I have been frustrated at how the Bible has been "replaced" by spiritual leaders who claim to teach Scripture but instead teach their own brand of "Christianity" by offering personal insights backed by out-of-context verses--many of which say the opposite of what that leader claims. The result has been sincere Christians kept in a state of artificial infancy with zero critical thinking skills and the belief that if someone challenges their leader's harmful teachings, it must be "persecution."
In Untwisting Scriptures: Brokenness and Suffering, Rebecca H. Davis compares the various Scriptural instances of brokenness to popular teachings. Her insights consider the context of the passage, the original language and translation of the word, and the historical background (including who is being addressed and why). This book is an excellent addition to one's daily devotions.
In Untwisting Scriptures: Brokenness and Suffering, Rebecca H. Davis compares the various Scriptural instances of brokenness to popular teachings. Her insights consider the context of the passage, the original language and translation of the word, and the historical background (including who is being addressed and why). This book is an excellent addition to one's daily devotions.
September 13, 2023
Rebecca is spot on!
In my interactions with Rebecca and in reading her books, I continue to be amazed at what the Holy Spirit tells her and she passes onto us. Page 16- after emphasizing what we all learned…break my heart for you Oh Lord…”Do you see that it is the very ones who do not have hard hearts, whose hearts are tender toward the Lord, who are the only ones who pray sincerely for God to ‘break them’? It is the hardhearted~the ones who don’t pray anything like that~who need it.” AMEN. Thank you. Thank you from all of us who experienced spiritual abuse, from all of us raised with religious legalism, from all of us seeking to recover! Rebecca’s books are a beacon of light in an abuse filled world.
In my interactions with Rebecca and in reading her books, I continue to be amazed at what the Holy Spirit tells her and she passes onto us. Page 16- after emphasizing what we all learned…break my heart for you Oh Lord…”Do you see that it is the very ones who do not have hard hearts, whose hearts are tender toward the Lord, who are the only ones who pray sincerely for God to ‘break them’? It is the hardhearted~the ones who don’t pray anything like that~who need it.” AMEN. Thank you. Thank you from all of us who experienced spiritual abuse, from all of us raised with religious legalism, from all of us seeking to recover! Rebecca’s books are a beacon of light in an abuse filled world.
September 14, 2023
This book was very helpful and encouraging. I would highly recommend it. The chapters talked about how to find the truth in regards to suffering. God doesn't cause suffering but he is very present with us in the midst of suffering. We shouldn't seek to suffer to be more Godly, but we should allow God to comfort and meet us in our times of suffering. This would be helpful to anyone who is going through a variety of difficult times and suffering.
December 29, 2025
I discovered this series through the Reclamation podcast (which I love) and they have been so helpful for me. I’ve spent the last eight years disentangling pseudo-Christian beliefs and I’ve found several helpful books along the way. But I have to say that these books are the most comprehensive at correcting incorrect interpretations of specific Scriptures. This one focuses on the ideas of brokenness and suffering.
October 30, 2023
Excellent Unraveling of Wrong Teachings
As a trauma healing facilitator, this book hits the nail on the head of all the junk we were fed for years in "church." So many can not heal because they are taught to believe lies on top of their suffering. Now there is hope beyond the double dose of abuse!
As a trauma healing facilitator, this book hits the nail on the head of all the junk we were fed for years in "church." So many can not heal because they are taught to believe lies on top of their suffering. Now there is hope beyond the double dose of abuse!
September 11, 2023
Rebecca Davis did it again. This is the first one that has been more geared to my childhood stuff instead of everything from being in a patriarchal church. I am so grateful for her books they all have brought me so much healing in so much.
December 19, 2023
Truth
I recommend this book to anyone who has been told that you must be broken to be used by God.
I recommend this book to anyone who has been told that you must be broken to be used by God.
July 1, 2024
must read
Book 5 was one of the best books I have read this year. The way Rebecca uses people’s stories and the Bible to untwist the lies being taught in the churches is refreshing.
Book 5 was one of the best books I have read this year. The way Rebecca uses people’s stories and the Bible to untwist the lies being taught in the churches is refreshing.
November 28, 2023
Very helpful! Highly recommend all of her Untwisting Scripture books!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews