Date

2-7-2024

Department

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree

Master of Arts in Professional Writing (MA)

Chair

Sarah Rice

Keywords

abuse, betrayal trauma, divorce, evangelical, widow, modern-day widow

Disciplines

Christianity | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

Evangelical women suffering in destructive, abusive marriages suffer doubly when their faith communities do not understand the nature of intimate partner violence and the trauma of sexual betrayal. Too often these women are sent back into dangerous relationships without resource and with the additional burden of shame (Matthew 23:4). If they choose to divorce in order to escape abuse and find peace and healing, they are most often rejected and shunned as sinners. This work identifies who these women are according to scripture, defines abuse and betrayal trauma, and calls the evangelical community to an awareness of the suffering made greater by their ignorance or negligence. While seminary and bible school training for prospective pastors is ideal, the scope of this thesis focuses on educating the local church and providing a website resource template through which the faith community can learn to practice true religion (James 1: 27), do justice (Isaiah 1:17), and minister effectively to abused and divorced women.

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