Review: Towards Belief (Church Abuse)

Hello everyone,

if you are reading to this review on the Sabbath, then I would like to wish you a Sabbath filled the knowledge of the power of God’s grace.

This week’s review is for the series, Towards Belief. This episode is called, Church Abuse.

Towards Belief is a 10 episode series addressing the top belief blockers of our time – the most frequently cited reasons that many have lost confidence in the Church and its message.

This is a very powerful episode about sexual abuse in the church. There are many critical points made. The question, is the church hypocritical is raised and I appreciate the answers given which point to individual responsibility and not acquainting the sinful actions of man to Jesus or God. There is a lot of discussion about the brokenness of each and every individual and not putting people on pedestals. This reminds me of some Bible verses.

Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

2 Peter 3:17-18 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

These verses warn us about putting ourselves or others in a light that in our minds disqualifies them from committing sin, and states we have access to God’s grace, which is not only the power of His forgiveness, but the power to change. One of the presenters spoke of practical measures put into place that protect children to the best of the church’s ability. There was a discussion about awareness - bringing this very difficult topic to light in the church so that all are aware of how abuse can present itself, how to report it and the consequences the church must be willing to carry out on individuals that abuse children. I thought this was a very important discussion. Instead of the mindset, it shouldn’t happen, or it can’t or doesn’t happen, it’s the mindset of, there’s is a chance it will happen and we should plan for that - as all fall short of the glory of God.

Another contributor had something to say about why abuse may happen, in some cases, and I found the explanation interesting. It was connected to the age people became priests and the vow of celibacy.

There is good discussion about grace and remorse versus repentance. It reminds me of what I say to the children I have responsibility for at work: Saying sorry means that you will try your best not to do it again. Repentance is remorse plus action. Saying sorry without any plan to change your actions is just remorse. I recently read a wonderful Bible verse about grace: John 1:16 - For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

I really appreciate what one adult said about his personal experience of being abused as a child in his local church. He didn’t acquaint the abuse with Jesus, as it was an abomination. He said there was no good in beating up Jesus or God when they are our only hope. Amen.

I watched Towards Belief, the episode, Church Abuse, on www.redeemtv.com

Thank you for reading this review. Until next time - peace be with you.

--Deborah

Source

https://watch.redeemtv.com/videos/towards-belief-part-6-church-abuse-501558ep06-feature-film

True to the Word podcast link:

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