Freeing the Oppressed: A Call to Christians Concerning Domestic Abuse

Description: When Jesus spoke at his local synagogue he boldly proclaimed that he was the one sent to free those who were oppressed. He came to provide hope peace and safety to those suffering in the world. When he left this earth his followers were left with the task of continuing this ministry. Statistics suggest that in America one in four women has experienced physical violence in an intimate relationship. Dating violence intimate-partner violence and child abuse rank as some of our nations largest problems. Men are also being abused by intimate partners parents or care providers at increasing rates. The statistic is even more alarming worldwide. Unfortunately these statistics represent only reported incidents. The rates of verbal emotional and spiritual abuse are even higher. In addition countless women are encouraged by clergy to return to their abusive spouses. The faith community while called by God to free the oppressed has been slow to respond to this sin against humanity. Few seminaries offer quality domestic-violence-prevention training for clergy. However clergy still continue to be sought for help from the community and as advocates for victims of domestic violence. A partnership between the church and community (locally and abroad) is necessary if we wish to transform humans caught in this form of oppression. In Setting the Captives Free Ron Clark proposed a theology of addressing domestic violence and its application for clergy. Freeing the Oppressed is a book that seeks to condense Clarks previous work into a readable form for those seeking spiritual answers concerning abuse and batterer intervention and for helpers of those caught in the cycle of family violence. It is also designed as an outreach for those seeking help from the faith community. Endorsements: Thank you Dr. Clark for writing such a thoroughly readable work. Your book sounds the clarion call that many of us working in the field of domestic violence have hoped and prayed the church would hear. It clearly states the problem and the need facing our country our communities and our churches. More importantly it provides a message of hope and a way for the church to touch and be touched by their communities . . . This is a rare gem of a Christian work that I can feel comfortable giving to clergy victims perpetrators or anyone wanting to know how to address family violence. --Patricia Warford PsyD Licensed Psychologist Ron Clark has provided a clear concise spiritually-informed well-researched argument calling Christians to speak out against domestic abuse and to respond compassionately to women men and children impacted by its devastating consequences. Every pastor and every seminary student should read Freeing the Oppressed. Clark interweaves his pastoral experience with biblical insights and knowledge of the growing literature in domestic violence. The result: a prophetic call to social action. --Nancy Nason-Clark Professor of Sociology University of New Brunswick Freeing the Oppressed is a wonderful resource for any reader who wishes to learn more about domestic abuse and Christian communities. Beginning with a chapter outlining the dynamics of domestic abuse Ron Clark provides a chapter-by-chapter journey toward hope and healing for victim/survivors and perpetrators alike and toward greater understanding for those who seek to assist them. Interspersing his personal experiences as pastor counselor and educator within each chapter helps to frame the plethora of interrelated issues in a manner that makes them clear and accessible--and interesting--to all readers. --Barbara Fisher-Townsend Co-Editor of Beyond Abuse in the Christian Church: Raising Voices for Change About the Contributor(s): Ron Clark is the lead church planter for the Agape Church of Christ in Portland Oregon. He is the author of Setting the Captives Free and is active in community organizations for prevention of domestic violence