The Long Journey Home: Understanding and Ministering to the Sexually Abused

Maybe the only thing new about sexual abuse is quality discussion from several professions (psychology, theology, and pastoral care). Here are the insights of over two dozen psychologists, theologians, and those in pastoral care, all targeting the issue of sexual abuse. Designed as a resource for Christian educators, therapists, pastors, social workers, group leaders, and survivors, The Long Journey Home combines current research in mental health with rich theological reflection, global concern with fervent pastoral wisdom for the local faith community. Whether you are a counselor, professor, pastor, or spouse of a survivor, you hold in your hand a fresh resource of information and advocacy for those suffering from the devastating effects of sexual abuse and rape. The breadth of material, biblical insight, discussion questions, and helpful resources gathered here just may be the tool of a generation. "The Long Journey Home is a powerful and important work that addresses an issue the church has too often been reluctant to discuss, but must if it is to bring healing to the countless people who have been deeply wounded by sexual abuse. The book's multidisciplinary approach reflects the complexity of the issue and provides a rich resource offering theology, theory, and practical advice. A necessary read for pastors and others who desire to minister in a biblical, scientifically informed, and empathetic way." -Michelle Lee-Barnwell Associate Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies Biola University "Christian mental health professionals are typically the ones most interested in discussing the integration of psychology and theology. How refreshing and encouraging it is to see a biblical scholar at the forefront of integration conversations. Dr. Andrew J. Schmutzer brings together many of today's finest Christian thinkers to address a topic of essential importance to the church. The Long Journey Home is a valuable resource for all those who care for souls." -Mark R. McMinn Professor of Psychology George Fox University "The Long Journey Home is an ambitious attempt to address the multifaceted problem of sexual abuse, an issue that is often overlooked in our churches. The book is comprehensive in scope, covering the prevalence and types of sexual abuse, its immediate and long-term consequences upon victims, survivors, and abusers, the theological and spiritual dimensions and implications, reviews of current research, and practical guidelines for ministry and healing. Over two-dozen contributors provide multiple levels of insight into sexual abuse, from scholarly investigation to the personal and practical. Most noteworthy is the emphasis on the use of Scripture in understanding the fundamental spiritual issues of sexual abuse and in directing survivors, perpetrators, ministers, counselors, and the community of faith toward ultimate healing found in God. I recommend this book for anyone dealing with sexual abuse, and, in particular, students, pastors, and care giver Andrew J. Schmutzer is Professor of Biblical Studies at Moody Bible Institute (Chicago, Illinois). In addition to numerous articles and essays on the Old Testament, he has written the exegetical theology, Be Fruitful and Multiply, and co-edited a volume of essays on the Psalms, and he serves as contributing editor for the interdisciplinary journal Edification.