Keeping the Faith: Guidance for Christian Women Facing Abuse [Paperback]

Marie M. Fortune (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 23, 1995

Practical guide addresses issues of faith for battered women—an invaluable resource for victims of domestic violence and the crisis centers that counsel them.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Reading this book is like reading a letter from a dear friend who deeply cares." -- -- Letha Dawson Scanzoni, author of All We're Meant to Be

"Reading this book is like reading a letter from a dear friend who deeply cares." -- Letha Dawson Scanzoni, author of All We're Meant to Be

About the Author

Marie M. Fortune is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and director of the Center for Prevention of Sexual and Domestic Violence in Seattle. She is the author of several books, including Is Nothing Sacred?

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne; 1 edition (June 23, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062513001
• ISBN-13: 978-0062513007
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #104,877 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #3 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Protestantism > Self Help
  • #3 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Christian Living > Counseling
  • #86 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Social Sciences > Sociology > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a Gift from God, March 25, 2006

By 

B. Remley (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Keeping the Faith: Guidance for Christian Women Facing Abuse (Paperback)

I spent far too long in a verbally and emotionally abusive relationship. I thought it was my duty to stay because I had entered a covanent. A pastor told me that should I leave my marriage, I would have to be alone for the rest of my days unless my abusive husband took another wife or died. I was encouraged over and over to turn the other cheek and remember 77*7 and forgive.

But God heard my cries and led me to a book called Changes that Heal, and I learned that grace would always be available to me. I left my husband and filed for divorce. My abusive husband then pursued me (as is classic in the abuse cycle), was baptized and began to attend my church. The pastors began encouraging me to give my marriage and my husband an opportunity to repent for the sake of our daughter. I kept trying to explain that they didn't understand the abuse or the mind of the abuser enough to encourage more 77*7 (forgiveness). Eventually I relented and my daughter and I moved back in with the abuser.

The abuser was on a roll. He had won. The pattern started again within three months. Within a year, he was constantly used the bible to tell me that I was to obey him and stay with the abuse no matter what. A year later in a rage he threatened a neighbor with a gun in the presence of my daughter, and I walked away for good. But my heart was not at peace.

This book brought me peace like nothing else I've ever experienced. It explained God's views to me in a light I wished I had understood years ago. God is a God of love and grace. This book will teach you how that applies to walking away from abuse. Long suffering was Jesus' role, not the role of the abused spouse. I wished I could hug everyone of you that reads this, because you need someone who has been there and understands. God bless you. Read this book and begin taking care of yourself, the child God loves so much.

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Restoring spiritual sanity to abused Christian women, September 28, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (USA, midwest) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Keeping the Faith: Guidance for Christian Women Facing Abuse (Paperback)

This book was purchased and distributed by our local Domestic Violence Shelter to women who's faith stood in the way of their safety and sanity regarding whether or not it is God's will for them to live with abuse. I hope to buy more booklets to have available for this dedicated population.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars what Christian beliefs hamper leaving a violent relationship, September 16, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Keeping the Faith: Guidance for Christian Women Facing Abuse (Paperback)

We were fortunate to have some of these booklets to pass out to women in our shelter who were struggling with guilt over whether they were disobeying God's will if they left an abusive relationship. The book offers biblical and sound answers to help Christian women make the best, healthy choice for themselves, their children, and even their spouse. Suggestions for helping from clergy is also included. Very necessary book!