Reverend Miles, in his first textbook, 'Domestic Violence; What Every Pastor Needs to Know (Augsburg Fortress, 2000),' demonstrates his grasp of the evil among us by introducing clergy to the horror which more than a fourth of church families experience behind closed doors. Subsequently, he broadens his audience by appealing to the Church in general by sharing this compassionate treatment of the subject in his follow-up study, 'Violence in Families; What Every Christian Needs to Know (Augsburg Fortress 2002).'
Fact ' Christians batter their spouses and children
Fact ' Most Biblical believers don't think Christians are capable of brutality
Fact ' Most clergy are in denial about abuse in their own congregations
Fact ' The 'theology' of female submission and male dominance contributes to the evil
Fact ' More than a fourth of women in our pews are victims
Fact ' Clergy of all stripes are ill prepared to deal with domestic violence and abuse, and in many cases they revictimize their parishioners with a counsel that is neither compassionate nor Biblical
Al Miles introduces us to another hermeneutic that is both Biblical and scientifically accurate. In his texts we're introduced to a study from the social sciences that refuses to depart from the solid foundation of Biblical inerrancy. The truth of recent scientific studies is presented to us with Scriptural corroboration: men are beating their wives; the Church's teaching of female submission to their husbands is contributing to the terror; and the Church is ignoring an evil that's universally prevalent without regard to race, economic status, or denomination.
Seminary courses in pastoral theology shirk the responsibility to prepare clergy to respond compassionately and competently to an evil that affects more than a fourth of female congregants, as well as untold numbers of males and children. Al Miles in his detailed and unusual study of one hundred fifty-eight clergy, male and female, confirms that few victims will find safety in their pastor's office. More than one victim has been sent back into the snake pit with the instruction to be 'more submissive and loving' to their batterer.
The secular bookshelves are full of books, texts, and studies of domestic violence and abuse. The world has known about domestic terrorism for many years, but the Church still has its head in the sand. Christian bookstores are loaded with Dobson, et al, world renowned experts who are giving us outstanding teachings on how to fine tune already acceptable or solid marriages. But the Church's teachers of repute are ignoring the dangerous dysfunctions of verbal, physical, financial, and sexual abuse on their own doorsteps. Reverend Miles rises head and shoulders above the Church masses and courageously opens doors that many of our leaders would rather leave locked.
I own these two books. As a domestic violence and abuse consultant, on a recurring basis I furnish these writings to clergy, elders, and victims. I can think of few other textbooks for the faith community that can assist the involved parties with a trustworthy, Biblical paradigm of the evil of family violence. It's time to open Christian eyes to the disease, and to provide a treatment for both victims and perpetrators. Thank you Al Miles for your resolute handling of a sensitive subject. I pray that the desperation of more than a few victims sitting with us on Sunday morning will find Godly compassion due to your dedication.