A line in the sand

Far too often, it feels easier and safer to see only what we want to see. Fear of jeopardizing some overarching political, religious, financial or other ideology — or even just losing friends or status — leads to willful ignorance of what is right in front of our own eyes, in the shape and form of innocent and vulnerable children. Ask yourself: How much is a child worth?

Yesterday, Rachael Denhollander wrote an Op-Ed for the New York Times. She has drawn a line in the sand regarding how organizations handle child abuse specifically, but this can apply to all forms of abuse. How will Christians and the church-at-large respond? She writes, "I lost my church" because of her advocacy. On the one hand, this is shocking. How could followers of Jesus do this to a sister-in-Christ? On the other hand, this is no surprise at all. Talk to survivors and advocates, and we can give you instances of being shut down and given the back hand of fellowship. But her words also give hope. Maybe the church will finally begin to take the issue of abuse seriously.

There are so many wrong ideas that have crept in and gotten solidified over time. This article in World Magazine demonstrates weaponized forgiveness (not my term but very appropriate), sin-leveling, and a complete lack of understanding of abuse and repentance. Would the author use the same logic toward Larry Nassar? Would he tell Denhollander's army of survivors that they are the abused and the abusers? This cluelessness boggles the mind, but this is prevalent. I have a list of online articles and books that downplay abuse and pressure victims to submit to their abusers. These are from Christians who are handing an abuser exactly what he/she wants - the life of the victim on a silver platter.

It's not enough to get emotional and share Rachael's victim impact statement on social media and be done. We need to stop and learn where we got it wrong. We need to repent of being more concerned that the outside of the cup looks shiny and "biblical" and ignoring the filth and poison inside. In a press conference, Rachael made the statement that "No one believed because no one listened. And they are still not listening." May our days of refusing to see, listen, and speak be over.

The following is a Twitter thread by Wade Mullen that demonstrates the tactics enablers use to silence victims. (Click the box or use the link.) This is a category that many Christians find themselves in out of ignorance but also out of a deliberate decision to shield the abuser. Are we in this list?

This week, #RachaelDenhollander read her victim statement for the world to hear. In that statement, she described attempts made to cover up Larry Nassar’s abuse. Here are 12 of many tactics enablers of abuse use to silence #metoo & #churchtoo victims and escape responsibility.

— Wade Mullen (@wad3mullen) January 26, 2018