Dr. Bynum’s Attack Brings to Light Abuse in Christian Marriage
Juanita Bynum is recovering from her injuries after being attacked and choked by her husband. The couple was reportedly separated and met at a hotel to discuss reconciliation. Her husband turned on her and began choking her, causing injuries severe enough to require medical treatment. Dr. Bynum’s MySpace page includes an entry from her today that she is resting well. She also quoted Proverbs 4:25: Let your eyes look right on with fixed purpose and let your gaze be straight before you. It is clear that Dr. Bynum’s faith in the Lord is guiding her through this difficult time.
On Life as a Christian Woman, we began looking into the issue of domestic abuse in Christian marriage last month. The blog carnival entries in Abuse Through the Eyes of Christian Women included posts from a United Methodist clergywoman, a Catholic, and other Christian women. Based on the correspondence from that article, and in light of the attack on Dr. Bynum by her preacher husband, it is clear that we cannot allow this issue to fade away again. Domestic abuse is serious problem and churches and Christians must begin to catch up with the secular world in providing education, support, and guidance for the victims of these crimes.
Jocelyn Andersen, the author of Woman Submit! Christians and Domestic Violence, will be appearing here on Life as a Christian Woman Tuesday, August 28. She will be available throughout the day to answer questions and comments about her book and her experience as a battered wife. I urge you to please join us to talk to Ms. Andersen and to learn from a survivor the effects of abuse and the church views and Christian support desperately needed to fight this problem.
The links in this post will lead you to the previous discussions that have appeared on this site, and to the site where you can read the first chapter of Ms. Andersen’s inspiring book. Please keep Dr. Juanita Bynum in your prayers, and join Jocelyn Andersen on Tuesday to take part in making a change for Christian women worldwide who are suffering at the hands of violent men.
christian women, christians and abuse, domestic violence, Juanita Bynum, Jocelyn Andersen, religion
August 24th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
At least one Christian blogger thinks Dr. Bynum should not press charges against her husband. His url is anti-itchmeditation.blogspot.com.
What do you think ladies - should Christian victims of domestic violence press charges?
August 24th, 2007 at 2:14 pm
I believe absolutely that charges should be pressed. Christians are not exempt from civil authority and the Bible says we are to obey civil authority. The role of the church and Christians is not to protect from law, but to uphold accountability and Christian guidance in conjunction with the law.
August 27th, 2007 at 11:33 am
Of course she should press charges. I bet you won’t find Dr. Charles Stanley or Joel Osteen acting like some maniac ghetto thug. Maybe Weeks should start listening to people like Dr. Charles Stanley and Joel Osteen. If he’s not ready to be a real man of God, then he should stop preaching to others until he gets his act together.