Today Dan and Stephanie interview Thomas Pryde of the Psalm 82 Initiative. What is the Psalm 82 Initiative? Helping make churches safer for abuse victims. Psalm 82 also is Calling civil and religious leaders to recognize and respond to abuse more effectively.
Today is a sensitive topic. We will discuss divorce and how the church has taught Malachi 2:16 that God hates divorce- for all reasons. What does Malachi 2:16 say about divorce? What about abuse? What are the types of abuse- psychological, emotional, sexual, spiritual, and financial are all forms of abusive behaviors that are not Biblical or acceptable in marriage? Does abuse or neglect reflect how Christ loved the Church? How has the church mistaught this and enabled abuse?

Everyone on the podcast is pro-marriage and wants to see God-honoring marriages that bring glory to God. Divorce is not to be taken lightly. Marriage is a Covenant. Does abuse break the covenant to love, honor, and cherish?

Understanding Biblical Translations- why are they different? Go back to a previous show with scholar and minister Bruce CE Fleming as we discuss this: Previous Show
https://www.spreaker.com/user/mhnrnetwork/q-a-with-bruce-c-e-fleming

A look at Malachi 2:16 in two translations:
New American Standard
16 “For [a]I hate [b]divorce,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “and [c]him who covers his garment with violence,” says the Lord of armies. “So be careful about your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.”

ESV
16 “The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,”[e] says the Lord Almighty.
So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.


Teaching that enables abuse and causes harm:
We will discuss abuse in Christian marriages and how it is often ignored and how teaching such as 'submit to abuse' is taught like in videos such as this where the speaker says if " a woman needs to be smacked around for a season" and "even if she is being hurt she can seek help from God in the church." This is not Biblical!


Helpful Links:

Links to Resources:
Psalm 82 homepage:
https://www.psalm82initiative.org/members/thanks#edit-settings-modal


Defining Abuse:
https://www.psalm82initiative.org/community/topics/29293/posts/98085-statement-regarding-the-crec-first-reading-memorial-on-abuse

7 Traits of a Repentant Abuser:
https://www.psalm82initiative.org/seven-traits-of-repentant-abuser

Need a refuge? The Refuge is a place for those who have experienced abuse.
https://www.psalm82initiative.org/refuge

If you are a pastor or Christian counselor, or Biblical counselor, can you spot abuse? Are you trauma-informed?
Please read Psa 82's Open Letter to Pastors:
https://www.psalm82initiative.org/community/public/posts/137687-an-open-letter-to-a-pastor-who-is-looking-for-resources-on-dealing-with-abuse