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Divine Child Abuse

Criticism for the classic Christian view of the death of Christ as a saving atonement for

sin may seem legitimate only to persons who are not true Christians or who lack knowledge of

the Christian Doctrine. First, it is essential to understand that matters of religion and spiritualism

operate in a separate realm from secular issues. Secular beliefs are based on theories of morality,

human reasoning, and emotions, among others. On the other hand, matters of religion and

spirituality involve beliefs in the supernatural and the word of God- the Bible in the context of

Christianity. There are different channels via which beliefs may be substantiated, such as visions

and prophesies by ordained servants in the Faith. From a Biblical perspective, the death of Christ

meant to serve the purpose of God saving the world from the devil and sin. No wonder Hout (29)

indicates, “Without the atonement, we have no Christianity” It was a spiritual mission for Him

and not a punishment.

It is captured in the famous Bible verse of the epistle Book of John, “For God so loved

the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,

but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, The New King James Version). An analysis of the

preceding sections of the Bible reveals that the death and ensuing resurrection of Jesus involved

Him heading to the pits of hell and taking the ‘keys’ of life from the devil. He took the place os a
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sacrificial lamb so that through His death, the people (lost in a sin) may have a chance to achieve

eternal life. Of course, this is by choice as is indicated in verse- ‘that whosoever believeth…” it

is by this understanding that the cross can be adequately ‘theologized.’ On the other hand, we

ought to respond to persons who associate the death of Christ with experiences of being victims

of parental abuse by explaining to them the hidden truths of the spiritual realm. Such people need

to understand that the ways of God are far mush different and higher than those of men.
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Works Cited

Houts, Margo G. “Atonement and Abuse: An Alternative View.” Daughters of Sarah 18.3

(1992): 29-32.