God Hates Abuse Updated and Expanded: Abuse and the Doctrine of Headship and Submission

"God hates divorce!" Christian wives hear this first part of Malachi 2:16 as though the institution of marriage trumps the lives wrapped up in it. Rarely quoted is the second part of the verse which says, "along with the one who conceals his violence by outward appearances."

A Christian wife often thinks she has only two options: endure abuse or face condemnation by God for not obeying the Bible. As a result, guilt, despair, confusion and heartache cloak every moment as she clings to surviva...