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

"God hates divorce!" Christian wives frequently 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." Christian wives often think they must choose between two grim options: endure abuse or face condemnation by God for not obeying the Bible.

As a result, guilt, despair, internal conflict and heartache cloak ev...