Andrew J. Schmutzer is Professor of Biblical Studies at Moody Bible Institute (Chicago, Illinois). In addition to numerous articles and essays on the Old Testament, he has written the exegetical theology, Be Fruitful and Multiply, and co-edited a volume of essays on the Psalms, and he serves as contributing editor for the interdisciplinary journal Edification.
The Long Journey Home is a powerful and important work that
addresses an issue the church has too often been reluctant to
discuss, but must if it is to bring healing to the countless people
who have been deeply wounded by sexual abuse. The book's
multidisciplinary approach reflects the complexity of the issue and
provides a rich resource offering theology, theory, and practical
advice. A necessary read for pastors and others who desire to
minister in a biblical, scientifically informed, and empathetic
way.
-Michelle Lee-Barnwell
Associate Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies
Biola University Christian mental health professionals are
typically the ones most interested in discussing the integration of
psychology and theology. How refreshing and encouraging it is to
see a biblical scholar at the forefront of integration
conversations. Dr. Andrew J. Schmutzer brings together many of
today's finest Christian thinkers to address a topic of essential
importance to the church. The Long Journey Home is a valuable
resource for all those who care for souls.
-Mark R. McMinn
Professor of Psychology
George Fox University The Long Journey Home is an impressive
gathering of over twenty-six specialists who band together to bring
clinical experience, academic depth, theological competence,
compassionate hearts, and spiritual maturity to bear on the painful
plague of sexual abuse. The expertise compiled in these chapters
was summoned to speak boldly to those who minister to the broken in
the healing power of the Gospel of Christ. The result is a
significant compilation of definitions, insight, story, wisdom, and
pathways to recovery. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts for
this journey; so this is no naive portrayal of a complex issue. The
One who created human beings male and female is ever faithful,
always available, and sufficient to provide an escort home.
Pastors, counselors, and people helpers who love others for Jesus'
sake are indebted to those who share their journey and counsel in
these pages.
-Stephen P. Greggo
Professor of Counseling
Trinity Evangelical Divinity School The Long Journey Home is an
ambitious attempt to address the multifaceted problem of sexual
abuse, an issue that is often overlooked in our churches. The book
is comprehensive in scope, covering the prevalence and types of
sexual abuse, its immediate and long-term consequences upon
victims, survivors, and abusers, the theological and spiritual
dimensions and implications, reviews of current research, and
practical guidelines for ministry and healing. Over two-dozen
contributors provide multiple levels of insight into sexual abuse,
from scholarly investigation to the personal and practical. Most
noteworthy is the emphasis on the use of Scripture in understanding
the fundamental spiritual issues of sexual abuse and in directing
survivors, perpetrators, ministers, counselors, and the community
of faith toward ultimate healing found in God. I recommend this
book for anyone dealing with sexual abuse, and, in particular,
students, pastors, and care givers who seek a better understanding
of the problem and desire to be more effective ministers of the
Gospel.
-Ian F. Jones
Professor of Psychology and Counseling
Baptist Community Ministries' Chair of Pastoral Counseling
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary The Long Journey Home
offers a unique contribution to the subject of undeserved,
horrifyingly hurtful suffering associated with sexual abuse. As
editor and contributor, Dr. Schmutzer has gathered a collection of
specialists to address the problem from three different
perspectives: social sciences, theological disciplines, and
pastoral care. However, sexual abuse isn't merely theoretical,
philosophical, or theological. It is deeply personal. Therefore, of
significant importance is this book's value to pastors, counselors,
and churches who are dealing with (or will deal with) the complex
causes and consequences connected with sexual abuse.
-Larry J. Waters
Associate Professor of Bible Exposition
Dallas Theological Seminary The Long Journey Home is the fruit of
excellent work blending theology, ministry, and psychology
concerning sexual abuse and healing into a magnificent resource.
The church has struggled for centuries to walk with abuse survivors
and become an advocate in their healing. This book equips us to
face their journey with hope and justice. I feel it is about time
Christian practitioners have been able to publish something of this
caliber to address such a painful issue.
-Ron Clark
George Fox Evangelical Seminary It is no secret that the darkness
and horrors of sexual abuse are all too prevalent within the
Christian community. Tragically, for too many years the Church has
responded to such darkness with silence. As a result, this darkness
has spread and left a broad trail of destruction along its way . .
. the destruction of individual lives, families, church
communities, and the glorious witness of Christ. Through this great
tragedy, we must be reminded that all is not hopeless and lost.
There is hope, much hope, because we worship the God of truth and
light who is moving in mighty ways by demonstrating love to those
who knew no love, hope to those who had no hope, and the power of
His Gospel to those who had only associated the Gospel with abuse
and pain. Dr. Schmutzer's new collaborative book, The Long Journey
Home, will undoubtedly be one way God uses to demonstrate such
Gospel-centered hope to so many inside and outside of His Church
who have been effected by abuse. Written by a collection of experts
who have spent entire careers addressing and confronting the
various facets of this sin, The Long Journey Home is the most
comprehensive and well informed book on this subject from a
Gospel-centered perspective. As one who spends his days laboring
alongside the Christian community in addressing the issue of abuse,
I am greatly encouraged by the depth and spirit that fill the pages
of The Long Journey Home. This book should be required reading for
all Christian leaders and anyone else whose life has been impacted
by the horrors of abuse.
-Basyle Tchividjian
Professor of Law
Liberty University School of Law The trauma and heinousness of
sexual abuse leaves me speechless. Unfortunately, many of us
pastors and ministry professionals are clueless. Andrew J.
Schmutzer's excellent work helps change that and more; it gives us
tested insights and strategies to unpack abuse and facilitate
healing in Christ. I have seen this first hand. Andrew's teaching
and counseling ministry in our church-his church-has been a beacon
of light for so many stuck in the shadows of shame.
-Rob Bugh
Senior Pastor
Wheaton Bible Church This collection of vital information
holistically addresses issues of abuse that are deeply complex and
tender. Hope is offered from many voices that is personal,
biblical, and insightful. Many survivors, counselors, pastors, and
family members are sure to find the understanding they have longed
for and help for which they have prayed. This book has a very
important message.
-Pamela MacRae
Assistant Professor of Pastoral Studies
Moody Bible Institute Andrew J. Schmutzer's The Long Journey Home
is an outstanding compendium of resources from the social sciences,
the helping professions, theology, and pastoral care focused on
understanding and caring for those who have been sexually abused.
Schmutzer has accomplished the monumental task of weaving together
the writings of over twenty-fix social scientists, clinicians,
church leaders, and survivors telling their personal stories into
one coherent volume. It is an amazing accomplishment. Every church
leader has in their congregation survivors of sexual abuse and has
opportunity like no one else to speak healing words into their
lives. The Long Journey Home will enable seminarians, church
leaders, and helping professionals to become instruments of hope
and healing.
-Diana R. Garland
Dean
Baylor School of Social Work I highly recommend this book to any
person who seeks to help sexual abuse survivors on their journeys
toward healing. I especially recommend this book to church leaders
and spiritual directors, as people in these professions are often
on the front lines of the battle involved in helping sexual abuse
survivors heal. Psychotherapists and other helping professionals
interested in integrating Christian theological perspectives into
their work would also greatly benefit fro this book, as it provides
a comprehensive, interdisciplinary discussion of sexual abuse
within a Christina framework.
-- Christine Gomes, as reviewed in the Journal of Spiritual
Formation & Soul Care
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