Another effect affirmation of offenders has is to make it more difficult for children and adult victims of abuse come forward about their experiences. If we as a church do not take abuse seriously in the general case, what faith does one have that their specific case will be taken seriously?
There is also another risk here- our neglectful attitude towards abuse sends both an overt and subtle message that the hell a victim has been through doesn't matter. And if one's pain doesn't matter... Why should they seek counseling? Have those difficult discussions with their spouse about why they have some struggles, etc?
Another effect affirmation of offenders has is to make it more difficult for children and adult victims of abuse come forward about their experiences. If we as a church do not take abuse seriously in the general case, what faith does one have that their specific case will be taken seriously?
There is also another risk here- our neglectful attitude towards abuse sends both an overt and subtle message that the hell a victim has been through doesn't matter. And if one's pain doesn't matter... Why should they seek counseling? Have those difficult discussions with their spouse about why they have some struggles, etc?