Proverbs of Ashes: Violence, Redemptive Suffering, and the Search for What Saves Us

Rating:
Summary: A VASTLY important book
Review: I won't describe this book, as it has been adequately described by the preceeding reviews.

I will, however, repeat that this is a "must read" book IMHO. As a psychotherapist and seeker, I found this book to be very important in my own thinking toward Christianity and suffering.

For any therapist who works with childhood sexual abuse, Chapter 5 "The Unblessed Child" alone is worth the price of the book.

I would, however, like to address a point raised by a reviewer below, who criticized the book for not answering the questions that it raises. I think this is unfair criticism. The issues of suffering and violence are vastly complicated, and it is my opinion that by raising the questions and examining them in light of Christianity this book provides a great service.

Given the educational levels of the authors, I felt somewhat daunted when I began the book. To their high credit, the authors have taken complicated, emotionally charged information and have made it very accessible. I applaud the authors' courage at being willing to step forward and to tell their own stories, and to explore how their own life experiences have impacted their theology.

I look forward to hearing more from both of these authors.

Rating:
Summary: Profound and Powerful Book
Review: PROVERBS OF ASHES is extraordinary. It is skillfully written, and gives a powerful, and, I believe accurate account of Christianity. The authors' description of the power of grief and how moving through it is transforming is right on. They articulate a theology of a Loving Presence which individuals can provide each other, and humanity can provide for everyone. This provides love and healing. Not the defensive denial that traditional Christianity gives us.

I am a licensed clinical social worker, and a woman who has experience repeated abuse in her life, which was supported by Christianity. This book spoke to the core of my being.

Chris Walker, LCSW

Rating:
Summary: Insightful Writing Dealing with Issues of Abuse and Religion
Review: This was a provocative book by two feminist theologians who shared their personal stuggles of early sexual abuse and the effect it had on their adult lives. The honesty of each is gripping. They also make a very credible tie between abuse and violence being tolerated in religious circles because of existing patriarchal beliefs and language in the Bible and religion. It is very insightful and a comfort for women who have felt abused by the Church at worse or not supported in efforts to end abuse in their lives. An eye-opener for those who have yet to be educated about the problem of language in referal to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit - A consolation for those who have.