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We Too: How the Church Can Respond Redemptively to the Sexual Abuse Crisis by Mary E. DeMuth
ametakinetos's review
5.0
When we walk into a church, we want to know it's a place of truth. Of light. Of honesty. We want to know that it's a safe place, particularly for the most vulnerable. But no place is safe that harbors secrets in the dark. No place is safe as long as perpetrators are allowed to flourish. - p. 202
God is glorified when justice prevails.
Mary writes the truth - the ugly and painful, the beautiful and visionary. She recognizes the world as it is, and breathes God's love and grace into what it could be. For anyone who has begged that the church be and do more, this is a resource not only for sexual abuse but for all sins that fester in darkness.
The real Jesus is big enough and strong enough to hang with this kind of stuff, so no need to bring a shiny plastic one in to substitute. If you don't have access to that Jesus, sit out this kind of work and hot-potato it to someone who does. - p. 193
God is glorified when justice prevails.
Mary writes the truth - the ugly and painful, the beautiful and visionary. She recognizes the world as it is, and breathes God's love and grace into what it could be. For anyone who has begged that the church be and do more, this is a resource not only for sexual abuse but for all sins that fester in darkness.
The real Jesus is big enough and strong enough to hang with this kind of stuff, so no need to bring a shiny plastic one in to substitute. If you don't have access to that Jesus, sit out this kind of work and hot-potato it to someone who does. - p. 193
mahletreads's review
3.0
SO many good points and lessons, but it was redundant. I felt like I was rereading the same points but stated differently.
This is a great book for church leaders and those of that brand, I think the repetitiveness of the book will truly get it into their heads (not sarcastic, im genuine).
I really liked the parts where it would connect sexual abuse and the Bible together. and by that I mean, explaining how the Bible does not support it and how it is against the very nature of God while using scripture to back it up- it didn't feel like an opinion piece
This is a great book for church leaders and those of that brand, I think the repetitiveness of the book will truly get it into their heads (not sarcastic, im genuine).
I really liked the parts where it would connect sexual abuse and the Bible together. and by that I mean, explaining how the Bible does not support it and how it is against the very nature of God while using scripture to back it up- it didn't feel like an opinion piece
revjess's review
5.0
I’ve just finished this book and can not recommend it highly enough. It is biblical, compassionate and gives helpful guidance for Christians and Non-Christians alike.
mconant's review
5.0
"We Too" is a timely narrative in the wake of the stream of sexual abuse scandals in churches and ministries. DeMuth has woven together stories of survival (including her own) with statistics to compel leaders toward action. She emphasizes believing survivors. Statistically, they are most likely telling the truth. Distrust of their experiences will retraumatize survivors.
Demuth's courageous storytelling will empower other survivors to speak up. Hopefully, "We Too" will ignite passive bystanders to be listeners and advocates for survivors.
I am still trying to turn all of my thoughts into a coherent review, so more may follow.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Demuth's courageous storytelling will empower other survivors to speak up. Hopefully, "We Too" will ignite passive bystanders to be listeners and advocates for survivors.
I am still trying to turn all of my thoughts into a coherent review, so more may follow.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
readingwithmuggy's review
5.0
Mary DeMuth is one of the best advocates in the church for victims of sexual abuse. She has written countless books and has spoken on many podcasts and at many conferences. She wrote exactly what the church needed during this sexual abuse crisis we are currently in. Thankful for her vulnerability and bravery.
I would strongly recommend that anyone who is remotely in church leadership or in ministry pick up this book. 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before they turn 18. This means that you will come across someone with this painful narrative. Better to know how to respond so that trauma isn’t perpetuated any further.
Note: Took me almost the whole year to finish only because I put it down for a long time and kept forgetting to pick it back up.
I would strongly recommend that anyone who is remotely in church leadership or in ministry pick up this book. 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before they turn 18. This means that you will come across someone with this painful narrative. Better to know how to respond so that trauma isn’t perpetuated any further.
Note: Took me almost the whole year to finish only because I put it down for a long time and kept forgetting to pick it back up.
jarreloliveira's review
5.0
Absolutely top-notch read. Thank you Mary and every person who fights the fight against bullies inside and outside the church who want to defend predators to preserve their image.
An exceptional story, a journey of recovery and healing, and also a pursuit of justice; if not in this life, then in the next.
More in-depth review here:
https://olivettheory.com/non-fiction/book-review-we-too-how-the-church-can-respond-redemptively-to-the-sexual-abuse-crisis/
An exceptional story, a journey of recovery and healing, and also a pursuit of justice; if not in this life, then in the next.
More in-depth review here:
https://olivettheory.com/non-fiction/book-review-we-too-how-the-church-can-respond-redemptively-to-the-sexual-abuse-crisis/
nobookendinsight's review
5.0
I feel woefully inadequate in writing a review for We Too. I’ve read it twice. The second time taking pages and pages of notes trying to prompt my poor memory to organize, store, and be able to recall Mary’s incredibly researched and articulated work on this subject. I’m reviewing my notes and just want to shout them over and over so the ones in the back will start to listen and believe and repent and be the hands and feet of Jesus to survivors and advocates. We need a change in our churches or our sisters and brothers are going to walk right out the back door and never return. Because they have found more healing and hope in secular spaces than under the roofs of God’s people. If I am this sad and angry- I can only imagine how our God feels. Lord, may your justice be swift and complete. May this book land in the hands of those who love You and love others with a holy heart. That's you and that's me, but especially if you are in church ministry in any capacity, you need this book. I assumed I was a supporter and advocate for all survivors of abuse. However, I learned more from this book than I never even knew I didn't know. Don't be like me and assume everything is a-ok in your church or ministry. If 1 in 4 women in America will experience sexual assault in their lifetime, that means they are guaranteed to already be sitting in your pews, playing on your sports teams, serving on Sunday mornings, attending your bible studies, and living in houses the next street over. We, as followers of Jesus Christ, owe it to survivors to be informed, patient, unapologetic, swift-reporting, safe, and believing friends who come alongside for their entire journey - no matter how long it takes. Will you join us? A great first step is Mary's book, We Too.
Special thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an advanced reader's copy of We Too: How the Church Can Respond Redemptively to the Sexual Abuse Crisis.
Special thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an advanced reader's copy of We Too: How the Church Can Respond Redemptively to the Sexual Abuse Crisis.
vanessaw's review
3.0
I received this book free to review. We Too by Mary E. DeMuth discusses the sexual abuse crisis facing not only America, but the world and how the church, and we as Christians should be responding. Definitely needs a trigger warning. (She does talk a little about her own abuse, and has written a memoir about it.) We should be asking what can we do to help the 'survivors' (if you can call them that. How do you survive sexual abuse?) rather than meeting them with disbelief and protecting the abusers. This books includes many passages from the Bible that show God stating and showing that we should be helping victims of abuse, rather than question, shun, shame and make them feel they need to hide what happens. There is a long history of sexual abuse and cover ups.
While most of this was not new information for me, I feel that this would be a good read for churches, especially those that are not sure what direction to go or what action to take. It is a great way to start the discussion.
While most of this was not new information for me, I feel that this would be a good read for churches, especially those that are not sure what direction to go or what action to take. It is a great way to start the discussion.