On This Rock: A Call to Center the Christian Response to Child Abuse on the Life and Words of Jesus

by Victor I. Vieth, Boz Tchividjian (Foreword), Winston D. Persaud (Introduction)

Jesus was the descendant of sexually exploited women, narrowly survived a child homicide, and grew up to be the world’s most prominent defender of children. Jesus reserved his harshest words for those who abused or neglected children and went so far as to say our treatment of children says everything about our view of God. Although the early church took this message to heart and distinguished itself by its treatment of children, this message has been distorted or ignored by many modern Christian leaders. As a result, the church has often failed to protect children from abuse and, in many instances, has contributed to their maltreatment.

In this insightful book, Christian theologian and internationally recognized child abuse expert Victor Vieth examines the role of Jesus’ life and teachings in reducing child abuse in the New Testament world. Vieth urges Christians to once again take seriously everything Jesus had to say about children. Using the teachings of Jesus as a blueprint, Vieth sets forth a proposal for church reform to prevent many cases of abuse, improve the pastoral care of survivors of abuse, and witness to the world that Christian faith shows itself in service to children.

80 pages, Paperback

Published July 19, 2018

Reviews

[Terrance Lively · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introductory resource on child abuse and neglect in light of the church. It serves as a string call to return to the gospel message of Christ to value and protect the children. I wanted more depth but this is a good start and pushes us to do better. An easy read so a definite must for those in ministry.

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, sweet, and to the point. I didn't learn a whole lot, because I've been researching these issues for years, but this is the best introductory text I've run across. A book for anybody who wants to know what the fuss is about and what we ought to do about it. I don't know if I agree that all of his "ten commandments for the prevention of sexual abuse" would make a huge difference, but I believe some of them would, and the ones I'm skeptical about aren't the ones I'd be implementing anyhow. And it was nice to discover that Martin Luther and C.F.W. Walther agree with me on who the "little ones" are in Matthew 18:10, a passage the worst teachers of abuse just about always claim and warp in order to justify their recommended mistreatment of children.

[Nathan Battey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introduction to the subject with a solid foundation in the teaching of Christ. My main reservation is that he considers spanking in all forms to be abusive and a twisted understanding of a “few select passages” of Scripture. This makes objection noted, it’s an overall helpful presentation with a number of critically valuable footnotes.

[D. Owsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent must read book

Everything about this book is exceptional: from the historical background of the Greek, Roman, and Jewish cultures in Jesus’ day to the biblical teaching on children and abuse to the great recommendations for how Christ’s Church should minister to abused and neglected children. I highly recommend it to pastors, elders, deacons and staff of churches.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, powerful, and well-researched book addressing the church's response to child abuse. I would say that this is a must-read for every pastor (a reasonable expectation since you can get through it in about an hour).

[Jenny Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brief but powerful book about the call to see children as representatives of God and to welcome, love, protect and honor them as we would our Lord Christ.

[Christiana Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strongly recommend. A 50 page book on Child Abuse in the Church—brief history, modern problems, and proposals on how to protect children.

[Nikki Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tough but necessary read

I am thankful i am in a seminar teaching this. It's a tough read but is one that shutoff be read if you're in ministry.

[Kimrey Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Seminary should assign this book. Could fall under Anthropology or Pastoral Care. Wow. Not a long book, but a powerful one.