adminTapiwa Muzerengi Gender
One may begin to wonder why God created men after creating all creatures on earth in Genesis 1 verse 26. It was God’s desire that a man and a woman should not quarrel due to lack of resources. Everything was tabled before them to avoid domestic violence. Recent studies show that domestic violence is in most cases exacerbated by serious shortage of resources.
It cannot be doubted that religious teachings can contribute significantly to reducing cases of domestic violence. In my work with families affected by this fast growing social phenomenon, I have heard many women talk about responses by bishops, prophets and pastors when survivors shared their experiences of domestic violence. These church figures could have been comforted with Biblical verses and chapters on God’s unwavering support, love and the importance of respect and equality within a couple. It is the role of the church to use these doctrines and religious philosophies to bring peace and unity in the community. In the Bible the other name that best describes God is the Prince of peace which means God does not tolerate any form of violence. If He is the prince of peace, we expect the church to mould peace loving congregants who shun domestic violence. In other words peace should begin in the church then it overflows into the community.
It is written in black and white in the Bible in Romans 12 Verse 18, “if it be possible, as much lieth in you, live peacefully with all men.” One ancient Greek philosopher once propounded that; a candle should first light itself so that it can light others. In like manner, the church should be filled with peace then this peace starts to cascade into villages, communities, districts, provinces and the nation at large. This might not be a true reflection of what is happening in the church because at the pulpit no gospel to denounce domestic violence is preached.
Instead, abused women and men are often told that they must not do things that anger their spouses so that the spouses do not respond with violence. Women are reminded of the permanence of marriage and the need to “bear the Cross” for the good of their children and family. Critically looking at this notion, it can be deduced that, a number of women who are going to Church are traumatised but the church’s doctrine is that, one is not allowed to share the traumatic experiences with others.
Biblical verses are misinterpreted to validate the tremendous power imbalances present in these couples.
1 Corinthians 14 verse 33 “ for God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the Saints”. This verse denotes that, a church as a social institution should act as the fountain of peace and the congregants should be the ambassadors of peace in the communities they live. The other question is that, “is the message of opposing domestic violence preached on the pulpit and how often?” I suspect it has to do with our individual and collective fears about tempering with the institution of marriage, with issues that are best kept as “family secrets” with our anxiety about exposing untenable situations within couples. There is need to observe the sanctity of marriage but at the same time violating women’s rights is regarded as a sin. In Psalm 133 verse 1 it is written, “ Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity…….” This resembles that, if people are staying together in harmony as families in churches and wherever, God Himself is happy. My worry is that domestic violence cases are increasing daily yet we have the church which is supposed to tame these perpetrators.
Fortunately, some churches are providing an excellent roadmap for the church’s involvement through direct caring action. Reading will allay fears and provide clear scripturally based guidelines for using the pulpit as a tool for justice making. The misguided advice that women receive obviously reflects a huge knowledge deficit regarding dynamics of violence. In stark contrast, the pastor’s message teaches that, “ a correct reading of scripture leads people to an understanding of equal dignity of men and women, and relationships based on mutuality and love,” whereas misinterpretations of scriptures and church teachings would contribute to the victim’s self-blame and suffering and the abuser’s rationalisations. Silence from the pulpit on the topical issue of domestic violence can indeed become an impediment for victims and lend support to their victimisation.
The Association of Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) has created a document that affirms the basic human right of each person to live without violence at home. It is high time we begin to make good use of this important tool. I believe it will significantly enhance our work in creating God’s kingdom on earth which is free from domestic violence. Christianity was misused for centuries to somehow justify the abuse of wives and children by husbands and fathers. This assertion is easily documented, but does it tell the whole story? No. Christianity can serve as a valuable resource in a variety of ways to those suffering domestic violence. It is easy to justify or refrain from challenging the abuse of women and children through the misuse or misinterpretation of texts and doctrines. But if the agenda is to provide safety for women and children and to hold an abuser accountable, this also is accomplished easily through the use of texts and doctrines.
Pastors and Bishops have an opportunity to provide helpful resources on domestic violence through sermons, prayers, education and pastoral care. One important function the church can serve is to tell the truth about women’s experiences of domestic violence, to give a voice where there has been silence. For a victim of domestic violence to hear a prayer for all those living with abuse in the home breaks the silence. This may open the door for her to come forward seeking help. The same is true for a sermon addressing domestic violence or using it as an example. More so, another valuable function of the church is support and inspiration. Whether in a public worship setting or private pastoral care setting. Churches can offer the faith community’s encouragement to those seeking to end violence in their families and provision of material support for shelters for affected victims. Alternatively, churches can provide a word. For instance the Psalms give voice to the anguish and struggle that is common for traumatised women and their children. Psalms 31 verse 9 “ have mercy upon me. O Lord, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yes my soul and by belly,” Psalm 32 verse 3” when I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long,” this can be heard as the voice of the abuser.
Church teachings can serve as a sanctuary for both victims and perpetrators. It can be argued that, domestic violence inside or outside the church is never justified. Violence in any form be it physical, sexual, psychological or verbal is sinful, often it is a crime as well. It is imperative at this juncture to mention that our churches take a public stand like this and participate in community efforts to address this phenomenon of social injustice.
Tapiwa Muzerengi is a Community Development Officer, in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development and can be contacted on 0772 978 938 and email- [email protected]
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