Janet Heimlich
This revealing, disturbing, and thoroughly researched book exposes a dark side of faith that most Americans do not know exists or have ignored for a long timeâ€”religious child maltreatment. After speaking with dozens of victims, perpetrators, and experts, and reviewing a myriad of court cases and studies, the author explains how religious child maltreatment happens. She then takes an in-depth look at the many forms of child maltreatment found in religious contexts, including biblically-prescribed corporal punishment and beliefs about the necessity of "breaking the wills" of children; scaring kids into faith and other types of emotional maltreatment such as spurning, isolating, and withholding love; pedophilic abuse by religious authorities and the failure of religious organizations to support the victims and punish the perpetrators; and religiously-motivated medical neglect in cases of serious health problems. ,In a concluding chapter, Heimlich raises questions about childrenâ€™s rights and proposes changes in societal attitudes and improved legislation to protect children from harm. ,While fully acknowledging that religion can be a source of great comfort, strength, and inspiration to many young people, Heimlich makes a compelling case that, regardless of oneâ€™s religious or secular orientation, maltreatment of children under the cloak of religion can never be justified and should not be tolerated.
Nonfiction,Religion,Psychology,Sociology,Crime,True Crime,Health,Mental Health,Spirituality,Sociology,Abuse,Religion,Atheism,Philosophy
Breaking Their Will: Shedding Light on Religious Child Maltreatment