Jenny wanted to comment on Sunday’s Random Thought.  The quote is from Sexual Abuse in Christian Homes and Churches by Carolyn Holderread Heggen.  It is an excellent book that addresses a most disheartening topic with sensitivity, practicality, and honesty: sexual abuse by self-proclaimed Christians.  The author thoroughly discusses topics ranging from abuse by pastors, how religious beliefs contribute to abuse, how churches can bring healing to the abused, sincere considerations for the abuser, and even heartfelt discussions about forgiveness, reconciliation, restitution, and repentance that apply well outside of the sexual abuse circle.  It’s certainly a worthy read for both the religious follower and non-believer alike.

The quote that caught Jenny’s attention is this:

A disturbing fact continues to surface in sex abuse research. The first best predictor of abuse is alcohol or drug addiction in the father. But the second best predictor is conservative religiosity, accompanied by parental belief in traditional male-female roles. This means that if you want to know which children are most likely to be sexually abused by their father, the second most significant clue is whether or not the parents belong to a conservative religious group with traditional role beliefs and rigid sexual attitudes. (Brown and Bohn, 1989; Finkelhor, 1986; Fortune, 1983; Goldstein et al, 1973; Van Leeuwen, 1990). (emphasis from original)

Here’s what Jenny had to say:

I’m glad someone finally noticed that the traditional male/female role with an overlay of heavy religiousity is often a precursor to sexual (& other) abuse.

My response is in the comments.