February 26, 2006

Research investigates spiritual effects of sexual abuse

WACO (TX)
Tribune-Herald

By Cindy V. Culp Tribune-Herald staff writer

Sunday, February 26, 2006

With a degree in divinity, Meredith Jones is more tuned in to religious issues than most. But even she was startled by what she heard while hosting a support group meeting for sexual abuse victims.

As the women talked about their experiences and struggles, one suddenly blurted out that she felt like she was going to hell because of what had happened to her. The revelation opened a floodgate of emotions, Jones said, and it soon became clear that the women were desperate to talk about faith issues.

“I call it an existential crisis,” Jones said. “They come to a point where they are very, very confused about who God is in their life, but they still want to use faith as a healing tool.”

Posted by kshaw at February 26, 2006 07:22 AM