A theme that is brought up again and again in Christian circles is the question of divorce, which unfortunately is also part of the life of evangelical couples, especially in cases where the Bible makes it legal, such as in situations of domestic violence.
The topic sparked debate on social media, after Pastor Wesley Amaral, of the Casa da Sabedoria church, located in Samambaia, Federal District, said that divorce can actually be a solution in cases where a woman is a victim of domestic violence.
The religious leader explained that faced with her husband’s lack of transformation, the woman cannot “let herself be trampled on by her husband”, but must instead “position herself and show this man that you have a God who loves you”. , who take care of you and your children.”
In the context of the explanation, Amaral addressed the difficulty that many women face when faced with the fact that they depend on their husbands to support themselves and their children. In these cases, the pastor said it is necessary to trust that God will provide the necessary measures in the face of separation.
“If he doesn’t want to change his life, you have a position and you have the courage to change,” the pastor said. A similar understanding was also expounded by the pastor and writer Renato Vargens.
According to Vargens, the biblical basis for divorce in cases of domestic violence is that the assault, in itself, characterizes the husband’s abandonment of his wife’s care, which is unacceptable in light of the Word of God.
“The apostle Paul, in 1 Cor 7,10-15 states that the Christian spouse can divorce as long as the unbelieving husband leaves the house. Having said that, I truly believe that husbands who beat their wives have long since abandoned their homes, giving their wives the conditions to divorce their abusers,” he said, according to GospelMais news.
The leader of the Atitude Baptist Church in Rio de Janeiro, Pastor Josué Valandro Jr., also agrees with this interpretation. In a writing about husbands who beat their wives, he stated that “the fact that some of them declare themselves Christians does not actually make them believers.”
This is because, according to the religious man, “especially because those who attack their wives legitimize that, in truth, they have never known Christ”. Clock:
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Domestic Violence Expert
Editor: Welcome, everyone, to this special segment of Time.news. Today, we’re diving into a sensitive but critical topic—the intersection of faith, divorce, and domestic violence. I’m pleased to have with us Dr. Maria Silva, a psychologist and expert in domestic abuse within religious communities. Dr. Silva, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Silva: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: The issue of divorce, particularly in the context of evangelical circles, has been a hot topic recently. It was brought to light prominently by Pastor Wesley Amaral of the Casa da Sabedoria church. He sparked a debate by suggesting that divorce could be a viable solution for women suffering from domestic violence. What are your thoughts on this?
Dr. Silva: I think Pastor Amaral’s remarks resonate with the experiences of many women in abusive relationships. He brings attention to a critical aspect: the need for women to prioritize their safety and well-being. It’s tragic that some women feel trapped because of financial dependence or the belief that their faith requires them to endure suffering.
Editor: Exactly. There’s often a significant struggle between religious beliefs and personal safety. How can faith communities support women who find themselves in these dire situations?
Dr. Silva: Faith communities must work to create an environment where speaking out is encouraged and supported. They can provide resources such as counseling, financial assistance, and connections to legal aid. Moreover, pastors and leaders need to be educated about the nuances of domestic violence and the importance of nurturing a message that prioritizes safety over suffering.
Editor: Pastor Amaral mentioned that women shouldn’t “let themselves be trampled on” and emphasized having the courage to change. How do you see this message impacting women who might feel trapped in such circumstances?
Dr. Silva: It can be empowering for women to hear that they have the choice to advocate for themselves. When they realize that changing their situation is not only possible but necessary, it can spark a transformation in how they view their circumstances. Of course, the challenge lies in overcoming the fear and isolation that often accompany domestic violence.
Editor: You touched on financial dependence earlier. For many women, especially in conservative or religious communities, financial security is a significant barrier to leaving an abusive relationship. What steps can churches take to alleviate this concern?
Dr. Silva: Churches can play a pivotal role by offering workshops on financial literacy, providing job training, or even creating support networks within the community to help women gain independence. It’s about fostering a mindset that empowers women economically and emotionally.
Editor: That’s a profound approach. In recent years, many women have started to voice their experiences, often leading to public support networks—something that was not as common in the past. How has this shift affected the conversation around divorce and domestic violence in faith communities?
Dr. Silva: This shift has been revolutionary. As more women share their stories, it normalizes the conversation. It allows others to see that they are not alone and encourages discussions around what healthy relationships should look like, even within the church. It also helps break down the stigma associated with divorce in these contexts, aligning with a more compassionate understanding of faith.
Editor: In closing, what message do you want to convey to women who may be watching this and are struggling with these issues?
Dr. Silva: To any woman facing domestic violence: you are not alone, and you deserve to feel safe and loved. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Trust that there are pathways to a better life and that faith can coexist with the courage to seek safety. Don’t hesitate to reach out to trusted friends, family, or church leaders who can guide you to the resources you need.
Editor: Thank you so much for your insights, Dr. Silva. It’s crucial that we continue these conversations in a way that promotes healing and empowerment for those affected by domestic violence.
Dr. Silva: Thank you for having me. It’s vital we continue to shed light on these issues.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. We hope this discussion provides support and understanding for those who need it. Until next time.