Engaging and readable, unashamed and compassionate, Doris VanStone does an excellent job applying the gospel and God's word to those struggling with abandonment and sexual abuse.
Engaging and readable, unashamed and compassionate, Doris VanStone does an excellent job applying the gospel and God’s word to those struggling with abandonment and sexual abuse.
Summary
Doris VanStone recounts her own personally experiences of sexual abuse and then moves on to outline how the Lord worked in her life so that she was not bound or controlled by these past experiences. She walks through how God was better then her earthly parents, the hope that we have in Christ, and how the Lord will never fail us. She also includes poems and excerpts of letters from those who have written her and asked for help.
Score Breakdown:
Treatment of Scripture:
Refers to scripture often, are a few places she could cite it more. There are a few times where I wasn’t sure where she was going to take a passage or concept, but she did a good job of properly interpreting and applying scripture. Seems to follow a literal-grammatical-historical hermeneutic and hold to orthodox Christian beliefs.
Biblical Goals:
Sometimes VanStone has the goal of healing which is never clearly or concretely defined. “Healing” is not necessarily a biblical goal, but the healing she describes is an overall ability to move forward in trust and obedience to God regardless of the past. Throughout the book she talks about other clear goals such as obeying and loving God regardless of the situation, trying to be Christlike, and glorifying God. These things are not clearly outlined but are there throughout the book in pieces. Overall the presentation of the book seems to have the goal of helping others view their abuse in light of God and in trust of God.
Biblical Terminology:
Doris VanStone labels actions biblically and often uses terms such as obedience, forgiveness, hell, sin. There are a few terms which are therapeutic but she redefines them biblically and correctly. A few fleeting usages of psychological language, but not very much and not focused on (ex: “inner child” and “cope”). Does not talk about the heart, perhaps due to the age of this book where such concepts were not as much fleshed out in literature. Does not really flesh out shame which is interesting.
Biblical Hope:
VanStone does a great job of biblical hope. Hope is only in the word and work of God. She does reference earthly hopes but often underscores how they are faulty and reframes the reader to see God as better. Very hope filled.
Gospel Concepts:
VanStone clearly shares the gospel multiple times throughout the book and makes it clear that in order to actually carry out the suggestions and truths in the book that you need Christ to change your heart. It is a little fluffy but does not step over the line into therapeutic (ie. getting saved to have problems fixed). Overall I think her gospel presentations are in line with the tone and writing style and are balanced.
Practicality and Helpfulness:
Very practical and helpful to think through sexual abuse, what it entails, what it’s effects are, and how it is not determinative . There are some suggestions she gives such as reading 3 psalms a day, talking to someone you trust etc. Overall action points are vague and a counselor would be a great asset when going through this book.
Discipleship Use:
There are no questions at the end of each chapter, but the book is very readable and accessible. There would be lots to talk about and it is very clear and personable to read. The tone is conversational and friendly. There are a lot of deep truths communicated in this as well. I would recommend this as a reading assignment. The topic would probably be hard for most group settings, but it could be used that way.
Personal Use:
I will keep this book. I believe this is a helpful and important short little book on sexual abuse. It adds to the discussion of more modern books and holds it’s own, because it removes the doubt that God’s word really is enough and it’s hope is so clearly only on the Lord. I was personally challenged and convicted and I would recommend this book to others.
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