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 time-Religious Child maltreatment.
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 one\'s Religious or secular orientation, Maltreatment of children under the cloak of religion can never be justified and should not be tolerated..
In a concluding chapter, Heimlich raises questions about children\'s rights and proposes changes in societal attitudes and improved legislation to protect children from harm.
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.
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.
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 time-Religious Child maltreatment
