In this week's conversation between Dr. James Emery White and co-host Alexis Drye, they discuss the controversy surrounding the release of the movie adaptation of the book by Colleen Hoover It Ends With Us. While the book attempts to shine a light on the issue of domestic violence and the many faces that it can take, the movie - largely due to comments in the press from lead actress Blake Lively - has been criticized for romanticizing domestic abuse.

Episode Links

For those who've neither seen the movie nor read the book, we suggest you read the article highlighting the controversy and which gives an overview of the story. You can find the NPR article HERE. For more on the harrowing statistics that Dr. White mentioned on domestic violence, we suggest you visit the website for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence HERE. And if you're interested in listening to the Liberty University Convocation address that he mentioned from Ray Rice, you can find that HERE.

Dr. White raised the need for the church to speak out on issues like domestic violence, because having open conversations makes it so much easier for women to come forward. And then the church must answer in response. Dr. White has delivered several series at Mecklenburg Community Church over the years that have touched on this subject. The series “#MeToo” has an installment called “#HomeToo” which specifically focuses on abuse within the home. It was touched on in the series “Holy Matrimony” looking at the Bible's view of marriage. It was also raised through the series “Man Up” exploring the biblical call to manhood.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 737-225-3150. You can also find out how to create a safety plan on their safe-exit website HERE.

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10. Forgiveness: Is it Necessary for Healing?