STEVE TRACY

Scripture can play a unique and profound role in the lives of abuse survivors. It can be a powerful instrument for healing or harm. Unfortunately, it is most often a source of great harm. In over two decades of abuse ministry Steve Tracy's ministry, Mending the Soul, has found that some of the most extensive trauma harm is experienced by survivors who had Scripture misused against them by abusers or the abusers' collaborators. Sometimes survivors misuse Scripture against themselves. Furthermore, well-meaning family members and pastors are often inadequately equipped to apply relevant biblical texts to abuse survivors' needs. Even fewer are able to refute the most common, harmful misuses of Scripture. This book is designed to address this glaring need.

The first section lays the foundation for the rest of the book by briefly surveying the complex richness of Scripture and then give basic principles for proper biblical interpretation. The second section of the book surveys key biblical texts most commonly misused against survivors organizing them by topic (the family, church, etc.). Steve Tracy shows how key biblical texts have been misused and then explains what those texts do and do not mean. When possible, he also shows how these texts are applicable to and helpful for survivors. The last section surveys, by category, key biblical texts which are most helpful for abuse survivors' protection and healing. Finally, the book includes appendices surveying biblical teaching on various abuse-related topics.

What People are Saying about To Heal or Harm:

To Heal or Harm is a valuable resource for pastors, mentors, advocates, and anyone seeking to walk with integrity, grace, and wisdom alongside those who carry the wounds of abuse.
—Caleb E. Campbell, lead pastor Desert Springs Bible Church

This book provides an excellent resource for ministers, counselors, and members of a faith community, who must grapple with how they also can caringly minister with those damaged by abuse and spiritual browbeating. 
—David E. Garland, Professor Emeritus, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University

If you want to rightly handle the Word of truth, read this book; it is the closest thing to a "safety manual" for the Bible I have ever read. And it is desperately needed.
—Nijay K. Gupta, Julius R. Mantey Professor of New Testament, Northern Seminary

Free from clichés, oversimplifications, and platitudes, the author’s profound respect for Scripture brings both relief and release to those impacted by traumatic harm—and to those earnestly seeking to make wise, responsive decisions in alignment with God’s Word. 
—Laura Anne Roberts, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist and Owner Partner of Cornerstone Clinical Services, Milwaukie, OR

Tracy thoughtfully dismantles the distorted theology that enables spiritual abuse, and he brings scripture back into its rightful, life-giving context.
—Darrell Puls, author, Let Us Prey: The Plague of Narcissist Pastors and What We Can Do About It.

To Heal or Harm addresses specific twisted Scriptures to help the abused walk in clarity, hope, and freedom, and goes further to show who God really is and why we can trust Him.
—Rebecca Davis, author of the Untwisting Scriptures series

This book will help you untangle the confusion that arises from the misuse of Scripture and provide insight into the true heart of God.
—Joy Forrest, Author and Founder, Called to Peace Ministries

This book is a gift to survivors and to anyone seeking to understand the healing power of Scripture when it is rightly handled.
—Naghmeh Abedini Panahi, Author of I Didn’t Survive: Emerging Whole After Deception, Persecution, And Hidden Abuse

STEVEN R. TRACY

STEVEN R. TRACY Steven R. Tracy (PhD, University of Sheffield, England), is the president and international director for Mending the Soul Ministries, and retired professor of theology and ethics at Phoenix Seminary. He and his wife Celestia co-founded and co-lead Mending the Soul, a global mission dedicated to resourcing and equipping community and faith leaders in informed and compassionate responses to those impacted by abuse.