Jeri Massi

Schizophrenic Christianity: : How Christian Fundamentalism Attracts and Protects Sociopaths, Abusive Pastors, and Child Molesters Jeri Massi

Publisher Marketing: Now updated with more cases and more insights on the inside politics of Christian Fundamentalism, SCHIZOPHRENIC CHRISTIANITY throws light onto the culture of Fundamentalism that permits its leaders to molest children. Using case study after case study of Independent Fundamental Baptist pastors accused, indicted, or convicted of child molesting, the author shows that these men continue to serve in the ministry unhindered. With surprising quotes from public leaders of Christian Fundamentalism such as the late Jerry Falwell, the author shows that many ultra-conservative Baptist churches grant their pastors total immunity and blame and isolate their victims instead. In easy to understand language, Massi explains the theology of American Christian Fundamentalism and shows how it has departed radically from historic Christian belief into a gender-based, externalized pietism that evaluates spiritual success in terms of numbers and political power. She paints a frightening picture of a religion gone horribly wrong, in which child molesters can easily pick up the lingo, amass a following, and hold themselves above accountability by merging into a system that refuses to police itself or institute rules of behavior for its clergy. Contributor Bio:  Massi, Jeri Jeri Massi, published by by both Bob Jones University Press and Moody Press, spent 12 years documenting clergy sex abuse of children in Christian Fundamentalist churches. After uncovering over 80 cases, none of which were handled with justice or even respect for the victims, Massi has begun publishing her analysis of the corruption and downfall of Christian Fundamentalism.