Assault on God's Image

Isaac A. Block has taken some real chances in Assault on God's Image (Windflower Communications), a thesis-turned-book about violence within Mennonite families living in Winnipeg. The abuse statistics are as terrible in this Christian community as they are everywhere else; ironically, the reality is more palpable wrapped in its stiff academic clothing: "Destruction of Pets and Property" and "Categories of Victims Reported to Pastors" are typical table heads. The author, a Mennonite pastor, presents his research and conclusions in a context of biblical theology that is constructive, not iconoclastic. He is careful to say this is not the definitive study, but he proposes that while Mennonites "put forth a concerted effort to provide services for disadvantaged communities and people groups around the world, they must also turn inward and put considerably more effort into dealing with the issue of abuse within their congregations."