Restoring Truth: Cutting Through the Noise of Church Scandals
- Brent Madaris
- Jun 7
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 8
Child sexual abuse is a scourge that demands truth, not tribalism...action, not accusation. Sadly, in our hyper-critical age, some use this painful subject not to protect victims or promote reform, but to smear biblical churches and amplify anti-Christian narratives. While no institution is immune to sin and scandal, the Independent Baptist movement has become a favorite target of those who see biblical authority and pastoral leadership not as safeguards, but as suspects.
It’s time to set the record straight—statistically, biblically, and morally.
Anecdotes Aren’t Evidence
Social media accounts and documentaries have brought to light harrowing stories that demand both compassion and accountability. Every story of abuse must be taken seriously, and every victim deserves to be heard. At the same time, we must also recognize the need to distinguish between individual cases and broad generalizations. Genuine tragedy should never be used to support false assumptions—especially the claim that abuse is inherently tied to conservative, male-led, Bible-believing churches. Truth requires careful, honest evaluation—not just powerful storytelling.
What Do the Numbers Really Say?
When actual data is analyzed, the narrative that abuse is more common in religious institutions—particularly conservative ones—does not hold up.
According to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) in the United Kingdom, the breakdown of abuse locations among thousands of survivor accounts is as follows:
42% of abuse occurred in the family home
15% in schools
6% in religious institutions
The remaining were in residential care, foster care, medical settings, and elsewhere
(Source: IICSA Final Report, 2022)
In other words, the overwhelming majority of abuse did not happen in religious settings. Despite how some portray it, the church is not the epicenter of child abuse—the home is. And yet, there are few high-profile documentaries, or podcasts, focusing on that.
In the United States, data paints a similar picture. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics in 2015 showed that:
Less than 1% of all youth reported experiencing any form of maltreatment in youth-serving organizations (which include churches, sports leagues, and clubs)
Most abuse, again, occurred in familial or informal environments
(Source: JAMA Pediatrics, Dec. 2015)
If we’re following the facts, abuse is not more common in churches—it’s just more controversial when it occurs there.
No Denial. No Deflection. Just Decency.
To be clear, none of this is written to defend the indefensible. When abuse happens in a church—especially in the name of God—it is wicked, shameful, and often criminal. Every Independent Baptist church ought to be aggressive in confronting abuse, transparent in handling allegations, and relentless in protecting the innocent.
That said, the presence of sin in a spiritual institution is not proof that the doctrine is to blame. Judas Iscariot was not a failure of Christ’s teachings—but a man who rejected them.
Why the Church Is Targeted
So why do religious institutions—especially conservative ones—get painted as uniquely dangerous? There are several reasons:
Visibility: A moral failure in the pulpit makes headlines; one in the locker room often does not.
Authority structures: Churches with male leadership and biblical standards are seen by some as inherently “patriarchal”—a word now often used as a synonym for “abusive.”
Cultural resistance: The Bible teaches sin, repentance, authority, modesty, and obedience. These are offensive ideas in an age of autonomy and self-worship.
Personal vendettas: Some have experienced genuine hurt, or have unresolved grievances with churches. Others may simply hold deep resentment toward religious institutions. Whether justified or not, this pain becomes the lens through which they view every story—and the fuel behind efforts to tear down what they once knew.
To the world, the Bible itself (or the church) is the offense. Therefore, when a preacher fails, it isn’t just seen as his sin—it’s used to indict Scripture itself (or the church as a whole).
Misusing Abuse to Dismantle Truth
Few things are more callous than weaponizing a victim's pain to advance a personal agenda or settle a score with a group you already resent. Sadly, that's what some people do. They cry out for "justice," but rarely pause to pursue the whole truth in its context.
True justice calls for accountability for perpetrators and protection for the innocent—not slander against the faithful. If an Independent Baptist preacher covers up abuse, he must be held accountable. If a church turns a blind eye to evil, it must be called to repentance. But a faithful Bible-believing church should not be condemned by association. This is a violation of justice.
A Watchful Church and a Holy God
The church must rise—not in defensiveness, but in discernment and determination. We must be vigilant and proactive against wrongdoing...even it occurs in our own church. The world is watching, and more importantly, so is God.
“Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).
That holiness must reach every level—our leadership, our relationships, and our response to sin. May we never trade accountability for appearances, nor shield any man or woman at the expense of a child—or anyone else. But let us also be vigilant that Satan does not exploit failure to dismantle faith.
In Summary
Yes, abuse has happened in churches, including Independent Baptist churches.
Yes, it must be exposed, punished, and prevented.
But no, the data does not support the narrative that abuse is more prevalent in churches than in secular institutions.
And no…Bible preaching, God-ordained leadership, or the teaching of biblical order in the church and home are not to blame. The root problem is sin—especially when God’s design is twisted for selfish or sinful ends.
May we pursue both holiness and truth—with a heart for the hurting, a mind grounded in facts, and a courage that refuses to bow to cultural lies.
If You Are Being Abused: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Help
1. Know This First
You are not alone. Abuse is never your fault. You are not dishonoring God by speaking up. God is a refuge for the oppressed (Psalm 9:9).
It is not sinful to seek help. It is not rebellion to speak up.
2. If You Are in Immediate Danger — Call 911
If someone is threatening you, hurting you, or if you feel unsafe right now — call 911 or your local emergency number.
Police and emergency personnel are trained to respond quickly and help ensure your safety.
3. Tell a Trusted Adult
If you are a child or teen, speak to a trusted adult:
Parent
Grandparent
Teacher
Pastor or youth leader you trust
Christian counselor
If the abuse involves someone close to you (even a family member or church leader), tell another trusted adult immediately.
5. Document What Is Happening (If Possible)
If you’re in a situation that allows it safely, keep a written or digital record:
Dates
What happened
What was said
This may help later when speaking to law enforcement or counselors.
6. Get Counsel from a Biblically Sound Pastor or Counselor
Find someone who believes in biblical authority, church accountability, and the protection of the innocent.
You can locate a biblical counselor through:
biblicalcounseling.com (ACBC)
Biblical counsel does not mean hiding abuse — it means confronting sin in truth and love, with justice and mercy.
7. If the Abuser Is in a Church or Ministry
Report abuse to law enforcement, even if the abuser is a pastor or religious leader.
A godly church will support justice and not shield sin.
Covering abuse dishonors Christ. Exposing it, with the right heart, protects His people and His name.
8. Healing Takes Time — Don’t Walk Alone
Healing from abuse is not instant, but it is possible.
A faithful local church, Christian counselor, and godly friends or family can walk with you.
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
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