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implications surrounding Peretti and Dekker’s characterization of Leslie
are emblematic of broader Christian mentalities pertaining to sexual
abuse. The negative portrayal of sexual abuse victims also appears
throughout the documentary, Hell House, which explores Christian Hell
Houses across the nation. The documentary depicts a Hell House in
which the victim of a gang rape is committing suicide and being
graphically dragged into hell {Hell House). The depiction of the rape
victim in Hell House communicates a message similar to House: rape
victims are deemed punishable by the Christian community. The popular
Christian rehabilitation center, Mercy Ministries, also adopts an
interesting approach to sexual abuse. Violated, written by the founder of
the rehabilitation center, Nancy Alcom, states that healing after sexual
abuse must “involve telling someone what happened and accepting the
truth that God will restore . . . purity, so that one day she can be the
virgin bride she dreamed of being” (4). Alcom goes on to state that
Christian victims “have a God who loves [them] enough to help [them]
put the shattered pieces of [their] heart and life back together,”
insinuating that, without the Christian God, tme recovery is impossible
(9). Alcom also addresses the victim mentality that Randy discusses
throughout her recovery book, noting that those who continue to
experience the feeling of victimization after abuse believe they are
“justified in their hate, bitterness and unforgiveness” (9). Alcom
reiterates Randy’s concept of victim mentality, admonishing victims for
feeling anger towards their abusers. The negative message concerning
sexual abuse that Peretti and Dekker support throughout their novel
seems to resurface in many other areas of Christianity, upholding popular
Biblical beliefs while also reinforcing unfavorable views towards sexual
abuse victims.
A Working Woman is a Sinful Woman
Though Leslie’s main sin may be traced to her sexual abuse, the
fact that Leslie’s career as a psychologist is another influencing factor in
her damnation. Women’s role in the workforce versus their role in the
home is of continuous debate amongst the Christian community.
Biblically, “noble” women are often characterized as homemakers whose
main role is to care for their husbands and children (Titus 2:4-5).
Correspondingly, women are forbidden from exerting authority over
men, as well as acting as the primary educators of men (1 Tim. 2.12-13).
The chapter goes on to demand that women be both modest and
submissive in order to prove their dedication to Christ. 1 Timothy goes
on to emphasize the necessity of women in the home, stating that, to be