On This Rock

Jesus was the descendant of sexually exploited women, narrowly survived a child homicide, and grew up to be the world's most prominent defender of children. Jesus reserved his harshest words for those who abused or neglected children and went so far as to say our treatment of children says everything about our view of God. Although the early church took this message to heart and distinguished itself by its treatment of children, this message has been distorted or ignored by many modern Christian leaders. As a result, the church has often failed to protect children from abuse and, in many instances, has contributed to their maltreatment.

In this insightful book, Christian theologian and internationally recognized child abuse expert Victor Vieth examines the role of Jesus' life and teachings in reducing child abuse in the New Testament world. Vieth urges Christians to once again take seriously everything Jesus had to say about children. Using the teachings of Jesus as a blueprint, Vieth sets forth a proposal for church reform to prevent many cases of abuse, improve the pastoral care of survivors of abuse, and witness to the world that Christian faith shows itself in service to children.


""Child abuse in its myriad forms--prevalent in contemporary church and society--necessitates that congregations develop and implement proactive policies to protect God's little ones. Victor Vieth makes a compelling and articulate case for grounding the church's response to child abuse on the words and practices of Jesus. This book deserves wide circulation and serious study.""
--Craig L. Nessan, Wartburg Theological Seminary

""Victor brings a flood of light to the very dark topic of child abuse. As an expert in the prevention of child abuse and neglect, he is the best person in the world to write this book. His compassion, knowledge, passion, wisdom, hope, and Christ-centered theology that he brings to this topic are vital and urgent.""
--Justin S. Holcomb, co-author of God Made All of Me: A Book to Help Children Protect Their Bodies

""This book is sobering and encouraging. It is sobering because Vieth reveals a disconnect between how Jesus valued children and how his church has treated children over the ages. Yet the author does more than call us to repentance. He also encourages us. He demonstrates that our love and care for hurting children is deeply rooted in Jesus' love for children.""
--John D. Schuetze, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary


Victor I. Vieth is a former prosecutor who went on to direct the National Center for the Prosecution of Child Abuse. He is also the founder of the National Child Protection Training Center, the president of the Academy on Violence and Abuse, and serves on the board of directors of GRACE. His honors include the Pro Humanitate Award from the North American Resource Center for Child Welfare. His degrees include an MA from Wartburg Theological Seminary.