Episode 148 - Rev. Ruth Everhart, "The #MeToo Reckoning"

“If women have the same value and worth as men in the eyes of Jesus, then they need to have the same value and worth as men in our culture.” - Ruth Everhart

Rev. Ruth Everhart is Michael’s guest for this episode of Restoring the Soul.

She is an author, speaker, and Presbyterian pastor. Her writing explores the hidden ways religious belief shapes how we think about life, especially the lives of women. She is the author of three books: THE #MeToo RECKONING: Facing the Church's Complicity in Sexual Abuse and Misconduct, the memoir RUINED (which was awarded "Book of the Year 2017" from Christianity Today Women), and CHASING THE DIVINE IN THE HOLY LAND. She has also written articles for many publications such as The Christian Century, Sojourners, and The Washington Post. You can find these articles, or contact her, at rutheverhart.com. 

On this edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael and Ruth will discuss her most recent book, The #MeToo Reckoning. The #MeToo movement has revealed sexual abuse and assault in every sphere of society, including the church. But victims are routinely ignored by fellow Christians who deny their accounts and fail to bring accountability to the perpetrators. Ruth Everhart is a survivor of sexual abuse and discloses stories of how she and others have experienced assault in church settings, highlighting the damage done to individuals, families, and communities. She also offers hope to survivors as she declares that God is present with the violated and stands in solidarity with victims.

In this podcast, we hope you will discover:

Lament is a way to pour out fury before God.

Connection between Purity and Rape Cultures.

What does it mean to “do justice”.