Dear Pastor,

I got baptised about two years ago and to tell you the truth, I don't know if I can stand up and say that I am a Christian. I feel this way because of my lifestyle, and I also feel ashamed at times. I believe that my boyfriend is the reason I have to behave so badly. He does not want me to go to church at times and he always wants to have sex. If I don't do it, he beats me.

I am tired of this. I have been getting this beating for years now and I just don't know what to do. Please help me if you can. I have tried to tell my pastor but I am afraid and ashamed.

A.B., Kingston, Jamaica

Dear A.B.,

I could only suggest that you go to the police and report the physical abuse. I don't know how many times I am going to say that no woman should allow a man to physically abuse her. No man has the right to beat a woman. And men who continue to beat women should be behind bars.

If you are a Christian, you shouldn't be intimate whether its with a Christian or non-Christian. It will destroy your Christian testimony. The Bible says that a Christian should not establish any form of relationship that relates to the family with people who are outside of Christ.

Pastor