In the pluralistic societies of North America, religious affiliations encompass Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Orthodox, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and Native American or First Nations beliefs and practices, along with variations within these religious groups. This chapter first examines the historical context of patriarchal religious traditions in which the daily experiences of adherents occur. Patriarchal religions emphasize the subordinate role of women to men, thus often conditioning women to accept battering as part of their subordinate role. Challenging the authority and methods of the male batterer may be difficult for such women. Theologians within these religious traditions must emphasize that sexual and domestic violence must be understood theologically and ethically as sins. The focus for family life must be respect, equality, freedom from fear, support, love, freedom from violence, and responsibility for self and other. It is important for battered women to understand that they are dealing with their batterer from a superior ethical and theological position. Following this analysis of patriarchal religious beliefs and their deconstruction and reconstruction, the chapter discusses the importance of collaboration between religious and secular resources for helping battered women. There should be a common focus on the need to relieve the mental and physical suffering of the victims of violence. 23 references