News Summary
Cole Goldberg, the boyfriend of reality TV alum Caroline Schwitzky (who appeared on 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?), is on trial in Palm Beach County after an April 24, 2022 incident at the Boca Bash boat event in South Florida. Goldberg was first charged with domestic battery by strangulation; prosecutors later upgraded the charge to attempted second-degree murder. According to investigators, a heated argument led to an alleged struggle aboard a boat during which Goldberg grabbed Schwitzky; she jumped into the water to escape and a bystander intervened when Goldberg pursued and attempted to drown her. Prosecutors reportedly offered a plea deal (six months in jail, three years probation, and a 500-word apology) which Goldberg declined, saying he would not plead to a felony.
Biblical Reflection
From a biblical perspective this story raises several clear moral and pastoral concerns. First, any form of physical abuse or attempted killing violates the biblical mandates to love one another (John 13:34–35) and to value the life and dignity God gives every person (Genesis 1:27). Violence within intimate relationships is a grave sin and a social evil; the church should neither minimize nor sensationalize it. Scripture calls God’s people to protect the vulnerable, seek justice, and support victims (Proverbs 31:8–9; Micah 6:8). At the same time, biblical teaching calls for truth and due process: authorities exist to bear the sword for justice (Romans 13:1–4), and legitimate legal processes should be followed so guilt or innocence is properly determined. Pastoral care must balance justice and mercy: calling for accountability for wrongdoing while also remembering that repentance and restoration are possible for those who genuinely turn from sin (2 Corinthians 5:17). Practically, the church should offer compassionate care to survivors, avoid gossip and voyeurism around the public details of the case, and encourage prayerful engagement that seeks both protection for the harmed and repentance for the perpetrator if appropriate. Finally, Christians should resist the temptation to treat public scandal as mere entertainment; when real people are wounded, the response should be sorrow, action to protect, and pursuit of justice tempered by Christlike mercy.
Scripture in context
This outlook does not yet include contextual Scripture citations. Do not treat a general biblical theme as an exegetical conclusion.
Faithful Response
No prescribed response is offered. Consider the reflection prompts below in your own church context.
Reflection and Discussion
- 1How can I — as a believer, neighbor, or church member — support survivors of domestic violence practically and spiritually without sensationalizing their pain?
- 2Am I quick to assume guilt or rush to judgment in public scandals, or do I allow lawful processes and Christlike compassion to guide my response?
- 3What steps can my church take to prevent abuse, offer safe care for victims, and provide redemptive pathways for those who repent?
Sources
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- 1.Original reportprimary