The Body of Jesus and Sexual Abuse : How the Gospel Passion Narratives Inform a Pastoral Response

When those who have been abused, especially sexually abused, hear stories of Jesus passion with an Interpretation that suggests they unite their suffering to those of Jesus so that they too may experience resurrection, they may be led to believe that their abuse is part of a divine plan. This book offers a fresh listening to the gospel passion narratives and overturns such an interpretation, for these are stories of humiliation and abuse that are also sexual. By carefully exploring each of the gospel narratives and the intention of their authors, placing these narratives against the Greco-Roman world in which they were written, a fresh appreciation emerges that shows how these stories can speak to our churches and those who suffer from sexual abuse.