David Tombs on The Rape and Sexual Abuse of Jesus

Feminist and womanist theologians have questioned traditional Christian models of atonement that appear to render God complicit in the extreme violence of the cross, likening Jesus crucifixion to a form of divine child abuse. These models of atonement often reinforce unhealthy attitudes towards the acceptance of sexual violence and abuse. Professor Tombs presentation will link the critiques of atonement to recent research on crucifixion, which rereads the historical and scriptural evidence on Roman crucifixions to suggest that sexual humiliation and sexual violence were prominent features in this event. This will lead to discussion on the theological and ethical relevance of such an understanding of crucifixion, including its significance in light of recent sexual abuse scandals within the church.