Assaulted Body, Assaulted Faith: A Trauma Theology of Sexual Assault

Assaulted Body, Assaulted Faith addresses the question, 'What is the experience of living in a body that has been traumatized by sexual assault/violence and continuing in the faith?' Using hermeneutic phenomenology as the methodological approach for exploring the lived experience of a small group of women, as well as her personal experiences, Samantha G Smith aims to create a depth of understanding of this phenomenon. Located within the context of practical theology, this volume examines the intersection of trauma and theology at the lived experience of sexual violation. It underscores the theological implications of an embodied theology that exists with trauma, including a theological reflection on the 'power of naming', 'agency and abandonment' and 'shame and guilt'. Focus is given to how the women interviewees' theology shaped their traumatic experiences and their trauma shifted their theology, with practical responses offered to the lived experience of sexual assault/violence, identifying how the church might better come alongside those who have endured this trauma.

Assaulted Body, Assaulted Faith is the first book in the SCM Press Studies in Trauma Theology series.