Assaulted Body, Assaulted Faith

A trauma theology of sexual assault

Samantha Smith (Autor)

Buch | Softcover

208 Seiten

2026
SCM Press (Verlag)
9780334066675 (ISBN)

Noch nicht erschienen (ca. Juni 2026)
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In Assaulted Body, Assaulted Faith, Samantha Smith explores the profound intersection of trauma, faith, and the lived experiences of women who have endured sexual assault and violence. Through the lens of Christian practical theology, this book addresses a critical yet often overlooked question: What does it mean to live in a body traumatized by violence while continuing to seek and engage with one's faith? Utilizing ‘hermeneutic phenomenology’, the author conducts in-depth interviews with seven women, revealing powerful themes that illustrate the complexities of their journeys. The narratives expose the weight of labels such as “victim” and “survivor,” highlighting how these terms can lead to self-blame and shame. Delving into the embodiment of trauma, the book examines how these women perceive their bodies and the theological implications of their experiences. It emphasizes the need for an embodied theology that acknowledges trauma while fostering healing and resilience. Concluding with practical responses for the church, Assaulted Body, Assaulted Faith offers a roadmap for creating supportive environments that empower survivors.

Assaulted Body, Assaulted Faith is part of the SCM Press Studies in Trauma Theology series.

Dr Samantha Smith is a counsellor, therapist and theologian. She was previously Adjunct Professor at Southeastern Bible College, and earned her PhD at Aberdeen University.

Introduction: Quilting as a metaphor for the research process
Part I: Designing the Quilt and Picking the Fabrics
1 Trauma and the Holy Spirit: “How do they co-exist?”
Part II: Highlighting the Focal fabrics
2 Being named, blamed, and shamed
3 “My only experience of God was the absence of God.”
Part III: Stitching the pieces together and quilting the whole
4 Trauma, theology, and the body
5 “God’s plan…?”
6 What ought we do?
Part IV: Binding the quilt
7 Ending and Beginning Anew

Erscheint lt. Verlag	30.6.2026
Verlagsort	London
Sprache	englisch
Maße	156 x 234 mm
Themenwelt	Religion / Theologie ► Christentum ► Kirchengeschichte
ISBN-13	9780334066675 / 9780334066675
Zustand	Neuware