Why Naming Jesus a Victim of Sexual Abuse Matters - Dr Jayme Reaves & Prof David Tombs

Discussion about Mark 15:16-24 and other Biblical texts on whether the stripping and forced naked exposure of Jesus prior to and during crucifixion can be understood as sexual abuse.
The speakers investigate why the sexualised element of Jesus' humiliation is rarely named or seen as important and how acknowledgement of these texts might contribute to better church responses to sexual violence.
This talk was given at Café Théologique (4/5/20) and is one of a series which explores theology in the public realm. The event is hosted by the University of Reading Chaplaincy and the office of the Bishop of Reading. This talk was given by Dr Jayme Reaves of Sarum College, Salisbury (UK) and Prof David Tombs of the University of Otago (NZ) based on their project, "When did we see you naked?".
The project examines three questions:
a) Did the torture and crucifixion of Jesus involve some form of sexual abuse?
b) What difference should this make for the Church today?
c) What consequences does this have for a theological understanding of God’s gracious and healing presence in the world?
www.otago.ac.n...