Theology of Violence: Rape, Power, and Redemption in Religious Thought”: Rape Theology Reclaiming Faith, Healing Trauma, and Seeking Justice in the Aftermath of Sexual Violence
About this audiobook
Book Description
Theology of Violence: Rape, Power, and Redemption in Religious Thought
Rape Theology: Reclaiming Faith, Healing Trauma, and Seeking Justice in the Aftermath of Sexual Violence
By Vincent Froom
In this groundbreaking work, Vincent Froom addresses one of the most challenging intersections of faith, power, and human suffering: the role of theology in understanding and responding to sexual violence. With deep compassion and academic rigor, Theology of Violence examines how religious traditions, doctrines, and practices have both perpetuated and resisted sexual violence throughout history.
Drawing on biblical narratives, feminist theology, liberation theology, and diverse global perspectives, Froom confronts uncomfortable truths about the ways faith communities have silenced survivors, upheld patriarchal structures, and struggled to reconcile the reality of sexual violence with their teachings on justice, redemption, and healing.
Key Themes Explored in the Book:
• Biblical Narratives of Sexual Violence: Stories of Dinah, Tamar, and the Levite’s concubine reveal the enduring struggles of silence, justice, and gender within sacred texts.
• Historical and Theological Perspectives: From St. Augustine’s writings to modern Islamic feminism, Froom critically examines how theological frameworks have shaped cultural understandings of rape and power.
• Feminist and Womanist Insights: The contributions of theologians like Mary Daly and Renita J. Weems challenge entrenched ideologies and offer new pathways for justice.
• Indigenous and Ritual-Based Healing: Insights from African traditional religions, shamanistic practices, and Indigenous North American rituals demonstrate the power of community and spirituality in healing trauma.
• Theodicy and Divine Justice: Grappling with the age-old question: Why does God allow rape to happen?
A Call for Transformation
This book is not just an academic exploration—it is a call to action. Froom argues for a theology that places survivors at the center, challenges systems of oppression, and fosters both individual healing and systemic justice. Through ritual, liturgy, and pastoral care, faith communities can become agents of restoration and advocates for change.
Why This Book Matters:
• Provides a comprehensive, multi-faith examination of sexual violence in religious contexts.
• Centers survivor voices while holding institutions accountable for their role in perpetuating or addressing harm.
• Offers practical insights for clergy, lay leaders, activists, and anyone seeking to make faith spaces safer and more supportive for survivors.
Theology of Violence is an essential resource for scholars, faith leaders, and advocates who are committed to reclaiming faith as a source of healing, justice, and redemption in the aftermath of sexual violence. It is a courageous, deeply compassionate work that dares to confront the hardest questions of faith and power—and offers hope for a better path forward.
About the author
Vincent Froom is an acclaimed theologian, author, and advocate whose work focuses on the intersections of faith, social justice, and human resilience. With a passion for addressing challenging and often overlooked topics, Froom’s writings explore how religious traditions shape—and are shaped by—issues such as trauma, healing, and systemic oppression.
Froom’s previous works include Paws and Prayers: Discovering Faith Through Our Animal Friends and Chain of Thought Self-Help. Known for his thought-provoking and compassionate approach, Froom brings both academic rigor and lived empathy to his books, blending theological insights with practical strategies for personal and communal transformation.
In Theology of Violence, Froom confronts one of the most urgent issues facing religious communities today: the role of faith in addressing sexual violence. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of theology, feminist theory, and global traditions, Froom offers a powerful call for justice, healing, and redemption.
Beyond his writing, Froom is an active speaker, workshop leader, and advocate for survivor-centered approaches to faith and spirituality. He is committed to fostering dialogues that challenge traditional narratives while empowering individuals and communities to build safer, more inclusive spaces of worship and support.
