Grace Ji-Sun Kim, a theology professor and co-author of 'Surviving God,' joins Susan Shaw, a Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies professor, to challenge traditional depictions of God that can perpetuate trauma. They discuss how intersectionality shapes faith, emphasizing survivor voices in theology. The conversation touches on reconciling cultural heritage with personal trauma, advocating for inclusive spiritual frameworks. They also share plans for a humorous and engaging beer camp, blending serious discussions with lighthearted anecdotes.
The authors advocate for an intersectional approach to theology that integrates gender, race, and social justice perspectives to address systemic abuse.
Their collaborative writing process fostered healing and growth by creating a safe space to explore deeply personal narratives and trauma.
They critique traditional theological portrayals of God, proposing a more inclusive understanding that reflects the complexities of divine presence in suffering.
Deep dives
Intersectional Theology and Its Origins
The authors emphasize the importance of intersectionality in theological discourse, drawing from gender, race, and social justice perspectives. They reflect on how their previous work laid the groundwork for the current book, which aims to tackle the complex issues surrounding gender violence and sexual abuse. The rise of the Me Too movement served as a poignant backdrop, prompting them to confront these topics based on their personal experiences as survivors. This intersectional approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of theology that incorporates the multifaceted identities and experiences of individuals affected by systemic abuse.
Vulnerability in the Writing Process
The writing process for the authors was marked by a heightened sense of vulnerability, as they explored deeply personal and painful subjects. Collaborating with each other allowed them to cultivate a supportive environment that facilitated both healing and growth. They shared how their diverse yet intersecting identities and experiences became integral to the writing journey, enriching their theological exploration. This experience underscored the value of co-authorship in navigating challenging topics, as it fostered a safe space for dialogue and reflection.
The Concept of Han and Suffering
The authors introduce the concept of Han, a Korean term that describes collective suffering arising from injustice and systemic oppression. They explain how this term provides a richer understanding of suffering beyond individual experiences, illustrating its role within the context of both personal pain and broader societal issues. By connecting their own narratives to this concept, they challenge the reader to rethink traditional interpretations of suffering and divine presence. This exploration highlights how the divine coexists with human suffering, offering a framework for understanding the complexities of faith in the face of trauma.
Sharing Survivor Stories and Collective Theologizing
The importance of including diverse survivor stories throughout the book is emphasized as a powerful way to honor and validate the experiences of individuals. The authors recognize that each survivor brings a unique perspective shaped by their social location, enriching the theological narrative. By adopting a kaleidoscopic approach, they invite readers to engage with multiple voices in the quest for understanding God and coping with trauma. This method acknowledges the limitations of a singular perspective while promoting a collective effort in reconceptualizing theological approaches.
Reimagining Theology and the Divine
The authors critique traditional portrayals of God shaped by patriarchal and colonialist perspectives, arguing for a reimagining of divine attributes. They propose a more inclusive theology that recognizes the complexity of God’s identity, highlighting relational, mothering, and overcoming aspects. By reframing God through the lens of survivor experiences, they advocate for a divine presence that empowers rather than oppresses. This reframing serves as a call to rethink how theology can evolve to reflect the realities of suffering, abuse, and healing in contemporary contexts.
Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Susan Shaw are back on the podcast to discuss their newest co-authored book Surviving God: A New Vision of God through the Eyes of Sexual Abuse Survivors. In the conversation, they discuss how traditional ways of thinking about God are highly problematic, contribute to the problems of sexual abuse, and are not reflective of the God of love and justice at the heart of the gospel. We also find out about their next partnership.
Susan M. Shaw is professor of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Oregon State University. Grace Ji-Sun Kim is a professor of theology at Earlham School of Religion and host of the Madang podcast.