The Crucifixion of Jesus: Torture, Sexual Abuse, and the Scandal of the Cross

by David Tombs

Roman crucifixions sought to degrade and dehumanize their victims in ways that destroyed their dignity and stigmatized their memory. Paul speaks of the cross as a 'scandal' or 'stumbling block', but the significance of this language has never been explored in terms of sexual violence. The Crucifixion of Jesus examines crucifixion as a form of torture, state terror, and sexual abuse. It reads recent accounts of torture alongside the presentation of crucifixion in the Passion narratives and other Greek and Roman sources.

Outlining compelling reasons for viewing Jesus as a victim of sexual abuse, it examines why this unsettling aspect of the narrative has remained 'hidden in plain sight' for so long, and what place it might have in discussions of rape culture past and present. It also asks whether other acts of sexual violence and rape might have happened during the mockery in the Praetorium, or even on the cross itself. It argues that although the acknowledgment of this 'unspeakable violence' is deeply disturbing, breaking the silence can nonetheless have constructive consequences.

In addition to offering a more historical understanding of crucifixion, this book illuminates positive new aspects of resurrection, making it a probing read for scholars of biblical studies and for those interested in the interplay of religion and violence.

136 pages, ebook

Published January 2, 2023

Reviews

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few works on Jesus have had such an impact on my understanding of the cross as David Tombs, The Crucifixion of Jesus: Torture, Sexual Abuse and the Scandal of the Cross. And in just 80 pages! I first heard Tombs on the OnScript podcast when he was interviewed about this book. Reflecting on the evidence he presents has, at times, brought tears to my eyes and a renewed (new!) sense of what it meant for Jesus to “despise the shame” of the cross. Tombs challenges us to slow down and read what is actually there in Scripture—the forced stripping of Jesus …multiple times—and recognize this as sexual abuse. His deep dive into the history of crucifixion and the reality of sexual violence is, at times, very difficult to read. Ample warnings are provided by Tombs himself. In the end, though, the power of the resurrection is itself heightened, restoring dignity to those who have been stripped of it by sexual abuse. Tomb reminds all survivors: You are not alone. You are not to blame. And so, he challenges the church to more fully engage in addressing the sexual violence that continues in our day.