Saintly women : medieval saints, modern women, and intimate partner violence / Nancy E. Nienhuis and Beverly Mayne Kienzle.

  • Nienhuis, Nancy E.
Date:
2018
  • Books

About this work

Description

This groundbreaking volume assesses the contemporary epidemic of intimate partner violence and explores how and why cultural and religious beliefs serve to excuse battering and to work against survivors' attempts to find safety. Theological interpretations of sacred texts have been used for centuries to justify or minimize violence against women. The authors recover historical and especially medieval narratives whose protagonists endure violence that is framed by religious texts or arguments. The medieval theological themes that redeem battering in saints' lives--suffering, obedience, ownership and power--continue today in most religious traditions. This insightful book emphasizes Christian history and theology, but the authors signal contributions from interfaith studies to efforts against partner violence. Examining medieval attitudes and themes sharpens the readers' understanding of contemporary violence against women. Analyzing both historical and contemporary narratives from a religious perspective grounds the unique approach of Nienhuis and Kienzle, one that forges a new path in grappling with partner violence. Medieval and contemporary narratives alike demonstrate that women in abusive relationships feel the burden of religious beliefs that enjoin wives to endure suffering and to maintain stable marriages. Religious leaders have reminded women of wives' responsibility for obedience to husbands, even in the face of abuse. In some narratives, however, women create safe places for themselves.

Publication/Creation

New York, NY : Routledge, an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, 2018.

Physical description

xv, 197 pages : black and white illustrations ; 24 cm.

Notes

Includes appendix: "A select filmography on intimate partner violence" (pages 167-171).

Bibliographic information

Includes bibliographical references (pages 173-190) and index.

Contents

Introduction -- What is domestic violence? -- Analysis of narrative and reading strategies -- A theology of suffering and patience -- A theology of obedience and subordination -- A theology of ownership and power -- Conclusion.

Languages

Where to find it

  • LocationStatus
    History of Medicine
    CW.AN
    Open shelves

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Identifiers

ISBN

  • 9780815395782
  • 0815395787