2024~49. Surviving God

Grace Ji-Sun Kim & Susan Shaw. 2024.

It is particularly difficult to review a book like this when you are friends with the author, but nevertheless I will endeavor to be objective.  This is a niche read.  It is a delicate read about surviving sexual abuse in the context of Christian religion, about healing within the teachings of the church, and about finding meaning in a religious tradition that often seems to turn a deliberately cold and harsh shoulder to survivors. Having not struggled with this issue of situating abuse within a religious tradition, I found it fascinating to read about, while also feeling detached from the experience.  Many times, I just wondering why making such an effort to find love, meaning, and acceptance in a system with such a long and continuing history of abuse is hard for me to relate to, which is, of course, one of the reasons we read--to find understanding of someone else's experience.  I would imagine that for folks teaching about theology, religion, and abuse, and for those who have experience abuse within the church community, this would be a truly impactful read.  For other working with survivors, I think it provides insight into this particular struggle that is not commonly talked about.  I am not sure its appeal would be widespread enough for a recommendation, but I also don't not recommend it at all.

Not not recommended.
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