Fragile Resurrection

“Theuring beautifully weaves the voices of hope in theological discourse as a contribution to practical theology tending to the problem of domestic violence. Her work of imagining resurrection through the embodiment of solidarity and ethical research with survivors addresses a necessary depth and complexity to faithful responses in the face of trauma and violence.”


—Yara González-Justiniano, Vanderbilt Divinity School





“At each turn, Fragile Resurrection extends and energizes the lineage of feminist theology, insisting that fidelity to tradition requires turning to the testimonies of those still shuddering from the impact of contemporary crosses. In this astounding sweep of contemporary theologies of hope, Theuring’s final word is not terror and fear. It is embodied imaginative hope.”


—Shelly Rambo, Boston University School of Theology





“Thanks to Ashley Theuring for her liberating theology of Fragile Resurrection. Thanks especially for her close listening to women who have experienced years of domestic violence and found hope in Chicago’s House of Peace. These women shape Theuring’s work, and she likens them to the women who gathered around Jesus at the cross and empty tomb. She draws out a vision of liberation that is true to the women’s lives, in dialogue with theologies of liberation and hope. Rich concepts of fragile resurrection, hope built in community, and practices of resistance in daily lives are the result. I heartily recommend this book for survivors, advocates, and allies who accompany survivors, theologians, and church leaders.”


—Mary Elizabeth Moore, Boston University School of Theology





“Theuring’s reimagining of hope and resurrection, weaving survivors’ voices with the gospel narrative of the empty tomb, brings new wine to old wineskins. Fragile Resurrection is truly a unique theological breakthrough in terms of fully entering and acknowledging the reality of traumatization and its dynamics—courageously confronting this reality by grounding fragile hope and resurrection in the witness of ethnically diverse, marginalized women.”


—Jennifer Beste, College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University





“How do you find a theology of hope in the aftermath of domestic violence, especially in a world where patriarchy and violence against women are so widespread? Theuring provides a necessary intervention for theological writings in the wake of trauma, drawing on the wisdom and insight of women who have lived in these fractured spaces. Theuring speaks authentically, honestly, and faithfully with and to survivors in ways that so much of the literature fails to do.”


—Patrick B. Reyes, author of The Purpose Gap