In the textbook, “The Cry of Tamar, Violence against Women and the Church’s Response,” author Pamela Cooper-White addresses the harsh reality of sexual violence women often face. Cooper-White brilliantly uses the biblical story of Tamar, the beautiful virgin daughter of King David who was raped by her half-brother, to reveal the pain, yet progress that has been made towards sexual violence justice. The purpose of this paper is to examine how society has progressed from denial and silence to acknowledgment of victims. Further, this paper will discuss the progress that can still be made towards finding justice and peace in both the church and judicial system.
Cooper-White retells the harsh story of Tamar. Tamar, daughter of King David, was tricked and raped by her half-brother, Amnon. After assaulting Tamar, Amnon finds he is disgusted with Tamar and sends her away to live as a “desolate” woman. When King David learns about what happened to his daughter, he was furious. However, not much comes from his anger. Amnon continues in his post and duties as the beloved son of King David. Ultimately, Tamar’s cries, supplications, and life sufferings go unheard. Cooper-White talks more in-depth about this instant forgiveness and acceptance that sexual …show more content…
As Copper-White reveals sexual violence is even documented in the Bible, such as in the story of Tamar. While the Rape of Tamar reveals the pain many victims feel, it also shows the progress that our society has made from these ways. Sadly, for Tamar, King David and her family dismissed the sexual crimes committed against her. However, thankfully, our society has come together to support victims of sexual violence. While this is great progress, we still have ways to go towards finding justice and peace in both the church and judicial
Cooper-White retells the harsh story of Tamar. Tamar, daughter of King David, was tricked and raped by her half-brother, Amnon. After assaulting Tamar, Amnon finds he is disgusted with Tamar and sends her away to live as a “desolate” woman. When King David learns about what happened to his daughter, he was furious. However, not much comes from his anger. Amnon continues in his post and duties as the beloved son of King David. Ultimately, Tamar’s cries, supplications, and life sufferings go unheard. Cooper-White talks more in-depth about this instant forgiveness and acceptance that sexual …show more content…
As Copper-White reveals sexual violence is even documented in the Bible, such as in the story of Tamar. While the Rape of Tamar reveals the pain many victims feel, it also shows the progress that our society has made from these ways. Sadly, for Tamar, King David and her family dismissed the sexual crimes committed against her. However, thankfully, our society has come together to support victims of sexual violence. While this is great progress, we still have ways to go towards finding justice and peace in both the church and judicial