Abstract

MAZORRA VAZQUEZ, Anamary  and  MAN GING, Carlos Ignacio. Reconciled sexuality: theological perspective towards a promising horizon for victims of sexual abuse. Cuest. teol. [online]. 2020, vol.47, n.107, pp.123-146.  Epub Apr 10, 2021. ISSN 0120-131X.  https://doi.org/10.18566/cueteo.v47n107.a08.

In the face of the painful and outrageous reality of sexual abuse, Church has not remained silent. The profoundness of Christian faith offers possibilities for searching for justice and integral healing that could not be offered by law or psychology alone. Sexuality is one of the human dimensions that is most affected after an act of sexual violence because the victim is left with a mark on her and experiences a kind of internal breakdown. However, is it possible for a victim of sexual abuse to enjoy once again a reconciled, integral, and mature sexuality? If that were the case, could a Christian dynamic of reconciliation throw light on or contribute to her recovery? These are the question addressed in this article, which is part of a dissertation in the theological field. The information gathered and presented in this article belongs to the documentary research of that dissertation. The literature review offers promising results that encourage considering more effective pastoral alternatives to address the issue of sexual abuse: first, a reconciled sexuality might guarantee a greater affective capacity of the "hurt and resurrected" human being to establish bonds of an authentic communion with themselves, with God, and with others. Secondly, if a reconciled sexuality is the result of a restored relation with God and themselves, it might be necessary an integral counseling that includes the spiritual dimension. Finally, it is shown that the path towards the reconciliation of a sexuality broken by abuse is long and complex, therefore it a) involves an interdisciplinary effort, b) cannot be the fixed goal of a healing process, and c) requires a process of forgiveness.

Keywords : Sexuality; Reconciliation; Justice; Filiation with God; Forgiveness; Sexual Abuse.

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