Restoring the Shamed: Towards a Theology of Shame

by Robin Stockitt, Jeremy S. Begbie (Foreword)

Shame has many faces. From the pressing need to avoid “losing face” to the urge to scapegoat and blame, from the desire to exclude those who are different to the horrors of ethnic cleansing, from the obsession with body image to the abiding terrors of the abused, shame is a universal phenomenon. It transcends boundaries of time and is evident in diverse cultures across the world. It is, furthermore, found throughout the pages of Scripture, yet in modern theology shame is conspicuous by its absence. This book attempts to redress the balance by exploring the theology of shame, from its inception in the garden of Eden, to the final triumph over shame on the cross. "Restoring the Shamed" will offer readers the opportunity to think theologically about one of the most urgent, yet strangely secret, issues of contemporary society.“Robin Stockitt's 'Restoring the Shamed' is a rediscovery of a neglected dimension in the biblical witnesses, making it relevant for today's most painful human experiences. It offers an abundance of pastoral insights, creative theological explorations, and imaginative suggestions for ecclesial practice. Beginning with . . . the absence of a theology of shame in modern theology, the book becomes a courageous and rewarding journey of theological discovery.”—Christoph SchwobelChair in Systematic TheologyUniversity of Tubingen“This is a passionate book, in all the right senses . . . Reading it will not only help to restore the shamed; it will likely restore a godly passion—and few things are more sorely needed in theology today.”—Jeremy S. BegbieThomas A. Langford Research ProfessorDuke Divinity School“Robin Stockitt has written a powerful and persuasive book that shows the centrality of shame in human experience and in the biblical message. It is the most readable and theologically astute account of Christ's ministry to the shamed that is available today. This warmly pastoral book contains rich resources to deal with crippling experiences such as being treated as unworthy or unwanted.”—Robert JewettVisiting Professor of New TestamentUniversity of HeidelbergRobin Stockitt is the minister of the Anglican Church in Freiburg, Germany. He is the author of "Open to the Ignatius of Loyola and John Wimber in Dialogue" (2000) and "Imagination and the Playfulness of The Theological Implications of Samuel Taylor Coleridge's Definition of the Human Imagination" (2011).

Genres: Theology, Christian

182 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 21, 2012

Reviews

[Carla White · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s excellent at explaining what shame is and how it’s worked out in many bible stories. Coming from a predominantly law/guilt culture we miss the honor/shame points in the scriptures. He gives lots of examples to understand the premise of restoring the shamed.

[David Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally a book that deals more fully on developing a biblical theology of shame! Clarity is brought on several levels including sin, justification, judgment, sacrifice, crucifixion, and the face of God. Stockitt is disenchanted with the penal substitutionary view of the atonement, since it fails to address the issue of shame, a dominant theme throughout the Bible and the cultural context of the Bible. Since shame is profoundly existential and deeply relational, it doesn’t respond to a legal solution or a legal exchange. This book would have strengthened by an index of Bible texts used.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great to see a theological and practical approach to shame. However, Stockitt focuses so much on the idea of shame that he misses the equal, if not greater, focus on the nature of guilt in scripture. He seems to dismiss to easily texts that deal with justification and puts the whole idea of atonement in a shame/honor dichotomy. While there definitely is a important focus on honor/shame in scripture, which we are quick to overlook in the west, I don't think it is wise to reject the idea of the guilt/innocence dynamic as well. He seems to be throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

[Joel Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book, read it in a few hours. His work with Shame is unparalleled. unfortunately, he throws the baby out with the bath water when it comes to atonement theory. Nevertheless, overemphasis is sometimes needed to make a point and he makes his point well.

[sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read! My eyes are opened to shame and how Jesus entered into shame, took our shame and gives us honor. I now know Jesus more intimately

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read with much application for life

Reminding us that it’s not legalism but relationship with God that brings life and love to the world. Thank you!

[Will Waller · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific document in the very understudied area of shame and glory. Good for any sermon series you may be crafting around these topics. I cannot encourage you enough to pick up a copy of this text.

The sections are Bible-heavy and thorough in their theological engagement. The thesis is that shame is a part of the sin-struck soul and must be challenged through the glory of God in the crucifixion of Christ.

As he writes on page 48: Shame casts doubt on the existential desire to exist. So true! Pick up this book!