Beyond Apathy: A Theology for Bystanders

Theological conversations about violence have typically framed the discussion in terms of victim and perpetrator. Such work, while important, only addresses part of the problem. Comprehensive theological and pastoral responses to violence must also address the role of collective passivity in the face of human denigration. Given the pervasiveness of inactionwhether in the form of denial, willful ignorance, or silent complicitya theological reflection on violence that holds bystanders account...