Reconstructing the Cross: Fragile Crucifixion and Immigrant Survivors of Domestic Violence

This article reimagines the significance of Jesus’ crucifixion through the layered lens of suffering experienced by immigrant survivors of domestic violence. Towards this end, the article begins with an overview of the compounding systems of oppression, immigration, and domestic violence. Next, the author outlines and deconstructs several classical theologies of the cross in light of gender, trauma, and suffering. Finally, the author suggests a reconstruction of the cross as a “fragile crucifixion,” which looks at suffering and crucifixion as both upheld by humans through empire and subverted by humans through liberative practices.