A Theology of the Perpetrator

“A “theology of the perpetrator” examines the narratives of perpetrators of mass violence in the Colombian conflict to analyze their religious beliefs on violence, liberation, and justice. ”

Team Members/Contributors

Ana María Rodríguez Alfonso Emmanuel College - Toronto School of Theology Contact Me

About this dissertation fellowship

This dissertation project will examine the narratives of various ex-commanders of the Colombian paramilitary group Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia to analyze their theological views about violence, liberation, and justice. The AUC was responsible for cruel acts of mass violence in Colombia, such as genocide, forced disappearance, and torture, between the 1990s and the 2000s. In doing this analysis, I propose that the theology and religious beliefs of perpetrators of mass violence are not only informed by their social, cultural, and historical context but also develop their own theological views that sustain and justify their acts of mass violence. Additionally, I argue that this analysis could question more traditional understandings of theology that usually do not research the beliefs of perpetrators. Finally, I believe this project can provide conclusions that challenge violent responses to violence, therefore opening the space to restorative ways to approach violence.