The University of Sheffield has been criticised for putting a trigger warning on the Bible and for apparently erroneously claiming that the gospel accounts of the lifetime of Jesus contain “graphic bodily injury and sexual violence”.
Using a Freedom of Information laws, the Mail on Sunday said it had obtained a replica of the guidance that’s being issued to students of English literature.
Students are warned that the Bible incorporates scenes of murder and violence, with the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, singled out, based on the Mail, for “graphic bodily injury and sexual violence”.
The Bible as an entire does indeed include scene of murder, violence and sexual violence, but these are typically present in the Old Testament. The New Testament describes the crucifixion of Jesus, undoubtedly an act of violence, but in restrained language.
There can also be no “sexual violence” within the Gospel accounts. The closest the Gospels come to sexual content is when a lady is brought before Jesus and accused of being caught committing adultery “within the very act”.
Jesus is implied to be naked when he’s crucified, but there isn’t any suggestion within the texts that this has any sexual connotations.
Andrea Williams, Chief Executive of the Christian Legal Centre, told the Mail, “Applying trigger warnings to salvation narratives which have shaped our civilisation just isn’t only misguided, but absurd.
“Singling out the Bible in this fashion is discriminatory and deeply ill-informed.
“To suggest that the crucifixion story involves ‘sexual violence’ just isn’t just inaccurate, it’s a profound misreading of the text.
“The account of Jesus’s death just isn’t a tale of trauma, it’s the final word expression of affection, sacrifice, and redemption, central to the Christian faith.”
The University of Sheffield said: “A content note is a regular academic tool used to signpost when sensitive or graphic content shall be discussed. It’s purpose is to make sure subjects will be highlighted and discussed openly and critically, while preparing students who might find such details difficult.”
 The University of Sheffield has been criticised for putting a trigger warning on the Bible and for apparently erroneously claiming that the gospel...){kind=link}