From traumatic disruption to resilient creativity
how hermeneutics, feminism, and postmodernism provide grounds for the development of a trauma sensitive theology
pp. 93-108
in: Jennifer Baldwin (ed), Embracing the ivory tower and stained glass windows, Berlin, Springer, 2016Abstrakt
During Antje Jackelén's 2003 Goshen Conference lectures, she explores the challenges and opportunities hermeneutics, feminism, and postmodernism offer the dialogue between religion and science. Her primary assertion is that each of these areas of investigation and discourse both challenge the predominant models of religion and science interdisciplinarity and, through that challenge, can open up productive avenues of exploration and unveil insights and resources for struggles and injustices that emerge in society at large. Narratives and images of life-threatening violence inundate the consciousness of society, families, and individuals leading to the development of traumatic response symptoms in the general population and in the constructs of society. With rates of vicarious traumatization and primary traumatization increasing, there is a substantial need for theological reflection and articulation that is cognizant of the proliferation of traumatic response and responds with awareness, thoughtfulness, and sensitivity. This essay will explore the openings created through Jackelén's exploration of hermeneutics, feminism, and postmodernism to develop a "trauma sensitive theology" that attends to the neurobiological, psychological, relational, emotional, and spiritual needs of a traumatized individual, family, community, and society.