The subject of trauma seems to be everywhere, and while this can be a good thing (it allows us to speak more freely and perhaps, feel more understood), it can also be challenging, especially in Christian communities where the subject has been misunderstood and often hidden (all the while potentially traumatizing events are happening with frequency). This is why I’m grateful for teams like therapist, Adrienne Gibson, and biblical scholar, Scot McKnight, who combine their areas of expertise in order to help Christians respond well to each other where trauma exists.
Some highlights include learning to empathize with Paul (some hate him, others love him, what about his trauma?); incorporating modern mental health knowledge into biblical texts; and how to listen well to survivors of trauma.
Mentioned in this episode:
Traumatized Church: What Paul’s Relationship with the Corinthian Church Teaches Us about Helping Those Who Are Hurting by Scot McNight and Adrienne Gibson
A Biblical Theology of Exile by Daniel L. Smith-Christopher
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
You might also enjoy:
Ep. 213 with Scot McKnight
Ep. 349 with Kelly Flanagan
Ep. 189 with Nijay Gupta