Trauma and Resilience

This book offers trauma as a hermeneutical lens through which we can study Scripture. It offers reading of specific passages through this lens.

Children's book from Canadian Centre for Child Protection - Free PDF download

Karen O’Donnell writes as a theologian and person traumatized by multiple reproductive losses. She explores the ways in which the body of Mary – the theotokos – is connected to the wounded body of Christ and the Eucharist.

"This groundbreaking book provides guidance to counselors working with Native Peoples and other vulnerable populations. Including an important new chapter devoted to working with veterans, the second edition presents case materials that illustrate effective intervention strategies for prevalent problems, including substance abuse, intergenerational trauma, and internalized oppression"-- Provided by publisher

"Based on findings from biology, neuroscience, and the emerging field of body-oriented psychotherapy, In an Unspoken Voice explains that trauma is not a disease or a disorder, but an injury caused by fright, helplessness, and loss and that this wound can be healed only if we attend to the wisdom of the living, knowing body"--Provided by publisher.

"This book is an introduction to trauma and growth that bridges the gap between psychological and spiritual responses to suffering. Through the hopeful metaphor of night blooming, it encourages pastoral and mental health professionals' understandings of trauma and demonstrates how to frame growth in an integrated and ethical way."

An anthology of essays by scholars exploring societal traumas and ways in which they can be interpreted theologically. Topics include trauma centered by veterans, disabled persons, racism, cancer, 9/11, immigration detention, and more.

Shelly Rambo is one of the most influential theologians utilizing trauma studies. Resurrecting Wounds meditates on the story of Thomas’s post-resurrection encounter with Christ in particular Thomas’s touch of the wounds of Christ.

'In addition to explaining how stress, anxiety, and trauma affect our mental wellbeing and physical health, The Revolutionary Trauma Release Process draws on the body's amazingly precise record of our histories to provide a simple yet powerful way to access and release our tension. By reestablishing our equilibrium, stabilizing our lives, and returning us to emotional health, it allows us to enjoy a vibrant state of being.' --Publisher's description.

Shelly Rambo is one of the most influential theologians utilizing trauma studies. Spirit and Trauma articulates a pneumatology in which the Spirit rests, remains, and witnesses the liminal space of trauma between life and death. She does this through various theological images and motifs including Christ’s descent into hell.

Christy Sim, PhD writes as a theologian, domestic violence expert, survivor of domestic violence, and a former pastor; she has been recognized by the CDC as an expert in domestic abuse research. She describes the dynamics of domestic abuse including the body’s response to trauma and offers ways that ministers can effectively offer pastoral care while reducing the risk of re-traumatization.

Jennifer Baldwin writes as a licensed therapist and theologian. Utilizing Internal Family Systems therapeutic framework, she offers critiques of other trauma theologies (particularly Shelly Rambo and Serene Jones) and focuses on the concrete therapeutic practices of trauma healing. The first half lays out a framework and foundation for trauma-sensitive theology, and the second half applies that framework to a variety of different theological issues.

One of the great classics of trauma literature. Judith Herman, MD describes the ways in which trauma is processed by the body.

"The Trauma of Doctrine is a theological investigation into the effects of abuse trauma upon the experience of Christian faith, the psychological mechanics of these effects, their resonances with Christian scripture, and neglected research-informed strategies for cultivating post-traumatic resilience. Maxwell examines the effect that the Calvinist belief can have upon the traumatized Christian who negatively internalizes its superlative doctrines of divine control and human moral corruption, and charts a way toward meaningful spiritual recovery" -- From back cover

"Renowned trauma expert Judith L. Herman argues that the first step toward a better form of justice is simply to ask survivors what would make things as right as possible for them. In Truth and Repair, she commits the radical act of listening to survivors. Recounting their stories, she offers an alternative vision of justice as healing for survivors and their communities.."-- Provided by publisher.

"Drawing on clinical research, stories from clients, and her own experience, an expert on religious trauma shows how readers can live as healing individuals after leaving a high-demand, high-control religious system"