Overview

Christ and Trauma: Theology East of Eden explores the intersection of Christian theology and the reality of trauma, bringing the crucifixion of Christ into conversation with the lived experiences of trauma survivors. This edited volume of essays illuminates how trauma reshapes our understanding of Christology, atonement, and the Christian community's response to suffering. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives from theologians, psychologists, and trauma survivors, each essay examines how overwhelming violence impacts individuals and communities, and how Christian theology can bear witness to and even participate in the process of healing. The contributors engage deeply with the stories of trauma survivors, uncovering how trauma theory can challenge and enrich traditional theological concepts like forgiveness, redemption, and the nature of God. From the recognition of Jesus as a victim of abuse to the consideration of trauma-informed Christology, this collection offers an urgent, compassionate, and rigorous theological response to the reality of trauma. For clergy, therapists, theologians, and survivors alike, Christ and Trauma invites readers to reimagine the relationship between faith and suffering in ways that are both theologically robust and deeply relevant to our modern context.

Full Product Details

9781666705447

Table of Contents

Reviews

""In a world shattered by violence and suffering, how does Christian theology bear witness to the wounds of trauma? Christ and Trauma is a groundbreaking collection that brings together leading theologians, philosophers, and pastoral voices to explore how trauma shapes our understanding of God, Christ, and the human condition. From Jesus as a victim of abuse to the impact of trauma on atonement theology, ecclesiology, and pastoral care, these essays challenge triumphalism and offer a theology that embraces the brokenness of the world while pointing toward hope. This volume is essential reading for those seeking a faith that does not turn away from suffering but meets it with depth, honesty, and theological integrity."" --John Swinton, Professor in Practical Theology and Pastoral Care, King's College University of Aberdeen ""Christ and Trauma is a landmark collection that dares to do theology in the ruins east of Eden, where violence lingers, and hope must be wrestled from the dust. These essays refuse triumphalism and instead bear faithful witness to the haunting wounds of trauma, illuminating how even here--especially here--God remains present. The result is a theologically rich, pastorally urgent volume that challenges, comforts, and compels."" --Chuck DeGroat, Professor of Pastoral Care and Christian Spirituality, Western Theological Seminary, Holland, Michigan

Author Information

Preston McDaniel Hill has a PhD from University of St. Andrews and is assistant professor of integrative theology at Richmont Graduate University where he serves as co-chair of integration and director of the DMin program. Hill's research focuses on reformation theology, science, mental health, religious deconstruction, and trauma theology. Hill is a clinical pastoral therapist under supervision for licensure and an Anglican ordinand.

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