Abstract

This paper examines trauma in light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Given the profound and long-lasting suffering caused by trauma, how is it to be borne? Moreover, how do those in the helping professions bear the vicarious pain of listening empathically to the cries of the traumatized? Professor Hunsinger first examines trauma and details its psychological effects. Then she describes a process by which one can break out of the vicious cycle of trauma’s impact. Finally, she places trauma in theological context, by claiming that all that is truly unbearable in this world can be borne only because Jesus Christ has already borne the full weight of sin and death on our behalf and for our sakes. The anguish of human trauma is endured as we mediate the love of God by providing a relational home for one another, a place where God’s compassion is attested, prayers of lament are offered, and the worship of the people of God sustains us in hope.

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