Pastoral Responses to Trauma and Disruption (DP9200T)

Content

Students will reflect upon the various situations which give rise to trauma and disruption on a personal, communal and societal level and consider the formulation of a range of potential pastoral responses, drawing upon insights from pastoral theology, psychological and biblical perspectives. Specific case studies will be undertaken in application of principles of care.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

An introductory unit in Field D

Pedagogy

Applying praxis methodology through reflective exercises, case studies, video presentations, lectures, readings, and assessments, students will learn to identify and evaluate causes and impacts of trauma with a view to developing appropriate pastoral and spiritual care responses.

Indicative Bibliography

• Allain-Chapman, J. Resilient Pastors: The Role of Adversity in Healing and Growth. London: SPCK, 2012
• Becker, Eve-Marie. Trauma and Traumatization in Individual and Collective Dimensions: Insights from Biblical Studies and Beyond. Edited by Jan Dochhorn and Else Holt. Göttingen: V&R Academic, 2014.
• Boase, Elizabeth, and Christopher G. Frechette. Bible through the Lens of Trauma. First edition. Atlanta: SBL Press, 2016.
• Carr, David M. Holy Resilience: The Bible’s Traumatic Origins. Yale University Press, 2014.
• Cassidy, S. Sharing the Darkness: the spirituality of caring. London: DLT, 1998
• Graham, Elaine L. Transforming Practice: Pastoral Theology in an Age of Uncertainty. London: Mowbray, 1996
• Harrower, Scott. God of All Comfort: A Trinitarian Response to the Horrors of This World. Bellingham, WA: Lexham, 2019.
• Kegan, Robert. In Over Our Heads: The Mental Demands of Modern Life. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1994
• Rambo, Shelly. Spirit and Trauma: A Theology of Remaining. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010.
• Shapiro, Constance Hank. When Part of the Self is Lost: Helping Clients Heal After Sexual and Reproductive Losses. California: Jossey-Bass. 1993

Assessment