Exvangelical deconstruction through a bit of a science lens
Recently I was party to a discussion on improving mercy and graceful services for a Christian shelter for the ‘houseless.’ The institution was notoriously hostile. I volunteered that one of the paths to experiencing empathy and compassion is through understanding trauma. Within the Psychology profession, “Trauma Informed Care” exists as a preferred basis not only for assessment but also for treatment and ongoing care.
Yet, we should use these terms cautiously.
”A broad definition of trauma is useful, an open-ended one isn’t.”1
Not long ago I encouraged another group working in the Substance Abuse space to realize that aftercare is of equal importance with intervention and treatment.
One of the hallmarks of failed ministry is disconnection. Jesus says, “Of those whom You gave Me I have lost none.” There is His lesson of the 99 and ‘going after’ the one.
‘Woe to you shepherds of (God’s people) who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock?
Ezekiel 34:2
As an Exvangelical I can say that upon quietly leaving our church, no one came looking for us. No one.
In our present day, circumstances have produced enormous hurdles for compassion and empathy. It’s painful to observe some of my favorite leaders endure insular, hostile confrontationalism within their fellowships. So sensing another’s trauma through the lense of our own experience is crucial. We are *all* wounded in so many ways.
In my own case, under terrible congregational castigation (early 1960’s AoG) I must have run to the altar a hundred times before I was 10. At the age of 8, fear of being left behind (rapture) left me unconsolable. I vividly recall being unable to locate my mother in a grocery store. Every time I see a can of Campbell’s Soup? I’m right back there.
The point is, in abject ignorance – toxic methods inflict harm. One of those harmful methods is an evangelical predisposition to cast aspersion on healthcare, especially psychology. I’m an advocate for science, opposed to denialism. Evidence based therapy must be admitted into an informed Christian perspective. Depression medication is an example. Kopernicus knew the earth wasn’t the center. We must not fall into the trap of deliberate doctrinal ignorance. These are reasons we became exvangelical.
Trauma Informed Care is biblical.
“ … so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive…”
Fast forward more than 50 years. In this context I consider my recently deceased mother: What trauma had she sustained that disarmed her instinct to protect me? Under what teaching did she abdicate those duties? How did an accumulation of such influences affect her at the end of her life? I wrote on this previously…
Being attacked is part of the human experience. Some heal, others not so much. Giving care to the latter is certainly God’s work.
Clinical and forensic psychologist Ahona Guhais writing in Psyche.co. Author of a new book on trauma (forthcoming, 2023).
‘Traumabait’ is what I call the overinclusive use of the construct of trauma. Often, it appears to be generated by those who wish to sell a product or an idea, or who want to position themselves as relatable social media influencers and have recognised simply that trauma sells.
Narrow Way Cafe 