Human Flourishing in a World of Trauma and Stress: How Understanding Our Brains Shapes Our Theological Anthropology

How do we create communities of healing and flourishing in a world of trauma and stress?  As research continues to reveal more about the impacts of trauma and stress on our brains and nervous systems, traditional theological concepts need to be reshaped to meet these new understandings. Current events and experiences of violence, war, and a global pandemic do not only impact individuals but whole communities and societies, and the effects span generations. The pastoral implications of this are vast and must be explored.   In Human Flourishing in a World of Trauma and Stress, pastoral theologian Heidi Ann Russell answers advances in trauma study with a new theological anthropology that considers questions of freedom, sin, and grace in conversation with our understanding of the brain, trauma, and stress. Pastorally, the book uncovers the layers of trauma present in those we serve in our faith communities. Ministers and faith communities involved in spiritual care are called to be trauma-informed and to understand how relationships harm and heal, ultimately to participate in God’s creating, redeeming, and sustaining activity in the world. As informative as it is practical, this new volume explores the theological and pastoral implications of trauma-informed ministry that leads to human flourishing. Read more