69x - Response | Carly Crouch on Jeremiah and Trauma
Mar 24, 2020
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Carly Crouch, Old Testament Professor, discusses trauma in the book of Jeremiah, exploring the challenges of interpreting trauma in biblical traditions and connecting personal experiences to community struggles. The podcast delves into the complexities of trauma responses within the text, highlighting victim coping mechanisms, self-blame theology, and the impact of interpretations on agency and well-being.
Jeremiah's book structure mirrors fragmented trauma memories, challenging coherent storytelling.
Jeremiah's narrative highlights collective trauma, offering solace in shared suffering and space for despair.
Deep dives
The Unique Structure and Content of the Book of Jeremiah
The book of Jeremiah presents a unique and challenging structure that includes a combination of poetry, prose, oracles, and narratives, making it difficult to discern a clear chronological or thematic order. This complexity is further compounded by the existence of two versions of the book – Hebrew and Greek. The puzzling nature of the book mirrors the fragmented memories and struggles of individuals after traumatic events, where coherent storytelling becomes a challenge.
Jeremiah's Personal and Relational Significance in the Text
Jeremiah's life is intricately intertwined with the experiences and suffering of the people he represents. The book emphasizes Jeremiah's role as a witness to the people's plight, highlighting his personal struggles and relationship with God. Through Jeremiah's narrative, the book attempts to make sense of the collective trauma experienced by the community, offering a new perspective on storytelling and meaning-making in the face of chaos.
Recognition of Trauma and God's Presence in Despair
The book of Jeremiah acknowledges trauma through its chaotic structure and multiple voices, reflecting the origins of trauma. It serves as a significant resource for understanding and responding to contemporary traumas, emphasizing that God does not expect individuals to have all the answers and allows space for anger and despair. The text's portrayal of God suffering alongside Jeremiah underscores the profound notion that individuals are not alone in their suffering, offering a sense of solace amid turmoil and questions of fault theology.
Carly Crouch, David Allan Hubbard Professor of Old Testament, responds to Thema Bryant-Davis’s lecture “Biblical Narratives of Trauma: Paths to Spiritual and Psychological Restoration.”
The Fuller Symposium on the Integration of Psychology and Theology is the annual conference held by the School of Psychology. The 2020 conference, “Holistic Healing and Wellness: Mind, Body, and Spirit,” featured Thema Bryant-Davis, associate professor of psychology at Pepperdine University and ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Her lectures, and the faculty and student responses to each, explored contemplative practices and their transformative impact, interpersonal trauma and recovery, and the holistic approach of womanist psychology.
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