Dr. Preston Hill, Assistant Professor of Integrative Theology and trauma expert, joins the discussion on the intersection of psychological trauma and theology. They explore how trauma-informed care can revive faith communities and provide structured support for those transitioning away from religion. Hill highlights the importance of mental health training for pastors, discusses the legacy of theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and introduces the Spiritual First Responders Project, advocating for a holistic approach to healing and community support.
The podcast highlights the need for a science-informed approach in theology to adequately address the complexities of psychological trauma.
It discusses the critical role of the 'Spiritual First Responders Project' in supporting individuals navigating religious trauma and spiritual identity changes.
The conversation critiques the oversimplification of psychological concepts in religious communities, advocating for nuanced discussions that respect trauma survivors' experiences.
Deep dives
Understanding Trauma and Theology
The discussion highlights the intersection of trauma and theology, focusing on how religious experiences can impact mental health. It emphasizes the need for the church to acknowledge trauma in the lives of believers and how traditional theological frameworks often fail to address emotional wounds adequately. The conversation underscores the necessity for a science-informed approach that takes trauma seriously while also offering hope and healing. Ultimately, it suggests that an understanding of trauma should inform theological practices and philosophies to better support individuals on their healing journeys.
The Role of Interdisciplinary Work
The speaker shares insights from their journey into interdisciplinary work that combines theology and psychology. They reflect on how this cross-training has broadened their perspectives on human flourishing and revealed the complexities involved in understanding the human condition. The dialogue stresses the importance of developing a theology that acknowledges psychological realities and informs mental health practices. This collaboration aims to create a more holistic framework for understanding and addressing personal and collective trauma.
Pop Psychology and Its Pitfalls
The conversation critically examines the influence of pop psychology on mental health discourse, particularly in religious communities. It highlights the tendency for social media to simplify and misrepresent complex psychological concepts, leading to a dilution of their significance. This simplification risks overshadowing the real experiences of trauma survivors and misinforming individuals seeking healing. The discussion advocates for a return to robust, well-researched psychological concepts, arguing for the necessity of nuanced conversations about mental health within spiritual contexts.
Creating Space for Spiritual Yearning
The dialogue introduces the concept of 'Spiritual First Responders,' a project aimed at addressing the needs of those leaving traditional religious communities. It emphasizes the importance of creating support systems for individuals experiencing religious trauma while also encouraging their spiritual exploration. The project’s approach combines mental health practices with open spiritual dialogue, allowing participants to share their experiences without judgment. This model aspires to foster a sense of belonging and community for those navigating their spiritual identities post-religion.
Navigating the Landscape of Modern Spirituality
The speakers discuss the evolving landscape of spirituality, particularly focusing on those who identify as 'nones' or 'dones.' They explore how these individuals often retain a belief in God while distancing themselves from established religious institutions. The conversation emphasizes the need for new models of community that allow for shared spiritual experiences without the constraints of traditional belief systems. Ultimately, it suggests that the future of spirituality lies in fostering inclusive spaces that celebrate diverse experiences and understandings of faith.
In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Preston Hill and Sarey Concepcion for a conversation about psychological trauma and theology. Preston's academic work focuses on trauma theology, aiming to help people of faith understand and address trauma through a science-informed approach. The conversation delves into the importance of balancing the seriousness of trauma with the possibilities for hope and healing. Additionally, we discuss the launch of the Spiritual First Responders Project.
Dr. Preston Hill serves as Assistant Professor of Integrative Theology at Richmont Graduate University and the Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program. ln 2021 he completed a Ph.D. in Theology at St Mary’s College, University of St Andrews, having previously completed an MLitt degree in Analytic and Exegetical Theology from the Logos Institute at St Andrews. He has released his first coauthored book with Scott Harrower and Joshua Cockayne entitled Dawn of Sunday: The Trinity and Trauma-Safe Church (Cascade) and is releasing his first edited volume entitled Christ and Trauma: Theology East of Eden (Pickwick Publications). Dr. Hill is also ordained in the Anglican tradition and is a pre-licensed clinical pastoral therapist.
Spiritual First Responders Project: Spiritual thriving after a big faith change is possible! The Spiritual First Responders Project is a new resource for navigating faith change with evidence-backed processing groups led by licensed mental health professionals. They are looking for folks who have de-identified from religion but are still seeking a healthy community and some sort of healthy spiritual practice.
We know that globally, one out of every five people used to identify as religious and now no longer identify as religious. Half of those folks still have persisting spiritual desires and don't feel like those desires are being satisfied. There's no current social infrastructure to help them flourish how they want. If you aren't finding room for doubting, questioning, or exploring other parts of your own tradition and other traditions altogether, and you want a safe community to do so, consider joining the SFRP. The essential aim is to provide groups that are aimed to meet the unique needs of this population. So if you would benefit from a safe, anonymous group led by a licensed mental health professional, check it out.