How Trauma wires our Theological Imagination with Dr. Amy McLaughlin-Sheasby

In this conversation we discuss the impact of trauma on our theological imagination. Amy discusses her doctoral research from a theoretical trauma studies perspective. Amy describes the impact of suffering on our theological imagination and preaching. She discusses what she calls an "Enfleshed homiletic" where she describes the relationship between the body and the sermon.
Dr. Amy McLaughlin-Sheasby is a professor in the College of Biblical Studies at Abilene Christian University, where she specializes in practical theology, homiletics, and wisdom literature. Her scholarship has been published in the peer-reviewed journals Interpretation, Homiletic, and The International Journal of Homiletics, with a forthcoming article to be published in Religions. Her most recent scholarship focuses on the impact of suffering on theological imagination and discourse. Amy and her husband, Nathan, currently live in Abilene, Texas, and are members of Highland Church of Christ.

[@AnonyMe-qy5vz]

This young lady addressed many important things. Her academic/theological approach to trauma is so helpful because it will legitmate adressing it for Christian communitues and ministers in training. Her family's close connection with her adoptive brother is very special indeed. Her input will lead to people on both sides of racism being able to have more awareness and talk about it in a way that will go towards overcoming the trauma it brings.

[@AnonyMe-qy5vz]

I just started listening and I am grateful that this content is available. My initial thought is that while I understand how important it is to invest in young people, some of us older ones from our 30s and 40s didn't get a chance to establish our lives because of the after effects. I am older than this lady and my life is a lot less sorted and settled. I also studied theology, I am in an environment in which I still struggle every day but I like to think my future is important to God too.

[@tcblake3796]

this is really helpful. i love Dr McLaughlin-Sheasby's approach. very thoughtful & complex but made easy to digest. thank you

[@joshpaul3998]

This lesson is heavy with academic authority. I make this comment with acknowledgement that Jesus Christ was/is also a rabbi. I’m thankful for how the gospel has been academically established with this discussion. Thank you for your study.

[@Chrysalis369]

Dang, this young lady is saying so much that I've been seeing for years! It's great to finally hear it being said.

[@Riley24513]

🙌💕🙏 💯

[@22cupbearer]

Kyle, thank you! I’ve been contemplating becoming a patreon already with all you’ve posted, this one puts me over the top. God has been working to prepare me with a ministry to the unhoused, a big piece in me has been revealed through His Spirit with this conversation. ❤

[@TruthTraumaTheology]

Thank you!!

[@walterhobby2747]

As a complimentarian in outlook, I find myself sideways with some of Amy's theological conclusions. As my wife and I reach out to our neighbors, we do find "wounds" of all types in their life experiences, which we are not equipped to minister to well. In order to be equipped, my wife and I attend various conferences that feature women speaking from the pulpit or other authority position in order to prepare ourselves to share more effectively with these neighbors we love. I know, sounds conflicting. But, we will continue to place ourselves at the feet of those who can better equip us to share God's love and step into their "woundedness." I take comfort in knowing God did not save Joseph, Paul and Silas from prison, but in the prison. Thank-you.

[@davidfischer8307]

Connectubg with the theological imagination (how we see, how we imagine God), in the narrative of Jesus healing the blind man, where he first kind of sees (as trees walking), and then sees clearly again as Jesus heals him. We are all walking around spiritually blind, or seeing trees walking... The need the Spirit, the Gospel (the Word), and the enfleshed homiletic of community to keep stretching our seeing - not just on the pages of Scriptures, but as His Kingdom touches down and transformed His creation and our communities, and families, and our own individual selves within his greater story.

[@tallartist]

Also God is 100 percent in the trauma and you don't need to be healed to serve God. God will take what was meant for evil and use it for good.