Testimony and Trauma

Amanda Hontz Drury is professor of practical theology at Indiana Wesleyan University.

Christians are not immune to the trials and tragedies of human life--nor to the trauma suffered in their wake. In this book, Amanda Drury gives sensitive compassionate witness to three women she has accompanied through dark vales of terror and excruciating loss. She gives them the space and time--and the exquisite caring and attentiveness--that they need to grapple with personal tragedy in the light of their faith.Dr. Drury makes palpable the urgent need for reviving the ancient meaning of religious testimony, while yet creating new forms for its contemporary practice. She writes in the tone of a confidential friend, walking alongside her reader, as she shares the unfolding story of her own learning about trauma. She argues persuasively that the church today needs to create safe spaces where people can find words to tell their stories and be recognized and received in the telling.

• Chapter 1: Testimony and TraumaTheological Interlude 1: Christ has died. Christ has risen. Trauma will come again.Chapter 2: The Ten WomenTheological Interlude 2: Feeding the EnemyChapter 3: Event: Jacob’s StoryTheological Interlude 3: Jesus WeepsChapter 4: Articulation: Karen’s StoryTheological Interlude 4: Clinging to the DeadChapter 5: Recognition: Rachel’s StoryTheological Interlude 5: RunningConclusion