Affect Theory, Shame, and Christian Formation

Stephanie N. Arel received her PhD from Boston University’s School of Theology, USA, and is currently a fellow at the Institute for the Bio-cultural Study of Religion at Boston University. She serves on the Intercontinental Academia on Human Dignity, hosted jointly by Hebrew University, Israel, and Bielefeld University, Germany. She holds a certificate in trauma modalities for clinical treatment from the New York Institute for the Psychotherapies, USA. Her research focuses on trauma, shame, and Christian formation. She recently co-edited (with Shelly Rambo) a collection of essays entitled Post-Traumatic Public Theology.

“Affect Theory, Shame, and Christian Formation is a tremendous resource for psychologists, pastors, counselors, and scholars working to acknowledge and alleviate the suffering of survivors of violence. Not only does the book provide an insightful theological reading of shame, but it names the productive possibility of touch to uninter shame.” (Kathryn House, Pastoral Psychology, Vol. 69, 2020)“This book provides a refreshing and challenging perspective on shame. … This work could prove beneficial for robust study and consideration of further research on the topic of shame and guilt.” (Alvaro Tejada, readingreligion.org, April, 2018)​

• 1. Introduction.- 2. Interpreting Shame Affectively.- 3. The Cover-Up.- 4. Masked Shame.- 5. Touching Shame: A Pathway to Disinterment.- 6. Empathic Engagement.- 7. Conclusion.