During Eastertide, the 50 days after Easter, Christians gather to tell stories of Jesus’ resurrection.
Peculiarly, when Jesus appears to his disciples, he shows them the wounds on his hands and side.
Theologian Ched Myers refers to this display of Jesus ‘marred body as the traumatic somatic.
Given that the English word trauma comes from the Greek word for wound, we might say that Jesus’ wounded body bears the marks of spiritual trauma.
After all, it was religious authorities colluding with the empire that led to Jesus’ crucifixion.
A 2023 study found that one in three adults in the U.S. have suffered from religious trauma.
While the number may be lower here, my own lived experience of spiritual trauma and my professional experience as a pastor and spiritual director, tell me that, many of us carry wounds from adverse religious experiences.
Spiritual trauma is complex because the very people, institutions, and theologies that are supposed to be sources of life, end up inflicting harm. Religious environments where spiritual trauma often occurs are characterized by toxic theology, high control, top-down use of power, suspicion of outside authorities, and belonging predicated on doctrinal and behavioural conformity.
Like Jesus, our bodies may always carry spiritual wounds, but with the right support, we can metabolize painful past experiences, and spiritual ruptures can be repaired. Those wanting to learn more might seek out a trauma-informed therapist, listen to a podcast like Holy Hurt by Dr. Hillary McBride, or read a book like Dr. Laura Anderson’s When Religion Hurts You.
