The Church Trauma of Stifled Grief: A Reflection and Analysis from an Old Testament Perspective

Abstract

Abstract

The Church spans a community of relationship between people and God. As an organization, the Church can induce trauma among individual members and at the same time undergo it. The present paper investigates the question of the role of the Church in trauma creation and management. Traumatic incidence particularly clergy sexual misconduct disrupts harmonious relationship and puts the Church at the crossroads of a difficult decision and action. Drawing upon a narrative analysis with the story of Job in the Old Testament, it is observed that the Church trauma of stifled grief parallels Job’s traumatic experiences among his friends in his community. While individuals who suffer trauma in the Church have much in common with Job as a victim of trauma, it is evident that both trauma victims in the Church and the Church as a whole may find valuable lessons in Job’s trauma episode for mutual healing and restoration of peace and well-being.

Keywords: Trauma, Church, Stifled Grief, Agent, Victim, Clergy, Sexual Abuse, Job