Book Review: Recovering Christian Character: The Psychological Wisdom of Søren Kierkegaard by Robert C. Roberts

Abstract

such a way that they almost can’t tell their own stories without referencing the others” (7). In so doing they model a “dialogical relationship between articulation and recognition as it relates to traumatic events” (6). Drury includes a theological interlude between each chapter in order to remind the reader that they are “walking alongside a God who is scarred” (23). These five interludes are helpful standalone reflections of the trauma articulated in Scripture. Even so, if these theological interludes were “hyperlinked” with the women’s stories there would be more clarity regarding “how the church body might recognize trauma” (13). For some readers, the lack of concrete conclusions will not bother. It is likely enough to have in mind the women’s stories in order to ponder the very profound questions the author presents: “What if we met pain with the same profundity we ascribe to love? . . .What if the church treated trauma in the same way we treated love?” (72). Drury’s offering is a valuable addition to the emerging body of works on trauma. The book is just as suitable for a congregational setting as it would be in a seminary pastoral care class. Pastors, professors, spiritual directors, and therapists alike will be guided by Drury’s way of helping people integrate traumatic experiences into their lives.