The Resurrected Life: Toward a Theology of Liberation for the Traumatized

This paper explores the value of liberation theology to the church in responding to survivors of traumatic experience and abuse. After defining terms and exploring the relationship between trauma and oppression, it examines whether survivors can collectively be viewed as oppressed and the implications of viewing traumatic experience as personal or political. The paper notes the work of early liberation theorists in their use of dynamic methodological approaches for the inclusion of the social sciences. Finally, it addresses liberation theology's increasing interest in spirituality and the use of small church communities as a place for spiritual discernment and critical reflection for those recovering from trauma and abuse.