Christ and Trauma

Christ and Trauma: Theology East of Eden explores the intersection of Christian theology and the reality of trauma, bringing the crucifixion of Christ into conversation with the lived experiences of trauma survivors. This edited volume of essays illuminates how trauma reshapes our understanding of Christology, atonement, and the Christian community’s response to suffering. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives from theologians, psychologists, and trauma survivors, each essay examines how overwhelming violence impacts individuals and communities, and how Christian theology can bear witness to and even participate in the process of healing. The contributors engage deeply with the stories of trauma survivors, uncovering how trauma theory can challenge and enrich traditional theological concepts like forgiveness, redemption, and the nature of God. From the recognition of Jesus as a victim of abuse to the consideration of trauma-informed Christology, this collection offers an urgent, compassionate, and rigorous theological response to the reality of trauma. For clergy, therapists, theologians, and survivors alike, Christ and Trauma invites readers to reimagine the relationship between faith and suffering in ways that are both theologically robust and deeply relevant to our modern context.

Author Biography

Preston McDaniel Hill has a PhD from University of St. Andrews and is assistant professor of integrative theology at Richmont Graduate University where he serves as co-chair of integration and director of the DMin program. Hill’s research focuses on reformation theology, science, mental health, religious deconstruction, and trauma theology. Hill is a clinical pastoral therapist under supervision for licensure and an Anglican ordinand.