Unspeakable: Preaching and Trauma-Informed Theology

by Sarah Travis, Paul Scott Wilson (Foreword)

Unspeakable probes the relationship between trauma theory and Christian theology in order to support preachers in the task of crafting sermons that adequately respond to trauma in the pews and the world at large. How might sermons contribute to resiliency and the repairing of wounds caused by traumatic experiences? This book seeks to provide a theological lens for preachers who wonder how their 'beautiful words' can address suffering amid traumatic wounding. Preaching is a healing discourse that proclaims gospel, or good news. Gospel is a complicated reality, especially in the face of trauma. Drawing on various theologies and insights from trauma theory, Unspeakable challenges the notion of a triumphant gospel, seeking an in-between perspective that honors both resurrection and the trauma that remains despite our desire to get to the good news. It builds on images of the preacher as witness and midwife in order to develop homiletical practices that acknowledge the limitations of language and imagination experienced by traumatized individuals.

Genres: Theology, Church

Kindle Edition

Published June 17, 2021

Reviews

[James Wheeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trauma theory via the biblical text towards preaching is a pathway fraught with challenges. This book pushes against the general pattern of preaching. Especially that preaching that is bookish, expository and relegated to theological things we think about. Trauma, on the other hand, honors the body's experience, especially for those victims/survivors of violence and neglect. Travis does a good job covering the basics of trauma theory and inviting the preacher/teacher to incorporate and speak of the experiences of the abused and how often they are depicted and understood through the text. She encourages a dialectic of speaking of the trauma in the text that confronts and corrects over-positivity and also grace in the text that corrects overly negative viewpoints. This is definitely a tricky balancing act. I also thought this was well researched and i got a lot of follow up stuff to read.

One criticism, why did she not name First Nations trauma or the ongoing marginalization and othering of LGBTQ+ community? She teaches at a Canadian school. Although i see on her bio she has a book on decolonizing preaching, so there you go.

[Mmetevelis · Rating 3 out of 5]

More a literature review than a sustained argument Travis has done a good job introducing this topic to those charged with regular preaching. A strength of the book is that it moves beyond only being sensitive to people in trauma but finds ways to utilize Christian theology in order to understand trauma and recovery. Her invocation of her own story adds a powerful personal dimension as well.
Also contains much good material about the homiletical danger of "moving toward resurrection" too soon (which can also apply to my Lutheran tradition of moving toward justification too early without exploring the psychological dimension of sin and neglecting suffering).

[Colin Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my opinion this is a must read for anyone who is involved in preaching or teaching in a faith based environment.
It’s hard to review this book without spoilers - I highlighted something on almost every page and it has lead me to watch presentations by some of the other authors referenced.

[Grace Kann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this text to be a bit repetitive at times, but overall I believe that it is a wonderful resource that any preacher should use.