The Soul of Shame: Retelling the Stories We Believe About Ourselves

by Curt Thompson

As we read about the triune God considering the possibility of creating humankind in his image (Genesis 1:26-27), we get the impression God knows that inviting humans to join him in this joyful life on earth would necessarily mean that God was setting himself up for a rough go of it. God put himself in harm’s way simply by making us. The act of creation was one of vulnerability, an act in which God was open to wounding, with the anticipated heartache that accompanies it. However, this openness was bracketed by a relational connection that prevents fear and shame from ruling its anticipated future. Although we can assume that God knew creation would bring trouble, he had confidence that his triune relationships would bear the weight of whatever trauma would come his way.