Trauma-Informed Christian Ethics

Darryl W. Stephens suggests that human dignity and equality under God can be used to address the most intractable moral problems of our time: sexual abuse, racism, environmental degradation, and more. This work examines Christian ethics sensitive to the trauma histories that are already present individually and collectively in and among our faith communities. Stephens encourages us to see that Christian ethics is real, perspectival, dialogical, participatory and purposeful – he reconceives the entirety of Christian ethics through trauma-informed lens, recognizing that many people wrestle with significant trauma histories every day. He explores the theological implications of trauma-informed approach to a wide range of social issues, and engages with Wesleyan, feminist and liberationist perspectives. Designed for classroom use, it includes a number of pedagogical features, such as case studies and questions for discussion, engaging with key areas of contemporary concern.