Unspeakable: Preaching and Trauma-Informed Theology

by Sarah Travis; Paul Scott Wilson

Publisher:

Cascade Books

, 2021

Overview

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.

Praise for Unspeakable

"A wise and clear-eyed companion, Sarah Travis guides preachers toward homiletical paths that reveal spaces of vulnerability and honesty to nourish trust and hope in the midst of our wounded world. Unspeakable is thoroughly theological and trauma informed. Travis's approach encourages preachers to face difficulties and limitations, offering fresh possibilities that lead to validation and safety for survivors and creativity in preaching."

—Joni Sancken, Associate Professor of Homiletics, United Theological Seminary



“Sarah Travis has written a beautiful book. She invites preachers to join her on the edge: to the threshold of trauma-informed preaching. On the way, Travis takes us to the heart of the gospel and the reality of death and suffering which cannot be glossed over with simplistic narratives that announce healing but pass over wounds and scars in silence. Her concern is pastoral, but more than that, profoundly theological even for those spaces where it still hurts. As I ache for preaching that can do the same, I can't help but think she has rendered for us who preach a costly favor in writing this important book.”

—David Schnasa Jacobsen, Bishops Scholar in Homiletics and Preaching, Boston University School of Theology

Product Details

• Title: Unspeakable: Preaching and Trauma-Informed Theology
• Authors: Sarah Travis, Paul Scott Wilson
• Publisher: Cascade Books
• Print Publication Date: 2021
• Logos Release Date: 2021
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9781725267992, 9781725267978, 9781725267985, 1725267993, 1725267977, 1725267985
• Resource ID: LLS:9781725267992
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-12-11T01:31:26Z

About the Authors

Sarah Travis teaches preaching at Knox College, University of Toronto. She is the author of Decolonizing Preaching: The Pulpit as Postcolonial Space (2014) and Metamorphosis: Preaching after Christendom (2019).