Biblical Literature and the Hermeneutics of Trauma

Call For Papers: This consultation will receive paper proposals for two sessions, each with its own topic. Each proposal should indicate which of the two topics it is intended to address. In keeping with the aims of the consultation, all papers must define how “trauma” is understood, and explain why that understanding is helpful for interpreting the biblical text. We encourage papers that address New Testament texts as well as those that address Old Testament texts. The two topics are: (1) Contextual approaches to reading biblical literature through a hermeneutics of trauma: The aim of this session is to explore the application of trauma theory to biblical texts in the face of contemporary contexts and issues, with a particular focus on the implications of the hermeneutical lens utilized within the discussion. Papers may read texts in terms of the issues raised by contemporary contexts, or explore how people in contemporary experiences of trauma and disaster have actually found particular biblical texts helpful. We encourage papers that focus on the following populations but will also consider others: Latin American and African American ethnicities, inner city residents, and indigenous populations. (2) Ethical and moral dimensions of reading texts from the perspective of trauma: One of the consequences of reading biblical texts through the lens of trauma and trauma theory is a heightened awareness of the presence of both victims and perpetrators, traumatized and traumatizers, within the text. The aim of this session is to explore some of the theological, ethical and moral dimensions raised by such textual readings. The session will include a discussion as to the impact of differing theories of trauma on interpretation. Papers that explore divine involvement in portrayals of trauma, and the implications of narratives told from the perspective of perpetrators are also invited.

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