Course Outline and Lesson Plan

Objective: At the end of this course, students will be able to define trauma and be aware of its implications on biblical studies.

Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to engage in small group discussions, reflective writing exercises, and presentations to apply what they have learned and deepen their understanding of trauma and its impact.

Week 1: Introduction to Trauma

1. Definition of trauma and its dimensions

2. Overview of the course: "The Bible and Trauma"

3. Understanding the importance of reading the Bible through the lens of trauma

4. Introduction to the case study approach

5. Overview of key readings and authors:

6. Reading: A Womanist Midrash of Delilah by Wil Gafney: goal is to understand Delilah from a womanist perspective[footnoteRef:2] [2: Gafney, Wil. "A Womanist Midrash of Delilah: Dont Hate the Playa Hate the Game."Byron and Lovelace2016 (2016): 49-72.]

Week 2: Lamentations

1. Study of the text and its themes of destruction and loss

2. How the text reflects trauma experienced by the people

3. Discussion on how to apply the lessons from Lamentations to our understanding of trauma

4. In-depth exploration of the author's perspective and writing style

5. Group exercise: Reflection on personal experiences of loss and trauma

Key Points:

Lamentations is a book in the Old Testament of the Bible that is a collection of five poems that express deep grief, mourning, and sorrow over the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. When read through the lens of trauma, Lamentations provides insight into the collective trauma experienced by the people of Jerusalem and the impact that traumatic events can have on individuals and communities.

The book is written from the perspective of the people who witnessed and suffered through the destruction of the city and temple. The author uses vivid imagery and emotive language to describe the loss, devastation, and pain that the people experienced. The poems depict the hopelessness and despair that follows traumatic events and the impact that trauma can have on individuals and communities.

One of the key themes in Lamentations is the theme of loss and the way that trauma can disrupt the fabric of community and relationships. The author describes the loss of families, homes, and communities and the way that the people were forced to migrate and become refugees. The poems also reflect the psychological and emotional impact of trauma, including feelings of hopelessness, isolation, and despair.

When reading Lamentations through the lens of trauma, it is important to acknowledge the historical context of the text and to recognize that the book reflects the experiences of a specific people at a specific time. However, the themes and emotions expressed in the book are timeless and universal and can provide insight into the human experience of trauma and its aftermath.

Overall, Lamentations is a powerful and moving text that provides a window into the collective trauma experienced by the people of Jerusalem. By reading the book through the lens of trauma, we can gain a deeper understanding of the impact that traumatic events can have on individuals and communities and the ways in which people can respond to and heal from trauma.

Week 3: Rape of Bathsheba

1. Study of the text and its themes of power, violence, and trauma

2. Discussion of how the text reflects the experiences of women and survivors of sexual violence

3. Reflection on how to address the impact of trauma in our lives

4. Group discussion: Exploring the intersections of gender, violence, and trauma

5. Reading from "Trafficking Hadassah": goal is to examine ideologies and stereotypes that are used to justify abuse against women[footnoteRef:3] [3: Dunbar, Ericka Shawndricka.Trafficking Hadassah: Collective Trauma, Cultural Memory, and Identity in the Book of Esther and in the African Diaspora (Routledge, 2021), 3.]

Key...

…expression of the trauma and sorrow experienced by the exiled Israelites. It highlights the need for compassion, empathy, and support for those who have suffered loss and oppression, and serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict and injustice.

Week 6: Passion Narrative and 1 Corinthians

1. Study of the Passion Narrative from the gospel of Mark and its themes of violence, suffering, and sacrifice

2. Discussion of how the text reflects the experiences of those who have experienced traumatic events

3. Study of 1 Corinthians and its themes of community, healing, and resilience

4. Reflection on how to find healing and justice in the aftermath of trauma

5. Group discussion: Exploring the role of community in healing from trauma

6. Reading from "Spirit and Trauma": goal is to identify and speak to a theology that addresses the experience of living in the aftermath of trauma.[footnoteRef:6] [6: Rambo, Shelly.Spirit and trauma: A theology of remaining (Westminster John Knox Press, 2010), 1.]

Key Points

The Passion Narrative and 1 Corinthians in the New Testament of the Bible describe the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ and the impact of his death on the early Christian community. From a trauma perspective, these texts can be seen as an exploration of the impact of violence and trauma on individuals and communities.

The Passion Narrative describes in graphic detail the physical and psychological suffering that Jesus endured in the hours leading up to his death. The account highlights the brutal nature of Roman crucifixion and the intense physical and emotional trauma experienced by those who were subjected to this form of punishment.

Similarly, 1 Corinthians describes the aftermath of Jesus' death and the impact of his death on the early Christian community. The text reflects on the challenges faced by the community, including grief, confusion, and division, and emphasizes the importance of unity and resilience in…