Religious Trauma
Queer Stories in Estrangement and Return
Abstract
Through the rich stories of eight participants, the author explores the psychological, spiritual, and ritual dimensions of religious trauma among queer people. Drawing on current scholarship in the field of trauma studies, the author makes a case for religious trauma as an important frame to understand the experiences of queer people in non-accepting faith communities. Though previous scholarship has limited the recovery from religious trauma to those who exit religious communities, in this research the author analyzes participant stories to understand how queer people might find healing in accepting religious communities. Using self-psychology to understand the depth of trauma experienced in non-accepting communities, the author explores the experience of God and sexual identity within non-accepting communities. Through these narratives, the author demonstrates the potential for post-traumatic growth and life beyond conservative faith communities. Petersen argues for a number of key recommendations for congregations and pastoral caregivers that seek to welcome those who have experienced religious trauma.
Schlagworte
Pastoral Care LGBTQIA+ Pastoral Care LGBTQIA+ Trauma Church Trauma Trauma Queer Church Queer Religion Religious Trauma- 1–8 Introduction 1–8
- 151–162 Conclusion 151–162
- 163–168 Bibliography 163–168
- 169–170 Index 169–170
- 171–172 About the Author 171–172