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Foreword by M. Shawn Copeland.
Trauma is definitive of our current world and increasingly popular in theology. However, engagement with the layers of “trauma” remains thin in Catholic theology. The emerging scholars in Catholic theology who write these chapters explore the intersections of trauma studies and theological studies. Moving through four units, from history to ethics, Witnessing the Wounds provides a necessary, rigorous, and forward-thinking text to prepare lay leaders in various fields, pastors, and theologians to engage the realities of those with whom they work. This book brings together emerging and diverse voices in Catholic theology to engage trauma in its multivalent forms to provide a foundational text for teaching trauma studies in undergraduate and seminary theology, ethics, and church history classrooms.
A rich, powerful, and compelling engagement. . . [that] takes seriously the experience of trauma . . . and seeks to offer theological perspective and resource from the Catholic tradition. . . . This book is destined to become a staple on many readings lists across denominations.” ?Karen O’Donnell, Westcott House, Cambridge
“Stephanie Edwards brings young voices, strong voices, wise voices to accompany and witness, to model healing, to bring theological insight and spiritual illumination . . . uncover strength, inspire solidarity, and give birth to hope.” ?Lisa Sowle Cahill, Monan Professor of Theology, Boston College
“A relevant challenge to all faith traditions . . . to move beyond a superficial awareness of trauma [and toward] a healing vision that integrates ethics, theology, and embodied practical responses to restore our shared humanity.” ?Carolyn E. Yoder, author, The Little Book of Trauma Healing
“Highly readable and full of insights . . . an indispensable resource for theologians, clinicians, students, and reading groups seeking to attend to trauma in relation to Catholic theology and practice.” ?Tracy Sayuki Tiemeir, Loyola Marymount University
“Witnessing consistently bridges deep theological reflection with the concrete realities of pastoral practice. This collection does not offer easy answers but something far more valuable: faithful and courageous companionship for the long and difficult work of social healing.” ?L. Callid Keefe Perry, Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry
“Not just another collection of essays, this thoughtfully constructed, interactive book equips readers to join a multivocal, ongoing conversation about trauma . . . [that] shows the truth of Pope Francis’s observation that good theologians tend to human wounds.” ?Kate Ward, Marquette University
“An essential resource for better understanding the complex interplay of the work of Catholic theology with the reality of trauma in diverse contexts [that] should be read in graduate seminars, theology classrooms, justice groups, Bible studies, and more.” ?Kevin Considine, Catholic Theological Union
Stephanie C. Edwards, MSW, PhD, is a Catholic ethicist and a social worker, practicing diverse service delivery, grant writing, and nonprofit management for over a decade. She is the author of Enfleshed Counter-Memory.
