GW 10: Listening for Good News in Trauma Texts

The Bible has many disturbing stories involving violence that are alarming as God appears to endorse perpetrators or himself be the aggressor. Biblical texts have been used to justify violence, conquest, colonialization, racism, genocide, and slavery. They bring into the light our own traumas, fears, doubt and insecurity about the goodness of God.

In this training we will learn to read these trauma texts "on the road to Emmaus," with help from the crucified, resurrected Jesus, the non-violent trauma victim Savior. We will explore current thinking and therapies about trauma and learn to listen for hope and even good news in the hard, toxic places of the Bible, our world and our own stories.

Texts to be considered include: the flood (Genesis 7), Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19), the rape of Dinah (Gen 34), the death of the firstborn (Exodus 12), Korah rebellion (Num 16), the slaughter of Midian (Num 31), the stonining of Achan (Joshua 7), the rape of the Levite's concubine (Judges 19), the rape of Tamar (2 Sam 13), the slaughter of the innocent (Matthew 2:16--33), the beheading of John the Baptist (Mark 6:14-32), death of Ananias and Saphirah (Acts 5), and the crucifixion and encounters at the empty tomb.

Instructors: Bob and Gracie Ekblad, Heidi Basely.

10 Sessions: Thursday, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM (PST)
Sept 30, October 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov 4, 11, 18, Dec 2, 9

We are offering this module as a weekly training via Zoom. If you are unable to attend the live sessions, we are offering a special course which will be uploaded for you to go through at your own pace and on your own schedule at a discounted price of $125

Entry Fee:
$150 USD* -LIVE TEACHING WEBINAR ($20.00 of which funds trainings in Africa and the Global South)

$125 USD* -SELF PACE WEBINAR

*Partial and full scholarships are available in the drop down menu below