Reading Archives - ��Ƶ of Theology & Psychology

8 Books to Read by Faculty at ��Ƶ

��Ƶ — Mon, 17 May 2021 17:19:51 +0000

Over the past few years, we’ve shared with you resources from prominent women theologians to the intersection of technology and theology. And while all are well and good and worthy of recognition, we’d be remiss not to share the plethora of resources and depth of knowledge that exist under our own roof!

Here you’ll find a reading list curated solely by published works of current faculty members of ��Ƶ of Theology & Psychology. They range in topic from music and theology to trauma and modern culture, exemplifying the wide range of thought leadership in our school.

By Dr. Chelle Stearns, Associate Professor of Theology

Handling Dissonance beautifully shows how “music accompanies our thinking, demonstrating not only how theology can benefit the philosophy of music but also how the philosophy of music can enrich and augment theological discourse.”

Dr. Stearns is also a violinist whose work focuses on the interaction between theology and music and the Christian imagination.

By Dr. Roy Barsness, Professor of Counseling Psychology

“Core Competencies of Relational Psychoanalysis provides a concise and clearly presented handbook for those who wish to study, practice, and teach the core competencies of Relational Psychoanalysis, offering primary skills in a straightforward and useable format.”

Dr. Barsness has also been a therapist in private practice for more than 25 years and, in addition to his role at ��Ƶ, teaches at the Brookhaven Institute for Psychoanalysis & Christian Theology. He is also the founder and director of the Relationally Focused Psychodynamic Therapy Post-Graduate Certificate.

By Dr. Dwight J. Friesen, Associate Professor of Practical Theology

Along with Tom Sine, Dr. Dwight J. Friesen seeks “to equip Christian leaders to anticipate some of the new challenges in the 2020s; discover God’s shalom purposes for our lives, the church, and God’s world; and create innovative new possibilities for our lives, communities, and congregations that both engage new opportunities and advance God’s purposes.”

Dr. Friesen is a liturgical Anabaptist with progressively Evangelical and emergent sensibilities actively seeking to root his faith practice within place while linking globally with others who are seeking to live into their contexts and is co-founder of the Inhabit Conference. Other works by Dr. Dwight J. Friesen include The New Parish: How Neighborhood Churches Are Transforming Mission, Discipleship and Community.

By Dr. Ron Ruthruff

“Through concrete detail, current statistics, and qualitative insights from more than 25 years living among and ministering globally to youth mired in tough and dangerous street life, Dr. Ron Ruthruff provides a model for serving not only troubled youth but others as well.”

Dr. Ruthruff has served homeless and street-involved youth and their families for the past 30 years. He has provided case management services, designed programs, and educated the community on the issues that impact this vulnerable population, and his career goal is to empower persons to live lives of significance, to equip the church to love and serve their neighbors, and to engage communities in cross-cultural and global conversations. Other works by Dr. Ruthruff include Closer to the Edge: Walking with Jesus for the World’s Sake.

By Dr. Dan Allender, Professor of Counseling Psychology

Healing the Wounded Heart “offers hope for victims of rape, date rape, incest, molestation, sexting, sexual bullying, unwanted advances, pornography, and more, exposing the raw wounds that are left behind and clearing the path toward wholeness and healing. Never minimizing victims’ pain or offering pat spiritual answers that don’t truly address the problem, [this book] instead calls evil evil and lights the way to renewed joy.”

Dr. Dan Allender has pioneered a unique and innovative approach to trauma and abuse therapy over the past 30 years and continues to serve as Professor of Counseling Psychology at ��Ƶ. He speaks extensively to present his unique perspective on sexual abuse recovery, love and forgiveness, intimacy and marriage, worship, and co-hosts The Allender Center’s weekly podcast. Other works by Dr. Allender include, To Be Told, Sabbath, Leading with a Limp, and The Wounded Heart.

By Dr. Celene Lillie, Adjunct Faculty

The Rape of Eve “examines core passages from three Gnostic texts from Nag Hammadi, On the Origin of the World, The Reality of the Rulers, and the Secret Revelation of John, in which Eve is portrayed as having been humiliated by the cosmic powers, yet experiencing restoration, and highlights the importance of the Nag Hammadi writings for our fuller appreciation of the currents of Christian response to the Roman Empire and the culture of rape pervasive within it.

Dr. Lillie is a scholar of the New Testament and the early Jesus movement who considers herself multi vocational, adjuncting and advising at several undergraduate and graduate institutions; lecturing and preaching nationally; and serving as the Direct of Adult Education and Spiritual Formation at First United Methodist Church in Boulder. She works at the intersections of ancient language and context and contemporary questions of gender, trauma, justice, and community to ask meaningful questions of early Christian texts.

By Dr. Steve Call, Affiliate Faculty

Reconnect “explains that when we become more aware of the myriad factors that contribute to disconnection, we can develop new understanding and strategies that promote deeper connection and healing interaction” and is particularly suited towards those in relationships.

Dr. Call teaches in the realms of family systems, couples counseling, child and adolescent therapy, and is a licensed psychologist and a clinical member of the American Psychological Association. He has a private practice specializing in adolescents, couples, and families and provides consultation to healthcare and education professionals and provides clinical supervision to other therapists.

By Dr. Tremper Longman III, Adjunct Faculty

Confronting Old Testament Controversies helps to clarify questions often raised about the Old Testament, particularly by younger and modern audiences, through a well-reasoned approach. As noted in the description, “the Old Testament is rife with controversial passages and events that make both belief and sharing our beliefs with others difficult. Often our solutions have tended toward the extremes—ignore problem passages and pretend they don’t matter or obsess over them and treat them as though they are the only thing that matters.”

Dr. Longman is a Distinguished Scholar and Professor Emeritus of Biblical Studies at Westmont College who has written over 35 books that have been translated into seventeen different languages. He is also one of the main translators of the popular New Living Translation of the Bible. Other works by Dr. Longman includes The Fear of the Lord Is Wisdom: A Theological Introduction to Wisdom in Israel, How to Read Proverbs, and The Bible and the Ballot.

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Read, Watch, Listen: 8 Theology & Technology Resources

��Ƶ — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 21:25:13 +0000

Technology has advanced rapidly in the last few years, and now in a pandemic, we are more reliant on technology to study, work, communicate, and form relationships than ever before. Though the purpose of technology is to make things simpler and more convenient, it also opens the door to questions around ethics, morality, mental health, equity, and community to name a few. As you read, watch, and listen to these resources, we hope they invite deep questions and discussions about the impact and intersection of technology and theology in your community.

Edited by Heather A. Horst and Daniel Miller

Through a range of case studies from Facebook to Second Life to Google Earth, Digital Anthropology explores how human and digital can be defined in relation to one another, from avatars and disability; cultural differences in how we use social networking sites or practise religion; the practical consequences of the digital for politics, museums, design, space and development to new online world and gaming communities.

By Donald E. Knuth

How does a computer scientist understand infinity? What can probability theory teach us about free will? Can mathematical notions be used to enhance one’s personal understanding of the Bible? Perhaps no one is more qualified to address these questions than Donald E. Knuth, whose massive contributions to computing have led others to nickname him “The Father of Computer Science”—and whose religious faith led him to understand a fascinating analysis of the Bible called the 3:16 project. In this series of six spirited, informal lectures, Knuth explores the relationships between his vocation and his faith, revealing the unique perspective that his work with computing has lent to his understanding of God.

Listen to the founders of TheoTech interview people about “integrating faith and tech, theological takes on the latest tech news, stories from the frontlines of industry, book summaries, and more.”

By Neal Stephenson

Neal Stephenson imagines an alternate universe where scientists, philosophers, and mathematicians live in seclusion behind ancient monastery walls until they are called back into the world to deal with a crisis of astronomical proportions.

Directed by Jeff Orlowski

Dr. Kj Swanson says, “If you’ve had questions for yourself or for younger generations about how the massive changes in internet technology and social media over the past 15 years may be affecting us, carve out time immediately for this documentary. Interviews with tech leaders and social psychologists, along with dramatization of how one family undergoes these dynamics, highlight the vital importance of educating ourselves not just about how we use technology, but how technology uses us. This doc also serves as an excellent intro to Dr. Shoshana Zuboff’s The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power (2019) ISBN: 9781781256855.”

By Alister McGrath

Einstein’s revolutionary scientific ideas have transformed our world, ushering in the nuclear age. The current pace of scientific and technological progress is simply astounding. So is there any place for faith in such a world? Einstein himself gave careful thought to the deepest questions of life. […] In this book, McGrath examines the life and work of Einstein, explaining his scientific significance and considering what Einstein did and did not believe about science, religion, and the meaning of life.

Chris Ridgeway and Adam Graber tackle conversations about the integration and intersection of theology and the technology we use on a day to day basis.

Krista Tippet interviews Kevin Kelley, founding editor of WIRED and a “philosopher technologist,” about our role in the rapidly approaching tech evolution of AI and the importance of asking questions.

Special thanks to Dr. Kj Swanson, Dr. Pat Loughery, and Kate Rae Davis, MDiv for their contributions to this list.

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9 Theology and Trauma Books to Read

��Ƶ — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 15:00:52 +0000

As a student at ��Ƶ, there are a few things that are fundamental, such as reading thought-provoking books and studying at the intersection of theology and trauma. These intersections are where we encounter new ideas, challenge assumptions, and join in meaningful conversations. They invite us to pause and think deeply, whether they be at the corner of theology and psychology, or . We hope you are able to take time to explore some of these reads and join us as we continue to explore and ask questions at the intersection of theology and trauma.

by Shelly Rambo

“In Spirit and Trauma, Rambo draws on contemporary studies in trauma to rethink a central claim of the Christian faith: that new life arises from death. Reexamining the narrative of the death and resurrection of Jesus from the middle day-liturgically named as Holy Saturday-she seeks a theology that addresses the experience of living in the aftermath of trauma.”

Surprising Connections between Neuroscience and Spiritual Practices That Can Transform Your Life and Relationships

by Curt Thompson, MD

“Dr. Thompson reveals how it is possible to rewire your mind, altering your brain patterns and literally making you more like the person God intended you to be. Explaining discoveries about the brain in layman’s terms, he shows how you can be mentally transformed through spiritual practices, interaction with Scripture, and connections with other people.”

A Journey Of Faith In The Face Of Severe Learning Disability

By Frances Young

Theologian Frances Young writes a personal narrative about her son’s learning disability and “hope and help for all who struggle with faith in the face of unremitting suffering.” Though not distinctly about trauma, Young asks difficult questions about life, God, and how we are to respond in the midst of difficult circumstances.

By Resmaa Menakem

“In this groundbreaking work, therapist Resmaa Menakem examines the damage caused by racism in America from the perspective of body-centered psychology. He argues this destruction will continue until Americans learn to heal the generational anguish of white supremacy, which is deeply embedded in all our bodies. Our collective agony doesn’t just affect African Americans. White Americans suffer their own secondary trauma as well. So do blue Americans—our police. My Grandmother’s Hands is a call to action for all of us to recognize that racism is not about the head, but about the body, and introduces an alternative view of what we can do to grow beyond our entrenched racialized divide.”

by Thomas Lewis (et. al)

“A General Theory of Love demonstrates that our nervous systems are not self-contained: from earliest childhood, our brains actually link with those of the people close to us, in a silent rhythm that alters the very structure of our brains, establishes life-long emotional patterns, and makes us, in large part, who we are.”

Living in the Afterlife of Trauma

By Shelly Rambo

“Shelly Rambo rereads the Thomas story and the history of its interpretation through the lens of trauma studies to reflect on the ways that the wounds of race, gender, and war persist. Wounds do not simply go away, even though a close reading of John Calvin reveals his theological investments in removing wounds. This erasure reflects a dominant mode of Christian thinking, but it is not the only Christian reading.[…] Again, the visceral display of Jesus’ wounds, when placed at the center of Thomas’ encounter in the Upper Room, enacts a vision of resurrecting that addresses the real harm of the real wounds of war.”

By Elie Wiesel

“First published in 1958, Night is the autobiographical account of an adolescent boy and his father in Auschwitz. Elie Wiesel writes of their battle for survival and of his battle with God for a way to understand the wanton cruelty he witnesses each day. In the short novel Dawn, a young man who has survived World War II and settled in Palestine joins a Jewish underground movement and is commanded to execute a British officer who has been taken hostage. In Day, Wiesel questions the limits of conscience: Can Holocaust survivors forge a new life despite their memories?”

Theology in a Ruptured World

By Serene Jones

“Central to its overall theme is an investigation of how individual and collective violence affect one’s capacity to remember, to act, and to love; how violence can challenge theological understandings of grace; and even how the traumatic experience of Jesus’ death is remembered. Jones focuses on the long-term effects of collective violence on abuse survivors, war veterans, and marginalized populations and the discrete ways in which grace and redemption may be exhibited in each context.”

The Bible’s Traumatic Origins

By David Carr

“Human trauma gave birth to the Bible . . . the Bible’s ability to speak to suffering is a major reason why the sacred texts of Judaism and Christianity have retained their relevance for thousands of years. In his fascinating and provocative reinterpretation of the Bible’s origins, the author tells the story of how the Jewish people and Christian community had to adapt to survive multiple catastrophes and how their holy scriptures both reflected and reinforced each religion’s resilient nature.”

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Reading Archives - ������Ƶ of Theology & Psychology

8 Books to Read by Faculty at ������Ƶ

Read, Watch, Listen: 8 Theology & Technology Resources

9 Theology and Trauma Books to Read

Reading Archives - ��Ƶ of Theology & Psychology

8 Books to Read by Faculty at ��Ƶ