I’m currently researching this topic: The biggest desire of people hurt by churches.
This article by Crossroads Church (“How I Got Over My Church Hurt {Without Losing My Faith}”) addressed the pitfalls and the solutions with equal care.
Q: Are there feelings?
A: Yes, and they have to be processed.
Q: When healing from trauma, does it help to think about specifics or generalities?
A: Specifics, because they can be addressed specifically, which can lead to healing instead of the experience of endless wounds.
I found one particular illustration about car repair to be on point. Do we blame the entire car for breaking down? No, we fix the tire so we can move on down the road.
So in this context, forgiveness for real hurt and trauma would not be used as a tool for “cheap grace” (i.e. consequence avoidance).
Forgiveness would be used to move toward a better reality, leaving behind real hurt. Reaching toward better connection with an “ancient faith” takes courage.
This post, also, was 💯 human generated.
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