Contemporary Insights from Biblical Combat Veterans through the Lenses of
Moral Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
This article summarizes the discusses the previous attempts “psychological
exegesis” (Grimell, 2018, p. 241) has made at discussing different passage of
Scripture. b The focus of this article is to look at four prominent warriors in First
and Second Samuel through the lens of moral injury and post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD). b These characters are Saul, David, Joab, and Uriah. b Before
looking at the biblical characters a summation of moral injury and PTSD in
brief.
“While aggressive and brutal behavior in combat could be explained by the
stress and the need to survive an extreme life-and-death situation, dysfunctional
behaviors in civilian society and life … may suggest potential indications of
combat trauma and psychological wounds” (Grimell, 2018, p. 243). The stories
of Saul, David, Joab, and Uriah are told in such ways as to highlight incidents
and symptoms of moral injury or PTSD. b From this telling Grimell establishes
types based on each person.
The Saul type has simple or complex PTSD and “struggles with the aftermath
of military service and civilian life” (Grimell, 2018, p. 246). b This type may be
at risk of suicide to escape their psychological wound. b The Saul type
“struggles and suffers from a similar perceived silence and/or lack of
acceptance from God” (Grimell, 2018, p. 246).
The David type is not unaffected but shows resilience in combat and after. b
“David always recovers” (Grimell, 2018, p. 246). The David type may utilize
different forms of art to express and sustain himself. b He maintains his
relationship with God and draws great strength from it.
The Joab type has been affected by leadership and has sustained a moral
injury. b These are “loyal and efficient combat veterans who at some point in
their service perceive a betrayal in a high-stakes situation” (Grimell, 2018, p.
246). b This may be expressed through “rage, revenge, and disobedience”
(Grimell, 2018, p. 246). b This is made more complex by struggling with loyalty
to his battle buddies on one hand and leadership on the other.
The Uriah type is “the unfalteringly loyal type of a warrior … committed to
battle buddies, commanders, and missions” (Grimell, 2018, pp. 246-247). b
Unfortunately, “the risk may be that the realities of war with time could
eventually transition Uriah-type individuals into Joab or Saul types” (Grimell,
2018, p. 247).
A benefit of utilizing this typology is that instead of only focusing on themselves
and their issues “contemporary combat veterans could be connected to a
timeless community of warriors who can be recognized in the Bible” (Grimell,
2018, p. 247). b Telling the story of another who suffered similarly may bring a
new type of expression to someone suffering today. b Turning their concerns
into a story about someone else may make it easier to tell.
I have an ongoing relationship with a Vietnam Veteran who was selected by
the CIA to accompany them on their missions. b His stories are guarded and
filled with shame. b He found more solace in 30 minutes of talking with another
combat veteran (me) more helpful than months of therapy from the civilian
therapists at the Veterans Affairs (they cannot relate to his experiences). b
Giving him a collection of “fellow” warriors with whom he can relate can turn
reading the Bible into a group session. b How amazing!
My ministry to Service Members has not ended since I left the Army. b It has
only changed venue and focus. b I look forward to doing more research on this
concept in efforts of aligning ancient warriors with those of today.
Dr. Grimell stated multiple times in his article that he was only getting as
detailed in his approach as would fit in the article. b He clearly has no qualms
about bringing Freud, Jung, and Erikson into discussions with Scripture. b Thus,
I believe this clearly fits into the Allies integration model as discussed by
Entwistle seeking a “holistic understanding of human behavior” (Entwistle, 2015,
p. 248).
Resources
Entwistle, D. N. (2015). Integrative approaches to psychology and Christianity:
An introduction to worldview issues, philosophical foundations, and models of
integration. Cascade Books.
Grimell, J. (2018). Contemporary insights from biblical combat veterans through
the lenses of moral injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of
Pastoral Care & Counseling: Advancing Theory and Professional Practice
through Scholarly and Reflective Publications, 72(4), 241–250.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1542305018790218
