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." 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)." These characters are
Saul, David, Joab, and Uriah." 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." 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)." This
type may be at risk of suicide to escape their psychological wound." 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." “David always recovers” (Grimell, 2018, p. 246)." The David type
may utilize different forms of art to express and sustain himself." 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." 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)." This may be expressed through “rage, revenge, and
disobedience” (Grimell, 2018, p. 246)." 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)."
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)." Telling the story of another who
suffered similarly may bring a new type of expression to someone
suffering today." 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." His stories are guarded
and filled with shame." 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)." Giving him a collection of “fellow” warriors with whom he
can relate can turn reading the Bible into a group session." How amazing!
My ministry to Service Members has not ended since I left the Army." It
has only changed venue and focus." 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." He clearly has no
qualms about bringing Freud, Jung, and Erikson into discussions with
Scripture." 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
