The Grand Narrative
I enjoyed reading Wolter's discussion of the Grand Narrative. "To miss the grand
narrative of the Scripture is a serious matter; it is not simply a matter of
misinterpreting parts of Scripture. It is a matter of being oblivious to which story
is shaping our lives (Wolters, 2005, p.125)." Understanding the Grand Narrative
is a good reminder to not just look at the bible stories as stories, but to
understand deeper. The stories are telling a story of how everything began, why
things happened, how the power of the gospel changes everything, and how we
can apply that in our lives - The creation, fall, and redemption.
"The Christian church is called to live out of the power of the gospel and make
the kingdom known in all departments of human life. In part that means
interpreting the world through the lens of the gospel, (Wolters, 2005, p 141)."
How do I apply this insight into my research area in Trauma Psychology?
Trauma Psychology focusing on those who have experienced trauma in their
lives and how to cope from an integrated perspective of Christianity and science.
"The general population surveys in 24 countries across six continents found that
more than 70% of adults are exposed to a potentially traumatic event, such as
child maltreatment, interpersonal violence, natural disaster, war or serious
accident, at some point in their lives (Benjet et al., 2016)."
So how from a biblical standpoint does the story of the bible make a difference
in Trauma Psychology? Knowing the power of the gospel can make a huge
difference in ones healing from Trauma. There is much to unpack in just
knowing the gospel itself.
“The gospel announced that the power of God to renew the entire creation was
now present in Jesus by the Spirit. This liberating power was demonstrated in
Jesus' life and deeds, b and explained by his words. By his death on the cross he
battled the power of the evil and gained the decisive victory (Wolters, 2005, p.
120)." Wolter goes on to explain important observations: redirecting power,
restorative, that it's comprehensive in scope, and the church.
When you understand the power of the Gospel, when you understand the whole
story of Jesus, and have that relationship with him, this can be part of your
healing in Trauma and one that cannot be overlooked.
One can understand that although there was the fall and that we live in a broken
world, and how things can be unfair for the cards we are dealt with, we can see
what Jesus went through in this fallen world, but out of it came Victory.
"He will crush sin and the disastrous effects that were unleashed by Adam and
Eve's rebellion (Gen 3:15) (Wolters, 2005, P. 123).” There is Victory through
trials and triumph.
This is what the grand narrative of the creation, fall, and redemption means in
the biblical worldview of Trauma Psychology.
John 16:33, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In
the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
(English Standard Version Bible, 2001, John 16:33)."
References
Benjet, C., Bromet, E., Karam, E. G., Kessler, R. C., McLaughlin, K. A., Ruscio, A.
M.,... Koenen, K. C. (2016). The epidemiology of traumatic event exposure
worldwide: Results from the World Mental Health Survey Consortium.
Psychological. Medicine, 46, 327–343
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). ESV Online
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+16%3A33&version=ESV
Wolters, A., 2005. Creation regained. Grand Rapids, Mich.: William B. Eerdmans
Pub.
