A Theology of Traumatic Affect - by Alice Kim (Hardcover)

About the Book

The author constructs A Theology of Traumatic Affect by employing affect and trauma theories conjointly. The interconnectedness of individuals is established, which in turn uncovers the social dimensions of all traumatic experiences. A collective engagement makes bearing witness and holding the space for prophetic public imagination possible.

Book Synopsis

A Theology of Traumatic Affect offers theological tools, language, and framework to victims/survivors of trauma and their communities. Seen through the lens of affect theory, the social dimensions of trauma emerge even for individual trauma. Using an interdisciplinary approach, Alice Kim argues that due to interconnectedness of individuals, a communal effort is necessary for trauma work. Living in a different world as imagined by public imagination is possible now with collective planetary engagement of all creatures participating in co-creation.

Review Quotes

"Alice Kim's A Theology of Traumatic Affect: A Political and Religious Engagement is a groundbreaking tapestry that weaves trauma theology with affect theory into a harmonious 'Theology of Trauma and Affect.' This luminous work delves into a vital theme, casting ripples across political philosophy, philosophy of emotion, feminist theory, and process theology. Through the alchemy of diverse interdisciplinary perspectives, this book offers a beacon of hope and remedies for traumas stemming from political, social, ecological, theological, and relational experiences." --Jea Sophia Oh, professor of philosophy, West Chester University of Pennsylvania

"In this superb synthesis of affect theory and process thought, Kim reveals at once the civilizational breadth and the personal depth of trauma. With gripping narrative illustrations, profound theological insights, and down-to-earth lucidity, this book opens a pathway into fresh forms of lament and survival, resistance and transformation." --Catherine Keller, George T. Cobb Professor of Constructive Theology, Drew Theological School, and author of Facing Apocalypse: Climate, Democracy and Other Last Chances

About the Author

Rev. Alice Kim is Louisville Institute postdoctoral fellow and assistant teaching professor of constructive theology at Drew University Theological School.