Summer School of Theology 2023 “Wounds of Today’s World: Doing and Living Theology in the Context of Trauma”
The Eastern European Institute of Theology, with support from Dnipro Hope Mission, holds the Summer School of Theology 2023. Its purpose is to create a platform to support the viability of the Ukrainian theological community and its involvement in the global dialogue.
The topic of the Summer 2023 session: “Wounds of Today’s World: Doing and Living Theology in the Context of Trauma.”
The terrible consequences of Russian aggression against sovereign Ukraine have turned the world upside down, revealing the perils of living in the 21st century. Alongside the looming, constant threat, the war brought traumas that must be understood and overcome by this and the next generations: loss of loved ones, health, livelihood, and meanings. Traumatic experiences of present-day life are not limited to the consequences of war. And yet, war can become the epicenter of all possible traumas: from victims of emotional and sexual violence to those who suffer from illnesses, grief, and various forms of loneliness and hopelessness. So why does trauma occur? Can new life arise from death? These questions are central to Christianity. Can theology offer anything for life after trauma and help survivors avoid further trauma? How does the experience of trauma hinder us from serving others? How does the experience of trauma create opportunities for serving others? These are the questions that this session will seek to answer.
For this purpose, the Eastern European Institute of Theology has gathered the best experts in contemporary trauma theory and theology. The School of Theology will host theologians, philosophers, and psychologists of various Christian traditions.
Speakers of the Summer 2023 session:
Diane Langberg
Diane Langberg is a practicing psychologist whose clinical expertise includes 50 years of working with trauma survivors. She is the recipient of the Distinguished Alumna for Professional Achievement from Taylor University.
Philip G. Monroe
Philip G. Monroe is a practicing psychologist, Professor of Counseling & Psychology, and the director of the Masters of Arts in Counseling Program at Biblical Seminary outside Philadelphia. Together with Diane Lanberg founded Global Trauma Recovery Institute.
Shelly Rambo
Shelly Rambo is an Associate Professor of Theology at Boston University School of Theology. Her work at the intersection of trauma and religion has led to partnerships with chaplains and international educators in post-conflict areas.
Helen Paynter
Helen Paynter is a Tutor in Biblical Studies, Coordinator of Theological Education, and Director of the Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence at Bristol Baptist College.
Keith J. White
Keith J. White is the Founder and Chair of the Child Theology Movement (CTM). He is a former president of the UK Social Care Association and Chair of the National Council of Voluntary Child Care Organisations. Keith is responsible for the residential community caring for children who have experienced separation and loss.
Esther Zimmerman
Esther Zimmerman is Children & Family Ministry Program Director at Lancaster Bible College. She served for 12 years as International Children’s Ministry Director for a global mission organization and led a training project that extended to 60 countries.
Julijana Mladenovska-Tešija
Julijana Mladenovska-Tešija is a Lecturer in philosophy and religion at Evangelical Theological Seminary and Assistant to the Osijek Institute for Mission Studies Director. She was a researcher for the Balkan Centre for Peace Studies in Skopje, Macedonia, and for the Peace Research Institute in Oslo.
Siobhan Garrigan
Siobhan Garrigan is a Loyola Professor of Theology at Trinity College Dublin. She is a Head of the School of Religion, Theology, and Peace Studies.
Scott Harrower
Scott Harrower is an Associate Professor of Theology and History at Ridley College, Melbourne. He is also an ordained Anglican pastor with previous experience in medical research and trauma rooms.
Vyacheslav Khalansky
Vyacheslav Khalansky is a Certified psychotherapist and a member of the Ukrainian Union of Psychotherapists. Director of the Ukrainian team of the research project “Building More Forgiving Communities around the Globe.” Initiator of the project MH-Care.
Maryana Mykolaychuk
Maryana Mykolaychuk is an Associate Professor of Psychology and Psychotherapy at Ukrainian Catholic University.
Samuel B. Thielman
Samuel B. Thielman, clinical and organizational consultant and faculty scholar at Duke University’s Centre for Spirituality, Theology and Health. Dr. Thielman is a former Director of the Mental Health Service Program of the US Department of State.
Sarah Clarkson
Sarah Clarkson is a writer whose work centres on beauty and grief, story and quiet. She is trying to write well about her own sorrow, and her own encounters with the beauty. She studied theology at Wycliffe Hall in Oxford.
Paul S. Fiddes
Professor Emeritus of Systematic Theology at the University of Oxford, Principal Emeritus and Senior Research Fellow of Regent's Park College, Oxford.
The School will take place from July 31 to August 5 on Zoom. All details and registration are available here https://eeit-edu.info/sst/summer-session-2023/
Eastern European Institute of Theology would like to thank ScholarLeaders, Langham Publishing, and Overseas Council for their organizational support.
