week 1 discussion milt 525
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Liberty University *
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525
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Philosophy
Date
Jan 9, 2024
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docx
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Uploaded by mrsantacruz
Experiencing trauma can profoundly disrupt an individual's perspective on the world, often
leading to a reassessment of their theological convictions. This is especially notable among
service members, spanning active duty personnel, reservists, retirees, and veterans, whose
responsibilities frequently expose them to profound suffering. Having an understanding that we
all face trauma and trials is key.
Bouncing back and recovering from trauma is the part we look
forward to, however, the hard work must be done first, which is gaining an understanding of
what are these trials, the evils, the resulting trauma, and the suffering that comes with (Dees &
Huckabee, 2011). There are a few theological principles that come to mind that relate to the
existence of evil, trials, and suffering. These principles can serve as a key in providing guidance
and solace to service members who have been wounded or disheartened by their experiences and
are now grappling with their faith.
One of the theological principles frequently questioned in the face of trauma is the concept of
theodicy, which deals with the problem of evil in a world supposedly created and sustained by an
all-powerful and benevolent God (Grebe & Grössl, 2023). Service members, having witnessed
the horrors of war, natural disasters, or other traumatic events, may find it challenging to
reconcile the existence of suffering with their faith in a loving God.
Addressing such concerns requires acknowledging the profound complexity of theodicy and the
role of divine providence. It's important to help service members understand that theodicy is not
a one-size-fits-all answer but a multifaceted issue that has challenged theologians for centuries.
Encourage them to explore various theological perspectives, from Augustine's concept of
theodicy as a result of human free will to process the idea of divine providence that God works in
mysterious ways. Emphasize that questioning and seeking deeper understanding is a natural part
of one's faith journey.
In this deeper understanding encouraging someone that God is all is key.
Isiah 45:7 reads “I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the
Lord, do all these things (New International Version, 2011).
Understanding of the why behind
God creating disaster can lead to someone in suffering finding solace in their time of need.
Supportive dialogue with service members may also involve recounting stories of biblical figures
who grappled with suffering and divine purpose, such as Job, whose trials tested his faith but
ultimately led to a profound encounter with God. These stories can provide a source of
inspiration and hope for those struggling with their faith in the midst of trauma.
Another theological principle that can be applied to support service members dealing with the
aftermath of traumatic experiences is the concept of redemptive suffering. This principle teaches
that suffering, when embraced with faith and resilience, can have a redemptive quality, leading to
personal growth and positive change (Macauley & Periyakoil, 2016).
In the context of military service, service members can draw strength from their suffering,
viewing it as an opportunity to contribute to a greater good, whether it be defending their country
or protecting others. Genesis 50:20 states, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for
good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (New International
Version). Encouraging service members to reflect on their experiences in this light can help them
find a sense of purpose and meaning in the face of adversity.
Additionally, the power of community plays a crucial role in addressing theological challenges
after trauma. Service members often share a unique bond with their comrades, forged in the
crucible of shared experiences. Promoting a sense of belonging and understanding within these
communities can be instrumental in helping individuals rebuild their faith. Encourage service
members to lean on each other for support, sharing their doubts, fears, and hopes. Peer support,
as well as the guidance of chaplains and mental health professionals, can be invaluable resources.
References
Dees, R. F., & Huckabee, M. (2011).
Resilient warriors
. Creative Team Pub.
Grebe, & Grössl, J. (Eds.). (2023).
T&T Clark Handbook of Suffering and the Problem of
Evil
(1st ed.). T&T Clark. https://doi.org/10.5040/9780567682468
Macauley, R., & Periyakoil, V. (2016). When faith hurts: Redemptive suffering and refusal of
symptomatic treatment (TH301).
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
,
51
(2),
315–316. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2015.12.127
New International Version. (2011). Holy Bible: New International Version. Bible Gateway
Response 1 to Christopher Rhodes
Your post clearly addresses the vulnerability of military service members to trauma and the vital
role faith and support play during challenging times. The use of John 16:22 is an ideal verse to
underscore the significance of trusting in God's strength and the promise of a better future is a
powerful way to connect faith with the struggles faced by military personnel.
Your personal experience with a fellow service member who attempted suicide due to
overwhelming stress and feelings of loss of control highlights the real-life impact of trauma
within the military, and in all honesty, there aren’t enough resources available to adequately
tackle the issue in a population that is more at risk than the general population.
Gun owners in
general are four times more likely to die by suicide, and with veterans being trained to operate
firearms and twice as likely to own one, that puts them more at risk (Saintsing, 2020).
Your
involvement in helping her recover and reintegrate into her life exemplifies the concept of
"bouncing back" discussed by Dees. In times of crisis, a supportive community and the guidance
of individuals like you can play a pivotal role in a service member's recovery.
The misconception that experiencing trauma indicates spiritual failure is a crucial point to
address. It's essential to counter this belief and emphasize that trauma is not a result of
wrongdoing but a response to challenging circumstances. The saying, "suicide is a permanent
solution to a temporary problem," highlights the importance of recognizing that even seemingly
insurmountable difficulties are temporary and that there are ways to seek help and find a path
forward.
The hope to gain the skills needed to intervene and prevent others from reaching the point of
despair is both noble and crucial to combat this growing problem. By sharing your experience
and insights, you contribute to the conversation about supporting military service members
through trauma, fostering resilience, and dispelling harmful misconceptions.
References
Saintsing. (2020). Preventing TRAGEDY: DAV responds to struggling Navy veteran in mental
health crisis with lifesaving resources.
DAV Magazine : the Official Voice of the Disabled
American Veterans and DAV Auxiliary.
,
62
(6).
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Response 2 to Elena Waters
Your discussion post offers a comprehensive and compassionate approach to helping service
members who have experienced traumatic events. Starting with prayer and empathy, you create a
safe space for them to share their feelings, which is a crucial first step in their healing journey.
Empathy in itself aside from being key in helping service members recover who have
experienced traumatic events, is a valuable principle of leadership.
Leaders within the military
who have the ability to exhibit empathy for those in their charge would make an incredible
difference in the battle of helping service members during their time of need.
In my opinion, this
could go a long way considering how limited mental health care is
in the military, and how few
veterans take advantage of it in comparison to those who need it.
In a study conducted, only
12% of veterans who screened positive for a mental health disorder reported taking advantage of
treatment (Kline et al., 2022).
Although this example is for those with mental health disorders, it
provides an example of just the limitations when it comes to mental health treatment in the
military.
Your incorporation of scripture,
specifically 1 Corinthians 10:13, is both comforting and
empowering. It normalizes their feelings and reaffirms God's faithfulness in their lives, providing
a source of hope and resilience. This scriptural guidance can indeed help service members
reconcile their faith with the challenges they've faced.
Additionally, it provides a very realistic
and logical perspective that can even go as far as to help a service member feel grounded in a
moment where their faith may be shaken.
Your analysis of the root causes of suffering, as explained by Lambert, is insightful.
Understanding that suffering can be due to sin, the world, or the devil can help service members
reframe their experiences and find tailored solutions to cope and heal. This approach aligns with
the concept of "bouncing back" mentioned by Dees, emphasizing the idea that, as children of
God, they can overcome adversity and shine even brighter through their faith.
Your post emphasizes that individuals are not defined by their suffering but by their faith and the
unwavering goodness of God. This message is both encouraging and reassuring, highlighting the
importance of faith and resilience in the face of trauma.
References
Kline, A. C., Panza, K. E., Nichter, B., Tsai, J., Harpaz-Rotem, I., Norman, S. B., & Pietrzak, R.
H. (2022). Mental health care use among U.S. military veterans: Results from the 2019–
2020 national health and resilience in veterans study.
Psychiatric Services
,
73
(6), 628–635.
https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.202100112