Chapter 5 of Volf’s The End of Memory introduced us to the concept of viewing our memories of wrongdoings through the framework of the Exodus and Passion stories. Volf begins the sixth chapter by telling us that,”I will start by exploring the significance of the memory of the Exodus for remembering wrongs suffered and then expand how the memory of the Passion both reaffirms and readjusts the lessons drawn from the memory of the Exodus.” (104) He believes that if “we remember a wrongdoing…through the lens of remembering the Exodus, we will remember that wrongdoing as a moment in the history of those who are already on their way to deliverance.” (108-9). Continue reading
Category Archives: book reviews
Painful memories through the lenses of the Exodus and Passion stories
Filed under Abuse, book reviews
Memories observed from 40,000 feet
In the fifth chapter of The End of Memory Volf continues his quest to find the answer to the question, “How can we enjoy the blessing of memory without suffering its curses?” Thus far he has called us to remember truthfully, and to remember intentionally so as to seek healing for all. To remember wrongs done to us this way causes us to not be preoccupied with self but to remember for the sake of the good of others. But he reminds us that memories of wrongs suffered seem to speak confusing messages. So, how do we remember well? From 40,000 feet. When we are able to survey the entire landscape, we have a greater chance of seeing not merely the most intrusive memories but also how they fit into the sacred story of God’s creation. Continue reading
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Filed under Abuse, book reviews, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Volf: Speaking truth, practicing grace
In the previous chapter of The End of Memory Volf determined that memory of wrongs suffered was an ambiguous event that could either heal or be used to harm self and other. In this chapter (3) he takes on the issue of determining how one benefits from memories of evil without also drinking the oft accompanying poison of hate or fear. On p. 42-3 he sets up his belief and concern:
Learning to remember well is one key to redeeming the past; and the redemption of the past is itself nestled in the broader story of God’s restoring of our broken world to wholeness–a restoration that includes the past, present, and future….Will I feel secure in the midst of abiding insecurities in the world, or will I always feel exposed to threats? (He offers many more similar questions regarding healing, justice, and meaning on p. 43).
To make movements toward healing, one must remember AND speak truthfully wrongs suffered by the hand of another. How do we do this? Volf explores 3 areas: Continue reading
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Filed under Abuse, book reviews, Forgiveness, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, sin, suffering
Volf on remembering trauma rightly, ch. 1
Recently, Scot McKnight at JesusCreedbegan blogging on Miroslav Volf’s new book, The End of Memory: Remembering Rightly in a Violent World(2006, Eerdmans). It was his blog that turned me on to the book and I commend his blog as one of the best on the net. Rather than try to compete with his thoughts, I intend to relate Volf’s work to the clinical aspects of dealing with trauma. Continue reading
Musings on Faith and Psychology 