Dr. Shelly Rambo: Twenty Years at the Intersection of Trauma and Theology

Claire and Rachel caught up with Dr. Shelly Rambo, a theologian at Boston University, working in the areas of trauma, spiritual care and chaplaincy. Shelly’s book Spirit and Trauma is a seminal work in the field of trauma and theology, and she brings over twenty years of thought and exploration to the study of Scripture and the Christian tradition through the lens of trauma. We talk about the reality of trauma that remains, and how Jesus prepares us to live with the unresolved, what we can learn from Julian of Norwich about regaining inner spiritual authority, and the theological classroom as a site of post-traumatic growth. Shelly finishes by sharing insights from Howard Thurman on maintaining spiritual vitality in the midst of embodied threat. In a time when many are leaving institutional religion, Shelly brings wise insight into the reasons people leave and ways in which they can develop a sustaining spiritual community in the aftermath of harm.

Shelly's Bio

Dr. Shelly Rambo is a theologian and professor at Boston University School of Theology, whose work explores the intersections of trauma, theology, and spiritual care. Her research has shaped trauma-informed approaches to chaplaincy and theological education, particularly in seminary contexts. She is the author of Spirit and Trauma: A Theology of Remaining, and Resurrecting Wounds, and is a leading voice in rethinking how Christian theology engages suffering, survival, and the work of healing.

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