Trauma and the scars of Christ: David Wang discusses faith and healing at NGU
Treasure Hardwick, News and Feature Editor
Photo courtesy of Aaron Burden on Unsplash
At the annual psychology lecture at North Greenville University, psychologist and pastor David Wang spoke on the intersection of trauma, the Christian faith and spiritual formation. His lecture explored how both theology and psychology can help people understand trauma better and pursue healing in ways that reflect the story of Jesus Christ.
Wang is a licensed psychologist and is a faculty member at Fuller Theological Seminary. He conducts research and teaches courses on trauma. His work often focuses on pastors and missionaries due to the high emotional demands these groups often face.
Wang explained that his research and ministry grew out of his early experiences as a pastor when he began to recognize the emotional and psychological struggles that ministry leadership presents.
One of Wang’s primary concerns is the emotional well-being of pastors and ministry leaders. Research has revealed significant mental health challenges among men and women in ministry. These studies show that many leaders experience depression, anxiety and even exposure to traumatic events.
Wang explained that many pastors experience these mental challenges not because they lack theological knowledge and love for God, but because of burnout, emotional strain and the burdens that come with shepherding a flock and being depended on constantly.
A surprising finding in Wang’s research is that pastors often report higher rates of childhood trauma than the general population. Many pastors grew up in environments where they were forced to carry adult responsibilities at an early age. Wang described these individuals as children who were “emotional adults.”
These situations in childhood can produce both strength and challenges. Many who take on these responsibilities develop compassion, selflessness and a strong desire to care for those around them. These qualities can lead them to professions such as ministry. However, the same experiences can also create difficulty setting emotional boundaries, which causes individuals to feel responsible for the struggles of everyone around them.
When these tendencies combine with the demands of being in ministry, leaders become vulnerable to emotional exhaustion and burnout.
With this information, Wang explained that there is hope in trauma because it points to something greater than the pain and suffering. He suggested that Christianity itself is built upon a traumatic event: the crucifixion of Jesus.
Drawing from John chapter 20, Wang described the violent death of Jesus, as well as the trauma the disciples experienced after watching Him be crucified. After his death, they stayed behind locked doors, fearful and uncertain about their future. Wang explained that this moment was a collective trauma, where the entire community experienced fear and confusion after a devastating event.
After Jesus resurrected and met with the disciples again, he spoke into their trauma by saying, “peace be with you.” The external threats had not changed, yet Jesus offered them peace and rest in Him.
One of the most powerful parts of Wang’s message focused on the scars of the resurrected Jesus. After His resurrection, Jesus still had scars on His hands, feet and sides as a permanent reminder of His work on the cross.
Wang explained that these scars carry an important message about trauma and healing. In many cases, people expect healing to mean complete absence of pain. However, Jesus’ scars suggest something different. Healing does not eliminate the past. Instead, scars become evidence that healing has taken place.
“If Jesus still has scars after His trauma, think about how much more are we as finite people going to have scars as well,” Wang said.
For many trauma survivors, lingering emotions and scars can produce feelings of shame. Wang suggested these scars should not be viewed as failure. Instead, they serve as reminders how personal suffering connects us to Jesus’ life and suffering on earth.
Wang emphasized that healing from trauma does not happen immediately. It is a gradual process that happens over time. It does not mean forgetting the event or pretending it never occurred. Instead, it involves learning to tell a true story of beauty and brokenness.
Wang concluded by explaining that the Christian faith offers a unique perspective on trauma. Because Christ Himself experienced suffering and bears scars, believers can approach their own wounds shamelessly.
Wang encouraged believers to acknowledge their suffering and walk alongside others. Through faith, support and psychology, individuals can experience healing and freedom in their trauma.
