Date

4-17-2024

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

Mark Plaza

Keywords

trauma, forgiveness, biblical forgiveness, mental health, mindset, adverse childhood experiences, affirmations, identity, ACE, abuse, mindfulness, self-healing, resiliency, hurt, pain, unforgiveness, physical healing, mental healing, emotional healing, Childhood psychological abuse, Childhood physical abuse, Childhood sexual abuse, Childhood emotional neglect, Childhood physical neglect, childhood illness, epigenetics, generational truama

Disciplines

Christianity | Religion

Abstract

The profound impact of childhood experiences on an individual's mindset, emotional well-being, and transition into adulthood is a compelling problem addressed in this thesis paper titled “Forgiving Childhood Hurt Biblically.” This DMIN action research project is to implement biblical forgiveness as a transformative tool to address the physical, mental, and emotional wounds inflicted by childhood trauma. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), marked by early-life toxic stress, establish a foundation for the intergenerational transmission of trauma, significantly affecting the health and lives of adults. Given the vulnerability of childhood, addressing and forgiving the sources of trauma is crucial for effectively reprogramming and renewing the human brain. Furthermore, understanding the impact of family history on an individual's physical and psychological health is essential, as childhood experiences often underlie adult psychological issues. This research highlights the vital role of biblical forgiveness in overcoming hindrances caused by childhood trauma to spiritual, mental, and physical health. The thesis unfolds across five chapters: Chapter One articulates the problem and purpose of the study. Chapter Two provides a robust foundation by exploring relevant literature and theology, highlighting the effects of trauma and the advantages of forgiveness. Chapter Three details the research methodology employed, while Chapter Four analyzes collected quantitative and qualitative data. Chapter Five assesses the data and proposes strategies for further exploration among individuals with adverse childhood experiences. The thesis concludes by summarizing the project and drawing essential implications from this doctoral study, underscoring the transformative potential of biblical forgiveness in healing childhood wounds.

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