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Creativity, Theology, and Posttraumatic Growth
The Sacred Impulse of Play and Transformation out of Tragedy
Imprint: Pickwick Publications
The relationship between creativity, Christian theology, and experiences of growth after trauma may open pathways towards transformation for individuals and communities. An integrated theory based upon the psychological theories of D. W. Winnicott, the pneumatology of Jurgen Moltmann, and the current science of trauma and creativity is proposed to investigate how playful, creative expression with the world may foster experiences of positive psychological change. This theory suggests that creative action, rooted in a rediscovery of play, might allow for experiences of reorganization and growth after traumatic upheaval.
Stewarding creative action after trauma is one way in which the afflicted can collaborate with the Holy Spirit, even in the midst of tragic pain, to honor our wholeness and dignity as beings made in the image of God. Accessing our created, God-given purpose and identity, from a perspective of playful co-creation, is offered as a path to psychological healing and transformation. This approach may have wide-ranging implications for faith-based clinicians, the church, and communities walking through traumatic, desert-like landscapes of the heart.
Dustin S. Risser is passionate about the conversation between psychology and Christian faith, with a specialized interest concerning the relationship between creativity, culture, and the work of the Holy Spirit. He currently serves as an affiliate assistant professor of psychology at Fuller Theological Seminary. Music, surfing, nature, and his Boston terrier, Tobias, are a few sources of day-to-day shalom.
“Given the pervasive levels of trauma adversity today, it is no wonder that people have reached the ends of themselves and increasingly seek therapy and spirituality. . . . With intellect and grace, Risser not only reminds his reader of the importance of play and creativity in our theology but offers a path forward for Christian psychologists to engage diverse clients through creativity, play, and spirituality to not only heal but thrive.”
—Pamela King, Fuller Theological Seminary
“Risser brings together D. W. Winnicott’s developmental theory of creativity and play with theological reflections on the image of God to offer his own creative, playful contribution on the role of play and creativity in responding to trauma in growth-enhancing ways. Clinicians interested in spirituality/religion will appreciate both his theological reflections as well as his practical suggestions for responding creatively to trauma.”
—Stephen Parker, Regent University, emeritus
“In Creativity, Theology, and Posttraumatic Growth, Dustin Risser invites the reader to pursue play and joy, even in the shadows of trauma. His psychological and theological analysis of attuned relationships, playful creativity, and posttraumatic healing offers a model to bring growth to trauma survivors through acts of making and creative expression. His metaphor of the desert rose is an engaging reminder of this possibility of beauty out of adversity.”
—Cynthia B. Eriksson, Fuller Theological Seminary
“Risser offers a path to transformation and life through the medium and cultivation of creativity. He does so by exploring creativity through the integration of psychology and theology. Not often does one see psychologists such as Winnicott and theologians such as Moltmann put into dialogue, but Riser does so in an engaging and playful manner. This book will stimulate the creative imaginations of psychologists and theologians working at the intersection of trauma and growth.”
—Brad D. Strawn, Fuller Theological Seminary
“Risser’s examination of the vital role that creativity plays in posttraumatic growth not only provides a clear overview of the field of research on this topic but also a blueprint for how individuals, churches, and counselors can make play a greater aspect of the healing process.”
—David T. Lamb, Missio Seminary
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