Biblical Ecological Trauma Hermeneutics in a Post-Haiyan Context

• Main Authors: Ibita, Ma Marilou S., Ibita, Ma Maricel S
• Format: text
• Published: Archīum Ateneo 2024
• Subjects: Ecological hermeneutics; Pastoral ministry; Philippines; Stress-debriefing; Trauma theory; Typhoon Yolanda; Arts and Humanities; Biblical Studies; Christianity; Religion
• Online Access: https://archium.ateneo.edu/theology-faculty-pubs/101; https://doi.org/10.1093/9780191982415.003.0018
• Institution: Ateneo De Manila University

This chapter posits that a contextual biblical hermeneutics that incorporates both ecological hermeneutics and trauma theory together is needed for the engagement of how biblical passages were recontextualized and used in ministry in the aftermath of the 2013 super typhoon Haiyan, known as Yolanda in the Philippines. This paper analyses the ways in which biblical texts were used in pastoral ministry in a post-natural disaster setting like Haiyan to help in the stress-debriefing, to promote coping strategies for the survivors, and to assist in the meaning-making in this context. The chapter examines the hermeneutical issues in need of critical attention and provides suggestions for a better recontextualization of the Bible in a post-natural disaster setting where issues of ecology and trauma combine.