Exploring the Intersection of Victimhood, Agency, and Control

07/12/23 • 38 min

How does the tension between victimization and agency play out in our churches and faith communities? Join us, Matt Scheuneman and Dr David Hall, as we unravel this timely and relevant discussion. We dig into the prevalent narratives of trauma, abuse, and bullying, and challenge the mindset of victimization, offering instead a fresh perspective on the concept of agency and its impact on our mental health and faith.
Venturing further, we probe the implications of control and how it can seed feelings of depression, anxiety, and fear. Let's journey together through scriptural teachings to understand how God interacts with our choices and their consequences. We'll explore how our agency can be a force for positive change and discuss the transformative power of abiding in Christ amidst circumstantial pain. This is more than just a conversation about victimhood and agency, it's about finding hope and navigating life’s challenges through faith. So, are you ready to see your faith in a new light?
Show Notes:

SBC Article on abuse
- https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/faqs-sexual-abuse-southern-baptist/
Rise and Fall of Mars Hill Podcast link
- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill/id1569401963
Man’s Search for Meaning - Frankl
- https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl-ebook/dp/B009U9S6FI
Francis Shaffer book
- https://www.amazon.com/He-There-Not-Silent/dp/084231413X
Fully Alive - Crabb
- https://www.amazon.com/Fully-Alive-Biblical-Vision-Stereotypes/dp/0801015332/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1678114478&sr=1-1
Phil 2:5
- https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202%3A5-11&version=ESV
Bill O’Hanlen training - Resolving Trauma Without the Drama
- https://psychmaven.teachable.com/p/trauma-without-drama

SBC Article on abuse
- https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/faqs-sexual-abuse-southern-baptist/
Rise and Fall of Mars Hill Podcast link
- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rise-and-fall-of-mars-hill/id1569401963
Man’s Search for Meaning - Frankl
- https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl-ebook/dp/B009U9S6FI
Francis Shaffer book
- https://www.amazon.com/He-There-Not-Silent/dp/084231413X
Fully Alive - Crabb
- https://www.amazon.com/Fully-Alive-Biblical-Vision-Stereotypes/dp/0801015332/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1678114478&sr=1-1
Phil 2:5
- https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%202%3A5-11&version=ESV
Bill O’Hanlen training - Resolving Trauma Without the Drama
- https://psychmaven.teachable.com/p/trauma-without-drama

Previous Episode

A Crucial Journey: From Self to God-Centricity

Get ready to challenge your perspective as we tackle the often polarizing conversation of self-centric versus God-centric views in addressing the mental health crisis. This isn't your usual discourse, as we draw inspiration from Jesus' unique approach to dichotomous questions and explore the oft-ignored repercussions of our culture's push towards self-definition. A shift to a God-centric worldview may be the solution we need.
Join us as we delve into the nexus of mental health and spirituality, demarcating the lines between psychology and theology. Discover how adopting a God-centric viewpoint could prove more beneficial to mental health than its human-centric counterpart. Let's traverse the transformative power of prayer and the insights we can glean from studying the Trinity. Prepare to redefine familiar concepts like self-esteem and acceptance within the context of Christian discipleship. Let's set out on this exploration together, shall we?
Show Notes:

Jackie Hill Perry - Holier Than Thou
- https://www.amazon.com/Holier-Than-Thou-Holiness-Helps/dp/1535975717/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1678114257&sr=8-1
David’s Article - https://www.negev.institute/bundles/community-library

Next Episode

Balancing Independence and Dependence: A Journey of Personal Growth, Parenting, and Spiritual Maturation

Struggling to balance personal independence and dependence? You're not alone. Matt and Dr. David Hall are exploring the tensions that exist between these two extremes, their impact on our spiritual connection, and how our culture and the church often swing between them. This dynamic tension isn't just a linear journey, but rather a constant negotiation and reshaping of our lives. We'll take a leaves out of the work of the psychiartist, Milton Erickson, and reflect on the moment when you realize that you can no longer become an Olympic swimmer (even if you were not trying to in the first place) We can see how the tensions of dependence and independence manifest in different stages of life.
Parenting is a tightrope act, walking the fine line between rebellious teenage independence and parental anxiety. We discuss how allowing a teenage brain - which is still developing until the mid-to-late 20s - to make certain decisions can have far-reaching implications. This struggle between dependence and independence within families can sometimes lead to individuals being valued for what they can do, rather than who they truly are. We'll also shed light on the concept of fidelity and its influence on identity and role confusion.
Join us as we delve into these complex issues and offer practical guidance for personal growth and spiritual maturation. Together, let's navigate the intricate path of dependence and independence in our personal lives and church experience.
Show Notes:
Anthony Bradley Episode - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-churches-should-respond-to-the-boy-crisis/id1560890129?i=1000599515383

Church Psychology - Exploring the Intersection of Victimhood, Agency, and Control

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:06.330

Welcome to Church Psychology , a podcast of the Nagev Institute . We are mental health professionals looking at the intersections of social and behavioral science in the Christian life . Please connect with our free resources in our open community library at churchpsychologyorg .

Speaker 100:00:22.280

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