The Pain of Moral Injury (#1010)
Kyle surprises Wayne with a new term that is being utilized in trauma work—moral injury. This happens when someone, either by choice or coercion, acts in opposition to their deep moral framework. It causes significant damage not only to the one who does it, but to the people impacted by his actions. It is especially troublesome in religious contexts where such betrayal can even destroy our ability to believe in God. They highlight the challenges of healing from such injuries, noting that they often affect a person's identity, worldview, and ability to trust others. They talk about betrayal and how to move beyond it to healing, highlighting the transformative power of God's love and the ability to find purpose in suffering. They end with the idea that the painful groanings of that injury may, in part, be the prayers that are too deep for words.
Podcast Notes:
- The video recording of this podcast
- Moral Failings in the Pulpit Lead to Moral Injury in the Pews
- Identifying and Addressing the Hidden Cost of Moral Injury
- Moral Injury and Spiritual Recovery
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I appreciate your conversation on this topic in this week’s podcast. I was introduced to moral injury during my doctoral studies in conflict analysis & resolution while studying violence, particularly genocide and ethnic conflicts. I’ll look forward to reading the articles that you posted to understand more of the topic as those where what triggered Kyle to invite your exploration of the topic. Not being a therapist, my own focus has been on the psycho-social effects of acts of violence on the perpetrators themselves…how they are being de-humanized as they commit those acts, as well as the de-humanization of their victims. I’ll be re-listening after I’ve had a chance to read the articles, and I hope to perhaps engage with Kyle on this as he continues his research into the topic. Thanks for taking this one on! –Blessings–
Yes, Wayne, please right a book about betrayal and how to get over it! It hurts most when it’s those you love the most or those you trusted the most.
I think there are many people who are still participating in the 2×2 system that are experiencing moral trauma right now because they know in their heart that defending pedophiles and not supporting victims is morally wrong, no matter how much anyone tries to twist scripture to justify it. Knowing that they are being traumatized too helps me have some sympathy for them.
I’ve been asked many times, Cyndi, but so far it doesn’t seem to have God’s timing in it yet. Who knows? I’m so sorry for the pain you all have been through and then have it made even worse by those who could not acknowledge it, repent from it, and seek healing for their victims. Yes, they are traumatized too, but ignoring the pain only deepens the trauma.
I experienced betrayal on many levels…friendships, work experiences, religious environments, and family. They have impacted me in deep and profound ways, some of which I will never recover fully in this lifetime. But I understand the power of forgiveness, above all, forgiving myself.
It was important Wayne, to me, to share what part we played in betrayal, and examine that with others we trust. And also how that trust can be so fragile in human relationships. I agree, without God and His Presence, I don’t know how I would get through. Unfortunately I am not blessed with a wealth of relationships I can turn to in challenging times, but I can turn to Jesus, He alone my rock and my salvation, as it says in Psalm 62.
Thanks Ron for your words here. Sue
I’m in such a situation, sad and disappointed. I found myself in great distress, God seemed distant or even not existent.
I knew He was not the author of my trouble and stubborn I simply continued sharing and talking to Him and how can I say it, it took time but we have never been so in love with each other as I experience the relationship now.
Graham Cookes Post and a recent gods yourney podcast describe this in a great way too.
But then, sometimes there is this dark corner rising questioning why god “who once kicked a guy from a horse/donkey and made a paul” did not intervene in my situation. There I see that I have grasped little of how good He really is.
I’m looking forward and trust finally there will be entering into more rest and peace.
Dieter, we all have times when we have a hard time seeing what God is up to. I’m blesed to hear you found your way to love and willingness to grow in knowing “how good he really is.” Perhaps that will let you rethink whether he “did not intervene in (your) situation,” or he intervened in ways I was expecting. When I look back I can often see now what I couldn’t see then. He was at work, just not in ways I wanted to expected. I pray you’ll be able to do that as well. That helps my trust, rest, and peace grow in the things I face today.
I’m still here, Wayne. Thank you, as usual!
It’s been a while since I’ve heard from you, Sarah. Thanks for letting me know you’re still there. Blessings!!