ASIAN PRACTICAL THEOLOGY
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2025
INTERSECTION OF TRAUMA AND PRACTICAL THEOLOGY IN ASIA
SPEAKERS
Dr. Xi LI
Research Fellow, Shandong University
Mr. Yohanes Krismantyo SUSANTA
Lecturer, Institut Agama Kristen Negeri Toraja
Rev. Indah Sriulina GINTING
Lecturer, Jakarta Theological Seminary
Dr. Xi LI
Research Fellow, Shandong University
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Friday・13 June 2025・14:00 - 15:30
Parallel B1
Posttraumatic Reactions and Psalm 119
Abstract
As the longest psalm in the Psalter, Psalm 119 has a complex form and attracted scholars’ long-term debate on its genre and theology. Two famous theories have arisen in this regard. According to Gunkel, some passages of Psalm 119 belong to the genre of individual complaint songs and convey a theology of suffering. Other scholars propose that Psalm 119 is wisdom literature and indicates wisdom theology.
This article reads Psalm 119 from the lens of posttraumatic reactions because it explicitly describes traumatic events as its background. Notably, a victim of trauma may develop double responses to the traumatic event: the negative and positive ones. Negatively, a traumatic event harms the mental health of its victim(s), causing depression, anger, shame, hopelessness, and even posttraumatic stress disorder. Positively, a victim may experience mental development or spiritual growth after encountering a traumatic event. The complaints in Psalm 119 result from the speaker’s negative responses to a traumatic event, and the wisdom aspects of Psalm 119 show how the speaker grew in spirit from this event. Moreover, Psalm 119 contains voices other than complaints and wisdom, which also relate to the speaker’s mixed posttraumatic reactions to a traumatic event.
This article consists of four sections. First, it clarifies essential points about studies on posttraumatic reactions and discusses the traumatic event(s) that the speaker in Psalm 119 experienced: Serious persecution that amounts to potential or actual physical assault. Second, it examines the speaker’s negative responses to the experienced traumatic event(s), including complaints, helplessness, and hopelessness. Third, it discussed the speaker’s positive responses to the experienced traumatic event(s), including wisdom learned, appreciation of life, and praise of God. Last, it shows how the lens of posttraumatic reactions offers a unique tool to clarify the complexity of Psalm 119 in its form and theology and how trauma studies contribute to biblical studies and theological studies.
Bio
Xi Li is a research fellow in Biblical Studies and Moral Theology at the Center for Judaic and Interreligious Studies at Shandong University, Jinan, China. He earned his Ph.D. in Ethics from Peking University and his Ph.D. in Biblical Studies from the Catholic University of America. His research involves psychological reading of the Bible through the lens of trauma, philosophical issues in the Bible, and Christian Ethics. He has published widely in prestigious journals in Biblical Studies and Christian Theology, including the Journal of Religion and Health, Scandinavian Journal of the Old Testament, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament, Harvard Theological Review, Acta Theologica, Australian Biblical Review, and Biblical Theological Bulletin.
Mr. Yohanes Krismantyo SUSANTA
Lecturer, Institut Agama Kristen Negeri Toraja
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Friday・13 June 2025・14:00 - 15:30
Parallel B1
Reading the Crucifixion Story in John 19:16-27 through the Lens of Trauma
Abstract
The crucifixion account of Jesus in John 19:16-27 is frequently interpreted within a soteriological context, although the dimension of bodily humiliation as a manifestation of sexual assault is seldom emphasized. In theological discourse, the crucifixion of Jesus is among the most renowned narratives in human history. It has been adapted and showcased in various films, including the notable Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ. Nonetheless, although the narrative has been recounted numerous times and internalized in various forms, an aspect of the story that is frequently neglected and little discussed is the account of Jesus' nakedness during his crucifixion. This article illustrates how Jesus' experience in this event can serve as a model for recovery for traumatized survivors of sexual violence, particularly within the Indonesian setting. This work employs feminist-trauma hermeneutics to demonstrate that Jesus' nakedness constituted both a social and theological manifestation of sexual assault that perpetuates structural injustice. This paper's thesis posits that the narrative of John 19:16-27 transcends a mere historical account of Christ's suffering, instead creating a multifaceted hermeneutic framework for comprehending the experiences of victims of sexual violence. Furthermore, a thorough analysis of this text reveals a theological framework that facilitates a transition from a state of violence to one of healing. This article seeks to explore the possibilities for different religious interpretations of the narrative. To accomplish this objective, I will initially delineate the crucifixion within the framework of the ancient world, subsequently illustrate how the crucifixion and nudity of Jesus can serve as a paradigm for healing among survivors of sexual violence, and conclude with a reflection and an appeal for the church to advocate for and amplify the voices of sexual violence victims.
Bio
Yohanes Krismantyo Susanta is a Theology Lecturer at Institut Agama Kristen Negeri Toraja and a Doctoral Student at the Jakarta Theological Seminary, Indonesia.
Rev. Indah Sriulina GINTING
Lecturer, Jakarta Theological Seminary
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Friday・13 June 2025・14:00 - 15:30
Parallel B1
Remembering Wounds, Celebrating Deliverance: A Pastoral Attitude towards Trauma Experiences
Abstract
Traumatic experiences lead to a new awareness of the survivor's power. However, it is not always easy to realize this capability without remembering the wound that leads to appreciating the suffering since both are inherent in living in this chaotic life. Also, Church still not become a safe place to shared our wounds. Therefore, lamentation is necessary, by remembering the wounds, to experience healing and empowerment. Thus, healing and empowerment without lamentation are worthless. This paper aims to explore the critical aspect of lamentation to gain a deeper understanding of healing and empowerment in the context of traumatic events and narratives. Using the biblical text from Psalm 34:18-21, this paper highlights how David's lamentation acknowledges his sorrows, supporting the endeavor to celebrate God's deliverance. Instead of avoiding his guilt and wounds, David remembers his wounds, which encompass his belief in God's deliverance
Healing and empowerment through celebrating deliverance do not replace sorrow or suffering. Instead, by embracing suffering through remembering the wounds, trauma survivors can practice self-compassion and self-empathy. Thus, the pastoral attitude explains that suffering needs to be faced honestly, encountered fully, and shared in community. In the final section of this paper, the author reflects on pastoral studies to acknowledge the vital influence of lamentation. The notion of lamentation from Deboran van Deusen Hunsinger, Kathleen D. Billman, and Daniel L. Migliore are used here to prove a better understanding of lamentation.
Bio
Rev. Indah Sriulina, M.Th.,M.A, is now enrolled as a Theological Faculty in Jakarta Theological Seminary. She did her second Master of Art in Pastoral Studies at the Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education (GRE), Fordham University, New York. Besides becoming a faculty, she works as a young pastor at Batak Karo Protestant Church in Kebayoran Lama, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Dr. Christian Nathen NG
Research Fellow, Ecclesia Theological Seminary
Rev. Kwok-Ho LAU
Research Fellow, Ecclesia Theological Seminary
Mr. Daniel Chun-Leung CHOW
Research Fellow, Ecclesia Theological Seminary
Dr. Christian Nathen NG
Research Fellow, Ecclesia Theological Seminary
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Friday・13 June 2025・14:00 - 15:30
Parallel B2
Pentecostal Divine Healing and Spiritual Warfare in Hong Kong: A Practical Theological Perspective
Abstract
This study explores the praxis of divine healing in diverse modalities within Chinese Pentecostalism in today’s Hong Kong. The local varieties of Pentecostal praxis, such as divine healing and spiritual warfare, have received insufficient academic attention. The question of how local Chinese Pentecostal Christians practice divine healing to address various forms of trauma and specialize such praxis has remained ambiguous and will thus be addressed through empirical research on a local Chinese Pentecostal megachurch.
This qualitative study employs several research methods, including participant observation within one local Chinese Pentecostal megachurch from 2022 to 2024, interviews and casual conversations, as well as textual collection and analysis of church publications, local Pentecostal newspaper contents, and academic and popular Pentecostal literature. This study grounds its theoretical framework on Mark J. Cartledge’s Pentecostal practical theology, which orients us toward an understanding of the Pentecostal divine healing as a pneumatologically‑driven praxis, while having a constructive dialogue with Opoku Onyinah on Pentecostal theology of spiritual warfare.
The central thesis of this study is multifaceted. First, the praxis of divine healing within Chinese Pentecostalism has many modalities. It can be practiced, either publicly in corporate worship services, prayer meetings, and healing conferences or privately in houses and various locations of cell groups, and by either pastoral leaders or lay Christians. Second, despite its diversity and discernment of Jesus Christ as the healer, this praxis is pneumatologically‑driven, orienting both a Pentecostal healer and the healed towards the filling and empowerment in the Holy Spirit.
Third, both parties often associate the Pentecostal praxis of divine healing with spiritual warfare, which not only navigates them toward the Holy Spirit but also leads them to confront the evil spirits behind various forms of trauma. Finally, the Pentecostal praxis of divine healing through spiritual warfare can be specialized within Chinese Pentecostalism in Hong Kong. Pentecostalization of the Jewish culture rooted in the Hebrew Bible serves as an alternative for the adherents to specialize the praxis. To practice divine healing, some adherents engage in spiritual warfare through spiritual and embodied practices, such as glossolalia, warfare worship, warfare prayer, shofar blowing, prophetic dance with flags and banners, and impartation.
This empirical research envisages shedding light on our understanding of how local Chinese Pentecostal Christians imagine and represent Pentecostal pneumatology and experience divine healing of trauma through spiritual warfare as an everyday pneumatic praxis, orienting them toward the Spirit-filled, Spirit-empowered lives.
Bio
Christian N. Ng holds a PhD in Religious Studies from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and is a research fellow at Mok Lai Chi Research Centre for Global Pentecostal Studies, Ecclesia Theological Seminary. His recent publications can be found in Asian Journal of Pentecostal Studies, Journal of Festive Studies, and Hong Kong Studies.
Rev. Kwok-Ho LAU
Research Fellow, Ecclesia Theological Seminary
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Friday・13 June 2025・14:00 - 15:30
Parallel B2
Trauma, Healing, and the Full Gospel: A Pneumatological Analysis of the Elijah Mission's Prayer Healing Practices
Abstract
This research investigates the role of trauma and healing within the Elijah Mission, a local Pentecostal/Charismatic organization in Hong Kong. The study aims to explore how the mission’s prayer healing practices address trauma, contributing to individual and communal healing in a culturally specific context. The Elijah Mission emphasizes reconciliation in relationships—between individuals and God, as well as among people—highlighting the significance of healing relational trauma for those carrying wounds from broken relationships. By examining these practices, the research seeks to understand the theological and practical implications of healing in Pentecostal/Charismatic spirituality.
This study is guided by two research questions: 1. How do the prayer healing practices of the Elijah Mission address trauma within their experience? 2. In what ways do these practices align with or diverge from Wolfgang Vondey’s concept of the Full Gospel, particularly regarding the doctrine of divine healing?
The theoretical framework for this research is grounded in Mark Cartledge’s practical theology, which emphasizes lived experiences of faith communities and pneumatology. Cartledge’s approach integrates spirituality and practice, focusing on the role of the Holy Spirit. This framework will be supplemented by Wolfgang Vondey’s Full Gospel theology, offering a comprehensive understanding of healing that encompasses spiritual, emotional, and physical dimensions. Together, these perspectives will facilitate a theological dialogue regarding the Elijah Mission’s approach to trauma and healing.
This study employs qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews and participant observations within the Elijah Mission. Data will be collected from both practitioners and recipients of prayer healing to gain insights into their experiences. Thematic analysis will identify key patterns related to trauma and healing, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the organization’s practices.
The core thesis posits that the Elijah Mission’s prayer healing practices provide empirical insights into how charismatic communities can effectively address trauma through spiritual practices. This research bridges theoretical insights from Cartledge and Vondey with empirical findings from a local context, enriching our understanding of culturally relevant healing practices in contemporary Asia.
Bio
Lau Kwok Ho is a research fellow of Mok Lai Chi Research Centre for Global Pentecostal Studies, Ecclesia Theological Seminary. Th.M. Student, M.Div., Hong Kong Baptist Theological Seminary; B.Th., Ecclesia Theological Seminary. His recent publications can be found in Hill Road Journal.
Mr. Daniel Chun-Leung CHOW
Research Fellow, Ecclesia Theological Seminary
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Friday・13 June 2025・14:00 - 15:30
Parallel B2
Discerning Spirits: A Pneumatological Analysis of Negative Religious Experiences in Pentecostal Healing Practices
Abstract
This paper explores Pentecostal healing-induced trauma through the lens of Amos Yong’s pneumatological imagination. It examines the case of an individual who, after attending a Pentecostal healing conference, experienced a traumatic spiritual crisis—claiming demonic possession—and subsequently sought refuge in an Evangelical church. Utilizing Yong’s triadic hermeneutic of Spirit-Word-Community, this study critically analyzes the theological and pastoral implications of Pentecostal healing events, focusing on how the discernment of spirits operates within Pentecostal epistemology and how trauma complicates religious experience. The paper also engages with Yong’s foundational pneumatology to assess whether Pentecostal healing theology provides adequate safeguards against psychological and theological harm.
Methodologically, this study employs Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore the lived experience of religious trauma, emphasizing the subjective meaning-making process of the individual who transitioned from Pentecostalism to Evangelicalism.
Finally, this study situates the individual’s denominational shift within Yong’s broader framework of interdenominational pneumatology, exploring how the Spirit might be at work even in transitions away from Pentecostalism. This paper seeks to offer a constructive theological framework for pastoral care in contexts where Pentecostal spirituality may lead to unintended negative experiences.
Bio
Daniel C. Chow is a research fellow at the Mok Lai Chi Research Centre for Global Pentecostal Studies at Ecclesia Theological Seminary. He is currently a final-year BA Theology student at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Ms. V Wan-Chee YIM
Graduate Student, Divinity School of Chung Chi College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Ms. Jasmine Helden Therese Penuela SY
Graduate Student, Asian Theological Seminary
Rev. Giovanni Russel Dua BOSITA
Adjunct Faculty, TEE Program of UTS Philippines, Union Theological Seminary
Ms. V Wan-Chee YIM
Graduate Student, Divinity School of Chung Chi College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
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Friday・13 June 2025・14:00 - 15:30
Parallel B3
The Transformation of Trauma through a Biblical-based Healing Process: Using Arts as a Means to Connect with Trauma and God
Abstract
Crisis is around the world, suffering seem to have no end, we could witness in everyday life. “Trauma” caused by crisis, creating deep suffering and overwhelming feeling, is one of the most urgent human needs in the world today.[1] In Hong Kong, the latest research showed a high prevalence of suspected depression and PTSD after social unrest,[2] and there were over 10% Hong Kong people exhibit PTSD symptoms one year after the onset of the pandemic.[3]
As churches today ought to be empowered in order to meet the needs of traumatised people. Currently a set of biblical-based Art and Trauma Healing program has been translated into Chinese, and launched to different faith communities as a trauma-informed intervention. There is not doubt of the transformative outcome, as the creative arts therapy was already proofed that from the perspective of brain-body framework, expressive arts therapy emphasises how their practice is based on understandings in neurobiology and neuroscience. The sensory-based embodiment of trauma and the nonverbal nature of expressive arts provides means to express trauma, and also allow revising the trauma narrative, discovering new meaning etc.
However, there was neither a formal study of this program and a deep understanding of the theologies behide the materials. This study is to describe how the lived experience of people who had experienced trauma then being transformed through an arts-facilitated healing process. It discovers the shape of theology of suffering and healing under the art-based process or even the spirituality growth. Two case-studies will be illustrated by phenomenological approach and arts-based research method, which helps to get a multiple meanings, opening up multiplicity instead of authoritiative claims.[4]
In theological reflection, the crucified god will be discussed to understand suffering, because the wholeness and reconciliation cannot occur without expression of sorrow and articulation of suffering.[5] Through the beauty in Art, the Cross of Christ will be discussed not only on the side of Suffering but also the Glory of God. The last but not least, the Form/Gestalt theory may be mentioned as well, in explaining Jesus’s revelation and incarnation during the consolidation in art process.[6] Therefore the role of aesthetics in trauma healing context will be discussed, as it plays an important role in understanding the essence of God.
[1] (Langberg, Suffering and the Heart of God: How Trauma Destroys and Christ Restores. 2015)
[2] (Ni 2020)
[3] (Cao 2022)
[4] (Leavy 2015)
[5] (O’Connor 2002)
[6] (張俊 2009)
Bio
V Yim Wan Chee is a student of Master of Art in Christian Study at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. With her professional background in expressive art & occupational therapy specialised in mental health, she is passionate to explore the intersections of theology, creative art process, holistic care and transformation. Yim is actively involving in trauma-informed church development, being as an art & trauma healing group facilitator serving among faith communities. Her research delves into practical theology, especially in art process transformation, trauma healing, and theology understanding etc.
Ms. Jasmine Helden Therese Penuela SY
Graduate Student, Asian Theological Seminary
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Friday・13 June 2025・14:00 - 15:30
Parallel B3
Between Sacred Harm and Healing: Exploring Intimate Partner Violence in Evangelical Churches in the Philippines
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive issue affecting women worldwide, including within
faith communities. In the Philippines, one in four ever-married women has experienced IPV (PSA,
2018), yet only a fraction seek support (PSA, 2014). For many survivors, religious institutions play a pivotal role in their healing journey, either as a source of empowerment or as an additional layer of harm. This study explores the lived experiences of female IPV survivors regarding their church’s
response to their abuse, utilizing a transcendental phenomenological approach. Self-Determination
Theory (SDT) serves as an analytical lens to examine how church responses influence survivors’
autonomy, competence, and relatedness, which are key psychological needs essential for healing
and resilience.
Through in-depth interviews with Filipino evangelical IPV survivors, the study investigates how
they seek and receive support from their churches, the impact of church responses on their recovery,
and their evaluation of these responses. Data will be analyzed using Moustakas’ (1994)
phenomenological method, emphasizing horizontalization and thematic clustering to distill
participants' experiences. While prioritizing the transcendental phenomenological approach, which seeks to describe survivors' lived experiences as they are, the study also acknowledges the interpretive dimension inherent in meaning-making, particularly in assessing which church responses are perceived as empowering or disempowering.Findings from this research hold significant implications for faith communities, church leaders, and mental health practitioners. By amplifying survivors' voices, this study sheds light on the potential theological and cultural dynamics influencing church responses to IPV survivors. It offers insights for church leaders to critically reflect on their pastoral care approaches, potentially encouraging them to provide more informed and compassionate support. Additionally, the research contributes to a broader understanding of IPV survivors with strong religious affiliations, informing both spiritual and psychological interventions. Ultimately, this study aims to foster a more supportive and healing environment for IPV survivors within faith communities, bridging gaps between theology, psychology, and social advocacy.
Bio
Jasmine is a licensed chemical engineer, certified spiritual director, and a graduating pastoral counseling student. Rooted in her advocacy for social justice and inclusion, she continuously seeks ways to bridge faith, research, and compassionate action to create spaces where all individuals—especially the most vulnerable—are seen, heard, and supported. Through her internship work, she has experienced providing psychospiritual support to people from all walks of life, including women and children from vulnerable backgrounds. Her study on the lived experiences of IPV survivors in relation to their churches’ responses is inspired by her mother’s story, and aims to amplify survivor narratives while hoping to encourage faith communities on being informed by
supportive and restorative approaches. Beyond academia, Jasmine is passionate about fostering emotional well-being, self-kindness, and community healing. She expresses her creativity and joy through dance and music, and finds solace in spending time with her husband and caring for her beloved pet birds and furry companions.
Rev. Giovanni Russel Dua BOSITA
Adjunct Faculty, TEE Program of UTS Philippines, Union Theological Seminary
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Friday・13 June 2025・14:00 - 15:30
Parallel B3
Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC) and its Challenge to the Church as a Community of Care
Abstract
This paper examines the threat of Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC) to victims and survivors of this modern-day form of slavery and human trafficking especially the impact of this social illness to communities and people involved. The Philippines has become a hotspot of OSEC due to several factors such as economic inequality, poverty, and lack of awareness, and children, who are most vulnerable, has become the main target of abuse and sexual violence of this rampant and revolting crime. This alarming phenomenon has several adverse effects to survivors and victim’s mental health, social relationships, and overall well-being due to their traumatic experiences. It also exposes the complexities of this case; First, it has become a family-based crime (involving adult carers as facilitators), and second, most if not all perpetrators are adult males from western countries. This suggest that this is not only a domestic concern but also a global issue. This paper also analyzes the bias and labeling against women and children, arguing that this has contributed to the vulnerability of children to the trauma of on-line sexual abuse. It also uses a critique and reflection of a Biblical narrative, arguing that human-trafficking and slavery of children that exists during Biblical times still continues today. This paper proposes the use of pastoral theology informed by compassionate resistance, a form of pastoral theology and care that recognizes the church’s intentional action of empathy and care. This “tender and solicitous concern for persons”[1] involved in OSEC will be balanced by an attitude of resistance, seen through the church’s continuous struggle with survivors and victims in making their social and digital environment free from all forms of exploitation and abuse. Lastly, together with other suggested actions of the church as a community of care, it also explores the core concept of Filipino psychology called “kapwa” (shared humanity, shared identity) and Pamela Cooper White’s “I-Though” relationship as a valuable pastoral theological framework in offering connection, healing and compassion to survivors of OSEC.
[1] Hiltner, Seward. The Christian Shepherd: Some Aspects of Pastoral Care. Abingdon Press, 1959.
Bio
Rev. Giovanni Russel Dua BOSITA is currently an adjunct faculty of the Union Theological Seminary TEE program in the Philippines.
He is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, serving in the Philippine Annual Conference Cavite since 2024. With over 11 years of experience as a local pastor.
His research interests encompass a wide range of fields, Pastoral Theology, Indigenous Filipino Psychology, Asian Psychology, Intercultural Pastoral Care, Narrative therapy, Psychotherapy, Filipino and Asian American Masculinities, Liberation Theology, Post-Colonial Studies, Gender and Sexuality, and LGBTQIA+ Studies.
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