Seeking to establish the causes and consequences of shame, Shame and the Church explore how theology and the Bible engage with shame, and consider personal firsthand accounts of shame in a church context.

Sally Nash

Shame and the Church

Acknowledgements

Preface

How to Use this Book

Structure of the book

Remembering what is true

PART 1 Defining Shame

1 Defining Shame and a Typology of Shame in the Church

Treasure and a promised land

My experiences of shame

What is shame?

Healthy shame

Causes of shame

Consequences of shame

Drawing a definition together

Shame in institutions

Introducing the typology of shame in the church

Practical theology and ministerial praxis

Conclusion

Reflection questions

2 Biblical Perspectives on Shame

Introduction

Introduction to the Old Testament context

Genesis and the creation narratives

Reflection on the creation narratives

Introduction to the New Testament context

Purity

Jesus' encounters with people

Jesus' attitudes and principles

The death of Jesus

Reflection on Jesus and the Gospels

3 Personal Shame

How do people experience personal shame?

Peter's story

Responding to personal shame

Theological reflection

4 Communal Shame

Experiencing communal shame in relation to church

Experiencing communal shame in relation to self

Experiencing communal shame in relation to others

How do people respond to communal shame?

5 Relational, Structural, Theological and Historical Shame

Relational or vicarious shame

Structural shame

Theological shame

Historical, buried or residual shame

PART 2 Confronting Shame

6 Shame, Liturgy and Ritual

Experiencing shame in worship

Worship

Exploring shame positively

7 Pastoral Care with Those Experiencing Shame

Engendering confidence

Referral

Raising issues that may cause shame

Naming and reframing

Creating a safe space

Listening

Acceptance, affirmation and assurance

Helping people to feel sufficient

Building community

Self-perception and biblical perspectives

Creative media

Drawing on appropriate resources

Forgiveness

Honouring

Ministerial praxis

8 Shame in Teaching and Learning

Conscientization – raising awareness of shame in ministry

Formation and facilitating the development of a non-shaming culture

Positive practices as an educator

9 Creating a Less Shaming Church

Church

Shame examen

Developing shame resilience

Appendix 1 Defining Shame in Relation to the Literature

Defining shame in different disciplines

Appendix 2 Overview of Themes from the Research in Relation to the Typology

\["For church leaders and members seeking healing from shame", "Addresses the root causes of shame within church settings", "You will learn to create a more compassionate church environment"\]

Acknowledgements vii

Preface ix

How to Use this Book xi

Part 1 Defining Shame 1

1\. Defining Shame and a Typology of Shame in the Church 3

2\. Biblical Perspectives on Shame 20

3\. Personal Shame 36

4\. Communal Shame 56

5\. Relational, Structural, Theological and Historical Shame 69

Part 2 Confronting Shame 89

6\. Shame, Liturgy and Ritual 91

7\. Pastoral Care with Those Experiencing Shame 123

8\. Shame in Teaching and Learning 141

9\. Creating a Less Shaming Church 153

Appendix 1: Defining Shame in Relation to the Literature 169

Appendix 2: Overview of Themes from the Research in Relation to the Typology 175

References and Further Reading 178

Index of Bible References 188

Index of Names and Subjects 190

"This book explores the contours of shame in an attempt to liberate individuals and the church from this evil. It is a brilliant work, both theoretical and practical, and a must-read for church leaders, for all who have experienced shame, and for anyone who desires to better understand this dark side of the human condition." -- Chad Meister, Bethel University, USA

"The author's skilful weaving together of personal story and practical theology presents clearly the deeply destructive nature of shame as well as the way of hope and healing. This book is written from a desire to see the church resist inherent patterns of shaming and free people to be all that God created them to be. I commend it wholeheartedly to those working through the experience of shame themselves, as well as leaders seeking greater self-awareness in their pastoral practice. -- The Rt Revd Anne Hollinghurst, Bishop of Aston

This book explores the complex relationship between shame and the church, aiming to transform practices for a healthier community.

Revd Dr Sally Nash is Director of the Institute for Children, Youth and Mission. She is passionate about equipping people for ministry and teaches, writes and researches in youth and children’s work, spiritual care and contextual ministry.

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Shame and the Church

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Seeking to establish the causes and consequences of shame, Shame and the Church explore how theology and the Bible engage with shame, and consider personal firsthand accounts of shame in a church context.

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