The Original Wound: Considering Sin as Trauma and Psychopathology as the Disintegration of Human Personhood
Jonathan D. BOerger
Christian Association for Psychological Studies·Read paper
Abstract
While various conceptions of “original sin” have dominated Western theology since Au-
gustine coined the term, this paper seeks to nuance current understanding through the
integration of theological and psychological insights. This paper argues that sin is the orig-
inal wound, the trauma that affects all humans. Sin is described in three key categories:
(traumatic) condition, consequence, and action (on a continuum of volition). The biblical
theological images of sin as slavery and sickness are integrated with psychological insight
into trauma and addiction, such that human responsibility for sin may be (re)considered,
emphasizing relational and communal responsibility rather than hyper-individualized no-
tions of culpability. Properly diagnosing sin reveals the necessity of meeting human needs
in/through Christ, which accords with insights from attachment theory. Finally, ministry
application is discussed with attention to ecclesial and clinical contexts as well as the co-
operative roles of particular caregivers, such as pastors and psychologists.
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