Date of Award

3-2015

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Department

Seminary

First Advisor

Leah Payne

Second Advisor

Larry Day

Third Advisor

Leonard I. Sweet

Abstract

Shame and glory appear to be binary opposites inextricably tied within Scripture. As such, addressing one without the other is comparable to addressing slavery without mentioning freedom. Accordingly, the only way a counselee’s shame and glory can be healed and revealed is if both are held open to God and other people. Herein lies the problem: counselees hide vulnerability for fear of being ashamed, thus veiling the glory of their life. How, then, can a counselee feel more trusting of God and safer with people so their shame and glory can be healed and revealed? The thesis of this dissertation asserts that the story of shame and glory as told through the biblical semiotic of nakedness offers Christian therapists and counselees a safer way of addressing vulnerability, so a counselee’s shame and glory can be healed and revealed.

Chapter 1 explicates the problem of why people in general hide themselves for fear of being ashamed. Chapter 2 provides a survey and summary overview of how influential theologians and psychologist have addressed shame (and glory?). Chapter 3 explains why biblical symbolic language speaks so deeply to the human heart and soul. Chapter 4 begins the triadic presentation of shame and glory as told through three beginnings of naked vulnerability: Noah, Adam and Eve, and God. Chapter 5 presents the second part of the triadic tale as seen through the naked vulnerability of a prophet (Elisha), king (David), and priest(ess) (The Adulterous Woman). Chapter 6 presents the third part of the triadic tale as symbolized through the nakedness of Jesus’ birth, baptism, and crucifixion. Lastly, Chapter 7 summarizes and concludes why the sacred story of shame and glory offers Christian therapists and counselees a safer way of addressing vulnerability, so a counselee’s shame and glory can be healed and revealed.

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