{"id":30462,"date":"2026-06-05T18:32:29","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T16:32:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/clone\/?p=30462"},"modified":"2026-06-05T18:32:33","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T16:32:33","slug":"trauma-and-the-akeidah-a-study-of-isaac","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/trauma-and-the-akeidah-a-study-of-isaac\/","title":{"rendered":"Trauma and the Akeidah: a Study of Isaac"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So often it seems that the presence of trauma, real or perceived, is the beginning of the end to a Christian\u2019s faith. Some use their trauma as a shield, a warning to ward off feelings they are unwilling to experience again. Others hide their trauma, only sharing it with a few and silently navigating their challenges while sitting in church. Still others post their trauma on social media wielding it as a sword toward potential adversaries. Can someone be faithful even through significant trauma? If so, what would that look like? Enter Isaac, the subject of our interest today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"739\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/abraham-and-isaac-on-the-way-to-sacrifice-6427a4.jpg?resize=1024%2C739&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30483\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/abraham-and-isaac-on-the-way-to-sacrifice-6427a4.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/abraham-and-isaac-on-the-way-to-sacrifice-6427a4.jpg?resize=300%2C217&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/abraham-and-isaac-on-the-way-to-sacrifice-6427a4.jpg?resize=768%2C554&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It has become more difficult to separate real trauma and normal, everyday suffering that comes from our daily interactions with people. These interactions are sometimes hurtful and bring painful consequences, but can be addressed through vulnerable, healthy conversations and humility. What used to be \u201cusual human experience\u201d has now been elevated to \u201ctrauma\u201d and can include anything that someone feels was hurtful. This elevation can sometimes lead to a victim mindset by removing any personal responsibility for the feelings and can also lead to harmful judgments without having crucial conversations to clarify someone\u2019s intent, motivation, or perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trauma can occur anywhere and at any time. Examples include: exposure to a catastrophic weather event where you are injured or a loved one dies; a terrorist attack or violent crime where you just happen to be there; or enduring a physical\/violent assault such as a home invasion or rape. Sometimes it can be predicted or at least the probability increases with an unstable or dangerous environment, which may or may not be of our own choosing. Examples include: a child being raised where they are exposed to drugs, violence, and a chaotic lifestyle; military deployment into dangerous war zones or other combat operations; or choosing a career in law enforcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The last place we would expect to find trauma is within our own physical family. None of our family environments were perfect and some had circumstances beyond our control such as an alcoholic parent, a missing parent, or unsafe extended family members. Each of us can probably list the weaknesses and shortcomings in the way we were raised, which of course, we vow to never repeat or at least alter the way we raise our own family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Trauma can occur not only within our own physical family, but sometimes we can experience it within our local community of believers or our \u201cspiritual\u201d family or church. Trauma from our own spiritual journey may be known by a more recent phrase, \u201cchurch trauma.\u201d Unpacking and finding healing from our trauma, whether from physical or spiritual families, can feel like a lifetime endeavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most traumatic stories in the entire Old Testament is when God directed Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac as a burnt offering on a mountain as recorded in Genesis 22. Jewish scholars and rabbis call this story \u201cThe Binding\u201d or \u201cThe Akeidah.\u201d This story is read during the New Year Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah as a reminder of hope as Isaac\u2019s life is spared. This story stirs up so many emotions, questions, and judgments about God, Abraham and Isaac. This article will only consider the effect on Isaac.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.biblicallyresilient.com\/post\/trauma-and-the-akeidah-a-study-of-isaac\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Click here for the full article<\/a>. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Can someone be faithful even through significant trauma? If so, what would that look like? Enter Isaac, the subject of&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":30483,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ghostkit_customizer_options":"","ghostkit_custom_css":"","ghostkit_custom_js_head":"","ghostkit_custom_js_foot":"","ghostkit_typography":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"post_folder":[151],"class_list":["post-30462","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bible-study"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/abraham-and-isaac-on-the-way-to-sacrifice-6427a4.jpg?fit=1024%2C739&ssl=1","author_info":{"display_name":"Lai-Yan Faller","author_link":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/author\/lyfaller\/"},"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/phsvEw-7Vk","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2122,"url":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/truth-trauma-theology-a-youtube-ministry\/","url_meta":{"origin":30462,"position":0},"title":"Truth Trauma Theology: A YouTube Ministry","author":"dtadmin","date":"January 25, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Since I began putting out content on YouTube and podcasts, the response has been overwhelming. Disciples from around the world have reached out to me looking for referrals and for next steps, ultimately looking to begin their process of deeper healing.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/kylespears.jpg?fit=800%2C473&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/kylespears.jpg?fit=800%2C473&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/kylespears.jpg?fit=800%2C473&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/kylespears.jpg?fit=800%2C473&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":23997,"url":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/rob-skinner-podcast-sean-st-jean\/","url_meta":{"origin":30462,"position":1},"title":"The Rob Skinner Podcast with Dr. Sean St. Jean","author":"dtadmin","date":"June 19, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"An interview with Dr. Sean St. Jean, author of the new book \"Spiritual Trauma.\"","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/rob-skinner-podcast-sean-st-jean.png?fit=640%2C360&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/rob-skinner-podcast-sean-st-jean.png?fit=640%2C360&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/rob-skinner-podcast-sean-st-jean.png?fit=640%2C360&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2293,"url":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/spotlight-series-inner-city-mission-field\/","url_meta":{"origin":30462,"position":2},"title":"Spotlight Series: Inner-City Mission Field","author":"dtadmin","date":"September 8, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Disciples Today is excited to announce a new video partnership with Kyle Spears of Truth Trauma Theology called the Spotlight Series. This series will feature disciples of many different backgrounds and experiences, with a common thread of resilience and faithfulness of those who have experienced trauma. In this first video,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Testimonials&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Testimonials","link":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/category\/testimonials\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/inner-citymisison.jpeg?fit=480%2C360&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":15742,"url":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/minister-trauma-and-wellness-workshop-on-october-19\/","url_meta":{"origin":30462,"position":3},"title":"Minister Trauma and Wellness Workshop on October 19","author":"dtadmin","date":"August 16, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Those in the full-time ministry are invited to join this workshop to learn about healing, trauma, and building healthy church cultures.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ministry-trauma-wellness-workshop.png?fit=1200%2C927&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ministry-trauma-wellness-workshop.png?fit=1200%2C927&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ministry-trauma-wellness-workshop.png?fit=1200%2C927&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ministry-trauma-wellness-workshop.png?fit=1200%2C927&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ministry-trauma-wellness-workshop.png?fit=1200%2C927&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12872,"url":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/renewal-workshop-for-spiritual-formation-may-13\/","url_meta":{"origin":30462,"position":4},"title":"Renewal Workshop for Spiritual Formation \u2013 May 13","author":"dtadmin","date":"April 22, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"The LA Church of Christ and the Way of the Pilgrim Ministry host monthly Renewal workshops for those seeking to enrich their spiritual journey. Join them for their fourth workshop of the year on Saturday, May 13th","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/carrillos.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/carrillos.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/carrillos.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/carrillos.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/carrillos.jpeg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":29869,"url":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/ukraine-relief-campaign-feb-22-march-1\/","url_meta":{"origin":30462,"position":5},"title":"Ukraine Relief Campaign Feb 22 \u2013 March 1","author":"Lai-Yan Faller","date":"February 21, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The week of February 22nd to March 1st, the European Missions Society is hosting a campaign to get our family of churches informed about the crisis in Ukraine.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;News&quot;","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Ukraine-Campaign-Infographic.png?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Ukraine-Campaign-Infographic.png?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Ukraine-Campaign-Infographic.png?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Ukraine-Campaign-Infographic.png?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Ukraine-Campaign-Infographic.png?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/abraham-and-isaac-on-the-way-to-sacrifice-6427a4.jpg?fit=1024%2C739&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30462","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30462"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30462\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30484,"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30462\/revisions\/30484"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30483"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30462"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30462"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30462"},{"taxonomy":"post_folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/disciplestoday.org\/clone\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_folder?post=30462"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}