The Bible As a Trauma Recovery Aid
Bible reading is not just good for our souls but it is an aid in trauma recovery. A recently published study on the effectiveness of a Bible-based trauma healing ministry found that it significantly reduced symptoms of PTSD among participating inmates.
The study is an assessment of the American Bible Society’s Correctional Trauma Healing Program, which is a program for inmates at the Riverside Regional Jail in North Prince George, Virginia. Two non-profits administer the program: American Bible Society and Good News Jail & Prison Ministry. The study looked at 349 inmates (210 participated in the program while 139 were in the control group). They completed a survey at various times from September 2018 to March 2020. The survey measured the negative consequences of trauma, such as PTSD, and the main outcomes of the program.
A total of 86 percent of the participants in the study said they experienced at least one type of traumatic event. What researchers found is that the program reduced PTSD among inmates who completed the program and the positive effects were still significant three months later. Positive outcomes for additional trauma effects were still evident one to three months after completing the program.
“As America experiences a mental health crisis, this study shows the potential benefits of faith-sensitive care for traumatized people. The Bible is a vital source for emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental healing,” said Robert L. Briggs, ABS President, and CEO, in a statement.
Bible reading boosts the brain
Did you know that Bible reading also boosts your brain? Researchers conducted fMRI scans of 19 Mormons. The exam lasted an hour in total and included periods of rest, audiovisual control (a video detailing their church’s membership statistics), quotations by Mormon and world religious leaders, and viewing a video of biblical scenes. Participants were asked, “Are you feeling the spirit?”
According to the fMRI scans, researchers found that strong spiritual feelings were associated with nucleus accumbens activation, which is the part of the brain that processes reward. Researchers also found that spiritual feelings were associated with the medial prefrontal cortex, which is a brain reason that is activated by tasks that involve judgment, moral reasoning, and valuation. Brain reasons associated with focused attention were also activated by spiritual feelings. What that study shows is that religious activities such as Bible reading produce positive changes to the brain.
Daily Bible reading is essential for childhood trauma recovery
Are you convinced now that Bible reading is key for your recovery from trauma? Perhaps you don’t know where to start. A good place to start is making a habit of reading the Bible in the morning. An easy way to start making a habit of daily Bible reading is to read one of the plans on the Bible app. Pick a reading plan that does not involve lengthy reading to begin. Keep in mind that it takes three weeks to develop a habit, so read the Bible daily for three weeks. By then you will have established a habit.
Are you ready to start practicing daily Bible reading? Pray this prayer:
Oh Lord, I surrender to You. I ask You to give me the strength and motivation I need to practice daily Bible reading. And I ask that I feel Your presence as I read Your word.
Image by reenablack from Pixabay
Did you like this article? Subscribe so you won’t miss the next one.