Christ and Cancer. Trauma as Hermeneutics

Abstract

The medical world approaches cancer as a physical disease, and nothing else. Medicine sees little in Man except anatomy and physiology, a system – albeit complex – of cells, tissues and organs, each with its particular function in maintaining and perpetuating the species. However, any confrontation with illness reminds us that we are much more than the sum of our physical components and abilities.

A terminal illness such as cancer inflicts not only a physical wound but also damages a person’s mind, emotions and spirit. A person’s reaction to a terminal diagnosis is accompanied by physical symptoms similar to one’s reactions to a traumatizing event. Trauma – the body’s reaction to a stressor that requires coping mechanisms beyond the victim’s strength – is felt by the cancer patient not only at the time of diagnosis, but throughout the entire (long) journey through treatment, remission, evaluation and possible recurrence. Approaching cancer as trauma is essential in order to give back dignity to a patient, but also to change the treatment paradigm. More specifically, medical treatment should be supplemented by interventions that relate to mind, emotions and soul.

Taking the raising of Lazarus as a model, I will look at the way in which biblical characters can accompany the patient and trauma victim in their spiritual and emotional journey through grief. It is my intent to show how reading the Bible through the lens of trauma makes evident the presence of Christ in the life of a terminally ill patient.