CHPL 645 Theology of Personal Resiliency Paper 7

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May 18, 2024

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Theology of Personal Resiliency Paper CHPL 645-B01: Chaplain Resilient Leaders March 03, 2024

ii Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 1 Defining Resiliency ......................................................................................................................... 2 The Reality of Tribulation ............................................................................................................. 3 The Necessity of Resilience ............................................................................................................ 5 Biblical Foundations for Resilience .............................................................................................. 6 Biblical Role Models of Resilience Leaders and Caregivers ...................................................... 7 Personalized Resiliency Plan ......................................................................................................... 9 Comclusion ................................................................................................................................... 11 Bibliography ................................................................................................................................. 12

1 Introduction. Ecclesiastes chapter three describes the different seasons of life, which include birth, death, breaking down and building up, weeping, and laughing, grieving, and dancing, and winning and losing. There is a time for both battle and peace. 1 The Scripture verses depict the events, both positive and unpleasant, that every individual will encounter at different stages of their lives. Although the human mind naturally craves good experiences, terrible situations are inevitable. Given the inevitability of both favorable and unfavorable circumstances in human life, the inquiry pertains to the Christian approach towards distressing events and the strategies they can employ to brace themselves for such situations beforehand, during, and after they occur. Adversities such as failure, violence, loss, death, hatred, instability, and conflict can profoundly affect an individual. Some individuals handle challenges effectively, while others struggle to do so. Experts use the term "resilience" to describe the ability to thrive in challenging circumstances. What attributes define resilience in a Christian leader? This paper delves into the theological notion of resiliency for Christians by first defining the term "resiliency." It then goes on to explore various sections, including the reality of tribulation, the biblical foundations of resilience, and the necessity of biblical resiliency, as well as the lives of some resilient biblical role models in their ministry. I will then conclude by providing a personalized resilient plan that addresses how these aspects manifest in the mind, soul, and spirit of the resilient leader. 1 Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in New King James Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2008).

2 Defining Resiliency Human resilience has existed from the beginning of humanity, showcasing the ability to deal with challenges, withstand hardships, and develop strength through experiences. 2 Nathan H. White and Christopher H. Cook in the Biblical and Theology Visions of Resilience stated that “while the term 'resilience' has gained popularity recently to express beneficial human adaptation in the face of hardship, resilience is not a new concept.” 3 Many scholars from various professions perform studies to precisely define the phrase. Resilience is defined in psychology as the capacity to maintain one's composure in the face of stressful, threatening, or otherwise difficult circumstances. 4 The term resilience is also used by the military to define “the ability to bounce back or the bounce factor in their operations.” 5 “Resilience is the ability of a system to absorb disturbance, reorganize, and yet persist in a similar state,” 6 according to ecological systems. Among the definitions provided, it is evident that human resilience involves facing adversity, utilizing resources to overcome challenges, and achieving a positive result. Nevertheless, there is still debate about the precise definition of the term. According to biblical scholars, an individual's spirituality and religion are crucial factors in determining their ability to adjust to hardship. However, there has been minimal consideration of biblical and theological overtones in 2 Steven Craig Titus, Resilience, and the Virtue of Fortitude: Aquinas in Dialogue with the Psychosocial Sciences (Washington: Catholic University of America Press, 2006), 4. 3 Nathan H. White and Christopher H. Cook, Biblical and Theological Visions of Resilience: Pastoral and Clinical Insights (London: Routledge, 2022), 1. 4 American Psychological Association, “Resilience,” May 2022, https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience. 5 Robert F. Dees, The Resilient Trilogy: Resilient Warriors (San Diego, CA: Creative Team Publishing, 2011), 24. 6 Duncan White, Understanding Resilience: Lessons for the Member Care Workers (Oxford, UK: Regnum Books International, 2018), 10.

3 comprehending and defining the phrase. The spiritual aspect of resilience is sometimes the least comprehended and embraced in a culturally intricate setting. The epistle of Corinthians exceptionally defines resilience. We face challenges in every aspect, yet we are not defeated; we are confused, but we do not lose hope. Despite being persecuted, we are not abandoned; even when struck down, we are not defeated. 7 Robert F. Dees stated that “the Scriptural texts effectively encapsulate the concept of resilience. Each of us frequently experiences affliction, persecution, and adversity in many forms. However, by having faith and a connection with Christ, we are not completely ruined and unable to be fixed.” 8 A person's spiritual side, as well as cognitive, relational, and behavioral factors, are vital for resilience. A perfect definition of resiliency must include these fundamental aspects of human life. Thus, “resilience” is a noun that means “to leap back” in the Latin word “resilire”. To be resilient is to be able to manage and adapt to the challenges that life throws at you by drawing on your inner and outer resources to help you adjust and "bounce back" whenever you are hit hard. Internal resources may include the cognitive, affective, spiritual, and behavioral abilities to deal constructively with hardship. Access to one's social and relational networks constitutes the external resources. The Reality of Tribulations. A few verses in the Bible define tribulation as persecutions, personal issues, struggles, and afflictions that Christians face. 9 Concerning the veracity of tribulation and God, there have been contentious inquiries. For example, since God is all-powerful and could easily put an end to evil 7 2Corinthians 4:7-9 (NKJV) 8 Robert F. Dees, The Resilient Trilogy: Resilient Warriors (San Diego, CA: Creative Team Publishing, 2011), 28. 9 Romans 5:3, 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NKJV)

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