The virtual body of christ and the embrace of those traumatized by cancer

Abstract

Most theological work on trauma tends to address those traumatized by human violence. This chapter focuses on recent expansion of the PTSD diagnosis to include those living with serious illness. Trauma’s impact on the seriously ill is explored, as well as how theology and religious communities might help mitigate its debilitating effects. The author draws on her experiences of living with stage IV cancer, as well as on cultural theories of virtual reality to propose that virtual incarnations of the body of Christ made possible through digital technology not only create new avenues for facilitation of understanding, but also make material-even salvific-differences in the lives of those traumatized by cancer.