God-Talk as a Means of Healing: A Spiritual Rebirth Through Novel Writing and Auto-Analysis

Ferdinand Dagmang

God-Talk as a Means of Healing

A Spiritual Rebirth Through Novel Writing and Auto-Analysis

Authors

Ferdinand Dagmang Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University-Manila https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7966-7788

Keywords:

Trauma, Self-expression, Creative non-fiction, Divine Therapist, Healing, Spirituality

Abstract

In this article, I discuss how I dealt with various traumatic experiences through the processes of novel writing and academic analysis. The novel writing involved a process of re- experience where I was able to empathize with my previous self-in- quandary who needed the abiding presence of the creative Divine Therapist. The academic writing involved a realignment of personal history via the classic stories of Teresa de Ávila, Juan de la Cruz, and Thérèse de Lisieux and toward the salvific (soteriological) regard of Jesus whose own narrative of suffering may theologically chart other stories of suffering.

Author Biography

Ferdinand Dagmang, Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University-Manila

Dr. Ferdinand D. Dagmang is a Professorial Lecturer at Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and Maryhill School of Theology. His current researches deal with Basic Ecclesial Communities, popular religion, ethics, sexuality, and the effects of structures/systems on theories and practices. His book/final report on Basic Ecclesial Communities: An Evaluation of the Implemen- tation of PCP II in Ten Parishes was released in 2015.

God-Talk as a Means of Healing: A Spiritual Rebirth Through Novel Writing and Auto-Analysis