THE JOURNAL OF PASTORAL THEOLOGY 22(2), WINTER 20127-1 TRAUMA AND TRANSFORMATION AT GROUND ZERO: A PASTORAL THEOLOGY

theological interpretation of divine love joining human action in response to the disastrous cataclysm of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York on September 11, 2001. For Swain, pastoral theology is not the direct application of theology to contemporary experience. Nor is pastoral theology the practical application of secular skills by spiritual caregivers to human situa-tions. Rather, pastoral theology is a constructive enterprise that brings theolog-ical doctrines into creative conversation with current on-the-ground responses to disaster and psychological theory about human development and care. By interrelating narratives of pastoral responders, Christian doctrines, and psycho-logical theory, Swain advances theological understanding and envisions a new model of pastoral practice. Trauma and Transformation at Ground Zero is a part of a growing theological and pastoral-theological response to trauma and public catastrophe. Trauma, especially trauma mediated by various forms of violence and social oppression, has been at the forefront of much theological attention for nearly