A resilience theory on religion needs to answer four questions. What defines the kind of
adversity which is addressed in religion? What is characteristic for processes of resilience in
religion? What defines resilient religion as outcome? Which logic of inference (epistemology)
based on our beliefs and experiences about reality binds these three elements together? The
book starts with mapping the field of resilience theory on religion by addressing all four
questions. The need for thinking about Christian resilience and the God symbol is addressed
and the need to be explicitly contextual with regard to resilience in South Africa. Next three
types practices of religious acting are related to experiences of resilience namely preaching
narrating and discerning. In the last chapters the focus is on the way stories help to express
feelings of experiences of crises tragedy and trauma. But also how stories can help heal the
broken heart. Prof Chris A.M. Hermans is extraordinary professor in practical theology and
missiology at the University of the Free State (South Africa). He is emeritus professor in
pastoral theology at Radboud University (the Netherlands).and emeritus professor in empirical
study of religion as Radboud University (the Netherlands). Prof. Kobus (W.J.) Schoeman is
professor of practical theology at the University of the Free State (South Africa).
