The Pioneer Gift: shame

In chapter 10 of 'The Pioneer Gift', Andrea Campanale reflects on the impact of a theology of shame on the community of spiritual seekers with whom she ministers. In her words:

'I have observed that the concept of sin is largely irrelevant. However, the people to whom I minister often have chronic feelings of unworthiness and a massive fear of rejection because they believe themselves to be basically unacceptable in some fundamental yet indefinable sense. I have... sought to understand what the hope is Christians have that can free people from these crippling notions of self-loathing.'

Rather than a distressing affliction of the women in her community, however, Andrea argues that chronic shame is widespread in western, post-industrialised societies. Many of us fail to live up to our 'ideal selves' - the self we would like to be or feel that we should be - and live in constant fear of being 'found out' and permanently diminished in the eyes of those around us.

In Luke 8.43-48 we read the story of the woman who had bled for twelve years, healed when she touches Jesus' cloak. Rather than a simple physical healing, however, this incident involves the restoration of this shamed woman, an outcast from synagogue and society due to her ritual uncleanness. Shame causes her to hide away in fear; Jesus insists that she show herself and talk to him publicly. She is worthy of his love and attention; her faith is commended; she goes in peace.

Andrea concludes her chapter with a 'shame-free' liturgy she has written to be used when celebrating the Lord's Supper. In her community she seeks to avoid compounding the shame her friends feel; instead she invites them into loving communion with the Lord who sees them and accepts them as they are.

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