A Biblical and Neuroscientific Look at Trust After Trauma
Human beings are inherently relational. From the beginning, we were designed for connection. In Genesis 1:26, God declares, “Let us make mankind in our image,” revealing a divine truth — we are made in the image of a triune God who exists in perfect relationship with Himself. Trust and connection are not mere social preferences; they are part of God’s design for human flourishing.
But sin and brokenness have fractured that design. Abuse, betrayal, neglect, and other forms of interpersonal trauma distort the very trust God intended to be foundational in our relationships. When trust is violated, it doesn’t only wound our emotions — it disrupts our sense of safety, identity, and belonging.
The Wounds of Broken Trust
Throughout Scripture, we see the pain of relational betrayal and loss. The Psalms often give voice to this anguish. Psalm 147:3 reminds us that God “heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” This verse captures both the depth of human pain and the promise of divine healing.
Trauma can deeply affect a person’s capacity to trust — not just others, but sometimes even God. Yet Scripture continually points toward restoration. In 2 Corinthians 5:18, Paul reminds believers that God “has given us the ministry of reconciliation,” calling us to repair broken relationships and rebuild trust through grace and forgiveness. Healing trust, therefore, is not only a psychological journey but a spiritual one rooted in God’s redemptive love.
The Neuroscience of Trust and Love
Modern neuroscience echoes what Scripture has long proclaimed: love and trust are not abstract concepts — they are embodied realities.
Research by Moll et al. (2006) found that acts of generosity and altruism activate regions of the brain such as the prefrontal cortex and striatum, areas associated with decision-making, reward, and empathy. In other words, our brains are designed for compassion and connection.
However, interpersonal trauma can alter how these brain systems function. Studies by Lanius et al. (2010) and King-Casas et al. (2005) show that trauma survivors often experience heightened activity in the amygdala (the brain’s threat detector) and reduced activation in the medial prefrontal cortex (which helps regulate emotion and assess social safety). This neurological imbalance can make even safe relationships feel threatening — a painful echo of broken trust.
Faith, Science, and the Path to Healing
A Biblical worldview calls us to approach trauma with dignity, compassion, and justice, recognizing that every person bears God’s image. Proverbs 31:8–9 urges us to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,” reminding researchers, clinicians, and believers alike to protect and advocate for the vulnerable.
While neuroscience sheds light on how trauma affects the brain and body, healing cannot be fully realized without addressing the spirit. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” True restoration involves both scientific understanding and spiritual renewal — a process made possible through Christ’s grace.
Bridging Faith and Research
The study behind this reflection aims to explore how interpersonal trauma affects trust-related brain activity and social behavior, using behavioral tasks and neuroimaging. Yet beyond data and imaging, the purpose is deeply human — to contribute to compassionate, faith-informed interventions that honor both empirical truth and God’s healing power.
At the heart of this work is a conviction:
Even when trauma has broken trust, God’s design for connection remains. Healing may take time and courage, but through grace, science, and community, restoration is not only possible — it’s promised.
References
- Baumgartner, T., Heinrichs, M., Vonlanthen, A., Fischbacher, U., & Fehr, E. (2008). Oxytocin shapes the neural circuitry of trust and trust adaptation in humans. Neuron, 58(4), 639–650.
- Fonagy, P., & Allison, E. (2014). The role of mentalizing and epistemic trust in the therapeutic relationship.Psychotherapy, 51(3), 372–380.
- King-Casas, B., Tomlin, D., Anen, C., et al. (2005). Getting to know you: Reputation and trust in a two-person economic exchange. Science, 308(5718), 78–83.
- Lanius, R. A., Bluhm, R. L., & Frewen, P. A. (2010). How understanding the neurobiology of complex PTSD and dissociation can inform treatment. Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 11(3), 261–274.
- Moll, J., Krueger, F., Zahn, R., Pardini, M., de Oliveira-Souza, R., & Grafman, J. (2006). Human fronto–mesolimbic networks guide decisions about charitable donation. PNAS, 103(42), 15623–15628.
- The Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Zondervan. (Original work published 1978)
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