ABSTRACT
The concept of posttraumatic growth is found in a variety of religious traditions. In this chapter, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Judaic, and Islamic perspectives on the concept are considered. Religion guides many people in the aftermath of trauma, and in this chapter, the ways religious beliefs and practices may function at these times in ways that facilitate growth are described. Religion is related to growth by serving as a trigger when core religious beliefs are shaken, a coping mechanism, a source of social support, or an outcome itself as religious beliefs are reformed. The existential philosophical underpinnings are also considered, with special emphasis on the work of Frankl.
