Trigger warning: you are about to read an article regarding the nature and use of trigger warnings. For those unfamiliar with the term, a trigger warning is a notice provided before a film, lecture, art exhibit, or literary work that contains potentially distressing material. These warnings alert the audience to content that might evoke painful memories, cause emotional distress, or present significant ideological challenges.
In many contexts, trigger warnings serve a constructive purpose. For individuals who have experienced trauma, such as sexual assault, encountering graphic descriptions without prior notice can be deeply re-traumatizing. Providing a clear warning before such presentations is not only appropriate but a necessary act of empathy and care.
As we navigate the complexities of modern communication, we must remain mindful of these potential triggers. Just as we carefully examine the nuances of the gospel, those in pastoral leadership must recognize the hazards of insensitive communication and strive to foster an environment of emotional and spiritual safety.
But trigger warnings can also get… ridiculous.
The Young Vic recently staged a revival of the 2000 play “Further than the Furthest Thing.” It is about “the inhabitants of a remote island and the tragic consequences of their displacement.”
It carried a content warning:
This show contains strong language, themes of climate displacement and xenophobia, and depictions of pregnancy and infant homicide.
The show contains references to sexual violence, mental illness, death and implied suicide, and has moments of loud music. This show involves the handling of cooked egg.
Yes, you read that right.
A trigger warning about a cooked egg.
At first, I thought it was a joke—akin to the credits rolled as part of an old Monty Python movie (it would have worked). But no, this was serious.
Fortunately, more and more institutions are coming to their senses. Cornell University recently shut down – fast, and hard – a suggestion for trigger warnings on assigned readings. The president simply said,
“We cannot accept this resolution as the actions it recommends would infringe on our core commitment to academic freedom and freedom of inquiry, and are at odds with the goals of a Cornell education.”
But there are times where a trigger warning is decisive. Neither ridiculous nor overly cautious, but instead absolutely necessary.
Which ones?
That’s easy.
The ones from Jesus.
It’s easy to forget how many times Jesus thinned out the crowds of popularity – the ones garnered through miracles, free food or the hope for a political leader – with the clear reminder of the cost of following Him.
For example:
So Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you. But anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise that person at the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.” (John 6:53-56, NLT)
Or:
“Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword.
‘I have come to set a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
Your enemies will be right in your own household!’
“If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.” (Matthew 10:34-39, NLT)
So here’s the reaction Jesus meant to trigger: coming to Him means coming to Him as not only Savior,
… but also Lord.
Consider yourself warned.
Read more from James Emery White »
This article originally appeared on ChurchAndCulture.org and is reposted here by permission.