What if Jesus had a bad childhood?

It’s a controversial question, I know. But as a former psychologist in the making, I know all too well how early childhood experiences shape who we are and ultimately how we handle life’s hardships as we grow.

When we are wholly loved, and nurtured in the healthy soil of a family, it may be just a tad bit easier to navigate life. I say “may” because I’m well aware that every human being is wired differently and that making blanket statements is reductionistic. But I do think science points us in this direction. We know so much now about attachment theory, ACEs, and epigenetics. Intuitively we know that when a child has their every need met and is surrounded by love they have a greater chance at being able to express themselves fully and reach their full potential.

It’s interesting because Jesus was born during a tumultuous time for the Jewish people. According to interpretations of the bible, soon after he was born, Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem (Luke 2:22–38). Only a few months after that, the family left in the night to Egypt to escape King Herod’s violent rampage against the Jewish people (Matthew 2:13–18). They were able to find respite in Egypt until Herod’s death after which they returned home. And I mention all of this because this could be considered an adverse event. Yet, Jesus’s loving family and community seemed to serve…