THE 525 Theology of Suffering
The experience of suffering raises deep questions for Christians, both personally and pastorally. Those ministering in a fallen world need a solid theological understanding of its causes and consequences. This course is designed to surface the reality and scope of human suffering in the world, particularly as a result of illness, injustice, death, and bereavement, and explores and evaluates various responses to these realities. Key biblical passages on sin, suffering, and evil are studied using exegetical techniques and are synthesized to develop an evangelical biblical theology of suffering. Finally, conclusions concerning the meaning and proper response to suffering based on this theological foundation are compared to classic Christian perspectives and current Christian and secular approaches. 3 credits.
Prerequisite: BTC 573 Introduction to Christian Theology or THE 501 Christian Doctrine I