The Problem of Pain: Constructive theological explorations in pain, theodicy, and human flourishing (DP8300P)

Content

What compassion and insight can we bring to the problem of pain in the world? What can we offer to those in the midst of suffering? In this introductory unit, we will explore the issue of pain and suffering from a practical and constructive theological perspective. We will consider pain within ecological, animal, human and social contexts, employing a bio-psycho-social approach. We will encounter philosophical and theological responses to these aspects of pain, including a range of different theodicies. Finally, we will develop practical and constructive proposals to understand and respond to suffering. Topics may include, for example: disability theologies, ecological and liberation theologies along with political activism, mental health and the role of religious experiences in human well-being, and coping with illness.

Learning outcomes

Pedagogy

Seminars, discussion, engagement with readings and the lived experiences of the learning community.

Indicative Bibliography

• Chopp Rebecca S. The Praxis of Suffering: An Interpretation of Liberation and Political Theologies. Eugene OR: Wipf & Stock, 2007.
• Eiesland, Nancy L. The Disabled God: Toward a Liberatory Theology of Disability. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1994.
• Grau, Marion and Jason A. Wyman. What Is Constructive Theology? Histories, Methodologies and Perspectives. London: T & T Clark, 2020
• Hick, John. Evil and the God of Love. Palgrave Macmillan, 2010.
• Hummel, Leonard M., Gayle E. Woloschak, and Deanna Thompson. Chance Necessity Love: An Evolutionary Theology of Cancer. Eugene: Wipf and Stock, 2017.
• Keller, Catherine. Political Theology of the Earth: Our Planetary Emergency and the Struggle for a New Public. Columbia University Press, 2018.
• Miller-McLemore, Bonnie J. The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Practical Theology. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell, 2012.
• Miller, Lisa with Esmé Schwall Weigand. The Awakened Brain: The Psychology of Spirituality. London: Penguin Books, 2022.
• Swinton, John. Raging With Compassion: Pastoral Responses to the Problem of Evil. Grand Rapids, Mich: Eerdmans Pub Co, 2007.
• Yaden, David B. and Andrew B. Newberg. The Varieties of Spiritual Experience: 21st Century Research and Perspectives. New York: Oxford University Press, 2022.

Assessment