Description
Book SynopsisThis book offers a theological foundation for engaging with the realities of suffering and dying. Designed particularly for practical theology students and trainee caregivers, it introduces the spiritual and theological issues raised by suffering and dying. The chapters consider:
- how Christian theology deals with the problem of suffering and how the Bible treats these difficult issues
- post-biblical interpretations of Jesusâ suffering and the Cross
- modern instances including ecology, poverty, discrimination and war
- comparative religious approaches and the depiction in popular culture.
Natalie Weaver relates theology to practical issues of caregiving and provides a âtoolboxâ for thinking about suffering and death in a creative and supportive way.
Trade Review"Dr. Weaver has given us a rich context and orientation from within which we can fully and meaningfully engage with questions of suffering and death in a religious manner. This text will be vital for all who are concerned with and care for the suffering and dying, as well as for anyone who recognizes the engagement with suffering and death as a fundamental component of what it means to be human." - Steven Burr, Georgetown University, USA
"This fascinating book offers not only a thoughtful and critical exploration of the nature of suffering from the perspective of the Bible, but also a gentle and deeply pastoral response. It contributes to the ongoing academic conversations around theodicy and, importantly, it will make a difference to those who are forced to live in a world that is deeply marked by suffering and death." - John Swinton, University of Aberdeen, UK
"This book provides a solid foundation for examining spiritual underpinnings and applied practices, and offers both professional and lay persons an approach to compassionate care giving." - Patricia A. Sharpnack, Breen School of Nursing, Ursuline College, USA
“Weaver relates theology to practical issues of caregiving and provides a ‘toolbox’ for thinking about suffering and death in a creative and supportive way.” –Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Theodicy the Question 'How Can God Allow Pain?' 2. Suffering in the Bible: Old Testament 3. Suffering in the Bible: New Testament 4. Soteriology: Historical Intepretations of the Meaning and Efficacy of the Cross 5. Soteriology: Revisting the Cross in the Contemporary Period 6. Death in Comparative Perspective 7. Issues in Spiritual Caregiving for the Suffering and Dying 8. A Toolbox for Dealing with Suffering and Dying.
