The nature of human suffering, the problem of theodicy, the meaning of pain, the mystery of healing, and the discovery of hope will be theological and experiential themes central to the course. The focus will be on personal growth as the preparation for pastoral presence, care-giving and counseling. The major opportunities for pastoral care emerge from loss, pain, grief, death, and the encounter with dying.
Nothing is more relevant to pastoral ministry than presence and support in crisis and loss.
The theology of suffering and the problem of theodicy are central issues in pastoral theology. Lecture and experiential process will be parts of the whole experience of correlating theology and therapy. The class will meet once a week for a four-hour session. Anderson, Ray S. Theology of Death and Dying . Basil, Blackwell, and Sons, 1986.