The Problem of Pain: Constructive Theological Explorations in Pain Theodicy, and Human Flourishing
29 July - 01 November
Dr B. Macallan
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 to 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.
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Delivery Notes
Students will be expected to be present online for the sessions held weekly from 2pm-4pm on Tuesday. As the sessions will broadly follow a flipped classroom methodology, students are required to watch the pre-recorded lecture and prescribed reading content prior to participation in online classes. Online synchronous sessions will involve active participation involving both individual and group work,
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites required for this subject.
Learning Outcomes and Assessment Details
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an awareness of the diversity of the problem of pain
- Asses the problem of pain using a bio-psycho-social framework
- Evaluate philosophical and theological responses to pain
- Propose practical solutions for suffering alleviation
Assessment
Task 1 - Journal
Twelve weekly journals entries of 100 words each (1200 words)
Task 2 - Critical Review
Critical review (1300 words)
Task 3 - Essay
Essay (1500 words)
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an awareness of the diversity of the problem of pain
- Analyse the problem of pain using a bio-pyscho-social framework
- Critique philosophical and the theological responses to pain
- Propose practical solutions for suffering alleviation
- Assess contemporary responses to the alleviation of pain
Assessment
Task 1 - Journal
Twelve weekly journals of 100 words each (1200 words)
Task 2 - Critical Review
Critical Review (2000 words)
Task 3 - Essay
Essay (3000 words)