Winter 2020/Fuller Online

MT535

Bazzell

MT535: THEOLOGY OF SUFFERING AND JOY (4 Units: 160 hours). Pascal D. Bazzell.

DESCRIPTION: The book of Hebrews tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus, who suffered on the cross, “for the sake of the joy set before him” (12:2). This course will examine the twin themes of suffering and joy in scripture and Christian history. The more recent interdisciplinary, pastoral, intercultural and theological developments for ministry on the mission field and for NGOs will be viewed through the lens of a theology of suffering and joy. The relationship between suffering and joy is elaborate; one that leads toward a theology of suffering, not away from, but rather into joy.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, students will have demonstrated: (1) an understanding of the historical theological integration of grace, beauty, suffering, and the cross; (2) the ability to articulate a range of theological models that account for human suffering and joy; (3) a personal strategy for discerning good and evil in theory and practice; (4) profound knowledge of the relationship between suffering, compassion, and reconciliation; and (5) how a theology of suffering and joy can be applied within the framework of their ministry context.

RELATIONSHIP TO PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES: Electives fulfill MAT PLO4 "Students will have demonstrated academic capacities appropriate to an area of focus in a theological discipline or to interdisciplinary theological study."

COURSE FORMAT: This course will be conducted online on a ten-week schedule aligned with Fuller’s academic calendar for a total of 40 instructional hours, which is outlined below in the assignment and assessment section. Students are required to interact with the material, with each other, and with the instructor regularly through online discussions, reading, and other assignments that promote active learning.

REQUIRED READING: 907 pages required.

Barth, Karl. ‘Matthias Barth,’ in This Incomplete One: Words Occasioned by the Death of a Young Person. ed. Michael D. Busch. Eerdmans, 2007. ISBN:978-0802822277, Pub. Price $16.00. [11 pp. assigned] (Available via E-Reserves).

Billings, J. Todd. Rejoicing in Laments: Wrestling with Incurable Cancer and Life in Christ. Brazos Press, 2015. ISBN: 978-1587433580, Pub. Price $20.00. [38 pp. assigned] (Available via E-Reserves).

Cobb, Aaron D. Loving Samuel: Suffering, Dependence, and the Calling of Love. Cascade Book, 2014. ISBN: 978-1625641267, Pub. Price $16.00. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library [21 pp. assigned] (Available via E-Reserves).

Fretheim, E. Terence. Creation Untamed: The Bible, God, and Natural Disasters. Baker Academic, 2010. ISBN: 978-0801038938, Pub. Price $22.00. [28 pp. assigned] (Available via E-Reserves).

Hogan, Laura Reece. I Live, No Longer I: Paul’s Spirituality of Suffering, Transformation, and Joy. Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2017. ISBN: 978-1532601071, Pub. Price $20.00. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library [56 pp. assigned] (Available via E-Reserves).

Keller, Timothy. Walking with God through Pain and Suffering. Penguin, 2013. ISBN: 978-0525952459, Pub. Price $17.00. [20 pp. assigned] (Available via E-Reserves).

Mouw, Richard J. and Douglas Sweeney. The Suffering and Victorious Christ: Toward a More Compassionate Christology. Baker Academic, 2013. ISBN: 978-0801048449, Pub. Price $20.00. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library [102 pp. assigned] (Available via E-Reserves).

Reisacher, Evelyne. Joyful Witness in the Muslim World: Sharing the Gospel in Everyday Encounters. Baker Academic, 2016. ISBN: 978-0801030840. Pub. Price $25.00. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library [23 pp. assigned] (Available via E-Reserves).

Rice, Richard.Suffering and the Search for Meaning: Contemporary Responses to the Problem of Pain.InterVarsity, 2014. ISBN: 978-0830840373, Pub. Price $20.00. [110 pp. assigned] (Available via E-Reserves).

Sunquist, Scott. Understanding Christian Mission: Participation in Suffering and Glory. Baker Academic, 2013. ISBN: 978-0801036156, Pub. Price $34.99. [153 pp. assigned]. (Available via E-Reserves).

Swinton, John. Raging with Compassion: Pastoral Responses to the Problem of Evil. Eerdmans, 2007. ISBN: 978-0802829979, Pub. Price $24.00. [237 pp. assigned]. (Available via E-Reserves).

Volf, Miroslav and Justin E. Crisp. Joy and Human Flourishing: Essays on Theology, Culture and the Good Life. Fortress Press, 2015. ISBN: 978-1451482072, Pub. Price $39.00. Available as an e-book from the Fuller Library [75 pp. assigned] (Available via E-Reserves).

Wiesel, Elie. Night. Hill & Wang, 2013. ISBN: 978-0374534752, Pub. Price $11.00. [18 pp. assigned] (Available via E-Reserves).

Yong, Amos. “Disability and Suffering? Pastoral and Practical Theological Considerations,” Journal of the Christian Research Institute on Disability 4:1 (2015): 27-42. [15 pp. assigned] (Available via E-Reserves).

RECOMMENDED READING:

Carter, Jeffrey. Understanding Religious Sacrifice. Continuum International Publishing Group, 2003. ISBN: 978-0826448804.

Clifton, Shane. Crippled Grace: Disability, Virtue Ethics, and the Good Life (Studies in Religion, Theology, and Disability). Baylor Univeristy Press, 2018. ISBN: 978-1481307468.

De León, J. The Land of Open Graves: Living and Dying on the Migrant Trail. University of California Press, 2015. ISBN: 978-0520282759.

Fiddes, P. S. The Creative Suffering of God. Clarendon Press, 1992. ISBN: 978-0198263470.

Fujimura, M. Silence and Beauty: Hidden Faith Born of Suffering. IVP Books, 2016. ISBN: 978-0830844593.

Hasker, W. The Triumph of God Over Evil: Theodicy for a World of Suffering. IVP Academic, 2008. ISBN: 978-0830828043.

Jones, Serene. Trauma and Grace: Theology in a Ruptured World. Westminster John Knox Press, 2009. ISBN: 978-0664234102.

Kettler, C. D. The God Who Rejoices:Joy, Despair and the Vicarious Humanity of Christ. Wipf & Stock, 2010.ISBN: 978-1606088579.

Kitamori, K. Theology of the Pain of God: The First Original Theology from Japan. Wipf & Stock Publication, 2005. ISBN: 978-1597522564.

Park, A. S. From Hurt to Healing: A Theology of the Wounded. Abingdon Press, 2004. ISBN: 978-0687038817.

Rambo, S. Spirit and Trauma: A Theology of Remaining and Trauma. Westminster John Knox Press, 2010. ISBN: 978-0664235031.

Sobrino, J. Where is God?: Earthquake, Terrorism, Barbarity, and Hope. Orbis Books, 2004. ISBN: 978-1570755668.

Wu, Siu Fund. Suffering in Romans. Pickwick Publications, 2015. ISBN: 978-1498208734.

ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT:

1. Reading a total of 907 pages (5%). [50 hours].

2. On-line guided learning: audio clips and exercises, including the spiritual practices of listening, lament, and celebration (5%). [20 hours].
3. Forum posts: an initial 250-word weekly post plus three 50-75 word responses in small group (15%). [This assignment is related to all learning outcomes]. [20 hours].
4. 4 Reflection papers (including reflection on the field trip visitation): 500-600 words (20%).

[This assignment is related to all learning outcomes] [15 hours].

5. 3 Positional Papers: 750 words each on a Christian response to the main themes in the learning outcomes (20%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2 and 3] [20 hours].
6. A 3,000 to 3,750 word (12-15 page) research paper describing one aspect of a theology of suffering and joy and its practical application in the student’s ministry context (35%). [This assignment is related to learning outcome #1, 2, 3, 4 and 5] [35 hours].

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

FINAL EXAMINATION: None.

NOTE: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design but is subject to modification. Textbook prices are set by publishers and are subject to change. Copyright 2019 Fuller Theological Seminary.