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03ST6510/01 the Problem of Pain Spring 2020 RTS Charlotte

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03ST6510/01 the Problem of Pain Spring 2020 RTS Charlotte 03ST6510/01 The Problem of Pain Spring 2020 RTS Charlotte Instructor: Dr. Derek W. H. Thomas [email protected] Thursdays 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm Class begins February 6, 2020 and ends on May 7 (Please note that April 2 and 16 are reserved for individual presentations.) I Course Description An examination of the theological and pastoral issues related to “the problem of pain" involving systematic, historical and exegetical theological perspectives on suffering. The course will examine the Book of Job and other related biblical material as well theological constructs that address this issue. The focus will be pastoral. II Course Objectives The principal aim of a Systematic Theology course is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the main doctrines of Christianity – in this case, the doctrine of suffering. The course will address the issue from an historical as well doctrinal point of view. An examination of the book of Job, as well related material in the Scripture will comprise a major section of the course. Among the aims of the course are the following: 1. An acquaintance with the history of Christian thought on suffering, particularly its Patristic, Protestant, Puritan (Westminsterian) and Modern phases. 2. Awareness of contemporary challenges offered competing worldviews 3. Critical awareness of current trends in Christian theology. 4. Familiarity with the tools and resources available for study of theological issues; and an ability to use these tools for independent research and analysis. 5. A sense of theological proportion, enabling the student to distinguish between what is primary and what is secondary in Christian doctrine. 6. The development of a respect for traditional theological formulations together with an ability to critically evaluate them. III Theological Standpoint The course will be taught from the standpoint of a personal commitment to the Westminster Confession of Faith and an absolute commitment to theistic sovereignty. IV Course Requirements I. READING & VIEWING Careful reading is required of the following materials: Keller, Timothy. Walking with God through Pain and Suffering (New York: Dutton, 2013) [ISBN: 978 0 525 95245 9] Larrimore, Mark. The Problem of Pain: A Reader (Malden, MA; Oxford, England: Blackwell Publishing, 2010) [ISBN: 978-0631220145] 1 Taylor, Justin and John Piper. Suffering and the Sovereignty of God (Eds) (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2006) [ISBN: 978 1 58134 809 5] Wiesel, Elie. Night (New York: Hill and Wang, 2006) [ISBN: 978 0 374 50001 6] Lewis, C. S. The Problem of Pain (New York: Harper One, 2009) [ISBN: 978 0 060 65296 8] Carson, D. A. How Long O Lord? Reflections on Suffering and Evil (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2006) [ISBN: 978 0 8010 3125 0] Thomas, Derek W. H. Calvin’s Teaching on Job: Proclaiming the Incomprehensible God (Geanies: Mentor, 2004) [ISBN: 978 1 8579 2922 5] Analytical Viewing of the following: Schindler’s List: A Film by Steven Spielberg, 1993. Note: The original edition of this movie is rated R for language, some sexuality and actuality violence. Students may elect to watch an edited version (suggested sources: Cleanmedia.com or Clearplay.com). II. CLASS ATTENDANCE Class attendance will be imperative for successful completion of this course. III. EVALUATION • Paper (60%) (Paper must interact with reading material) • A 20-minute presentation on some aspect of the Problem of Pain to be recorded during April 2 and 16 class periods (40%) IV. EXTENSION POLICY All assignments are to be completed by the deadlines announced in this syllabus or in class. Extensions for assignments and exams due within the normal duration of the course must be approved beforehand by the Professor. A grade penalty may be assessed. 2 V. COURSE SCHEDULE (TENTATIVE) Feb 6 Traditional Approaches to the Problem of Evil (1) Feb 13 Traditional Approaches to the Problem of Evil (2) Feb 20 The First Sin Feb 27 Calvinism and the problem of Pain: the issue of “hard” and “soft” determinism Mar 5 Jonathan Edwards: The Freedom of the will Mar 12 The Free Will, Molinism and Open Theism Mar 26 The Book of Job Apr 2 Presentations – will be recorded in class Apr 9 Animal Suffering and “Death before the Fall” Apr 16 Presentations – will be recorded in class Apr 23 Group Discussion of Spielberg’s Schindler’s List and Wiesel’ Night Apr 30 Pastoral Approaches to Special Needs Ministry May 7 Class Discussion 3 Suffering and the Problem of Pain Additional Annotated Bibliography Jay Adams, The Grand Demonstration: A Biblical Study of the So-Called Problem of Evil (Santa Barbara, CA: EastGate Publishers, 1991). The author argues that there is actually no problem of evil, since evil is required so God can demonstrate His character, including His justice and grace. He appeals especially to the doctrine of election in Romans 9. The book includes an interesting feature: refutation by John Frame, who argues that Jay Adams overstates his case. David E. Alexander and Daniel M. Johnson, Calvinism and the Problem of Evil (Eugene, OR: Pickwick Publications, 2016). Includes an essay by James N. Anderson, “Calvinism and the First Sin,” which we will dissect in one of the class sessions. James K. Beilby & Paul R. Eddy, editors, Divine Foreknowledge: Four Views (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2001). Gregory Boyd espouses open theism, David Hunt simple-foreknowledge, William Lane Craig middle-foreknowledge, and Paul Helm the Augustinian-Calvinist view. Henri Blocher, Evil and the Cross: An Analytical Look at the Problem of Pain (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1994). This will be of interest to pastors, teachers, and lay people who wish to pursue the problem of evil at a deep level. Gregory A. Boyd, Is God To Blame? (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003). Boyd challenges the traditional doctrine of divine omniscience and sovereignty, saying that God does not know future contingent human choices in advance and therefore cannot prevent certain evils. Gregory A. Boyd, Satan and the Problem of Evil: Constructing a Trinitarian Warfare Theodicy (Downer’s Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2001). Boyd attempts to refute the Calvinistic position. Jerry Bridges, Is God Really in Control? (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2006). A solid presentation of God’s sovereignty. Bridges appeals to Scripture and quotes Puritan writers. Jerry Bridges, Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2008). For those facing difficult times. Deals wonderfully with God's Sovereignty, God's Wisdom, and God's Love. True to typical Bridges form, full of Scripture and devotional warmth. A fine book. Michael Card, A Sacred Sorrow Experience Guide: Reaching Out to God in the Lost Language of Lament (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2005). An accomplished singer and songwriter effectively argues for the biblical approach to lament. Deep, engaging and interesting. D. A. Carson, The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2000). Based on a series of four lectures. In this small but significant and wise book, Carson argues that that many see love as God’s only attribute. What makes his love difficult is that it coexists with his holiness, sovereignty, and wrath. D. A. Carson, How Long, O Lord?: Reflections on Suffering and Evil (Grand Rapids, IL: Baker Academic, 2006). 4 A clear and biblical treatment of the problem of evil and suffering written by an outstanding theologian. Excellent. On my short list of essential books on the subject. Charles Colson, How Now Shall We Live? (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1999). Develops the Christian worldview as a whole, including a perspective on the problem of evil. William Lane Craig, Hard Questions, Real Answers (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2003). Most of this book isn’t about the problem of evil (it deals with abortion, homosexuality, and other topics), but the portion that pertains is thoughtful and engaging. Craig represents what is known as the Molinist (middle knowledge) position. William Lane Craig, Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2008). Like the previous book, most of this one isn’t about the problem of evil, but again Craig does a good job with those portions that are. James L. Crenshaw, Defending God: Biblical Responses to the Problem of Evil (New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 2005). A guide to literature on the problem of evil. The author’s logic seems stronger in some areas than others. Not a first book to read on this subject, but portions are helpful. Stephen T. Davis, editor, Encountering Evil: Live Options in Theodicy (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2001). Stephen Davis selected five scholars taking different approaches to theodicy. I’ll mention three: John Roth presents a theodicy of protest in which he states God has a dark side, and is not totally good. John Hick sees God as concerned about “soul making” and unable to stop evil lest he inhibit human free will. Davis himself presents a more classic Christian perspective of the doctrine of sin and Christ’s redemptive work. M. R. DeHaan, M.D., Broken Things: The Ministry of Suffering (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1948). An older work of a pastoral nature, biblical and caring, not primarily theological or philosophical. Joan Didion, The Year of Magical Thinking (New York, NY: Vintage International, 2006). A concisely written, heartfelt and sometimes excruciating book that documents the death of Didion’s husband and the effect it had on her. Extremely well written, though Christian readers will be sad that Didion did not find hope in the gospel of Christ. James Dobson, When God Doesn’t Make Sense (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1993). A popularly written treatment of the problem of evil and suffering. Full of illustrations from families and Scripture, it is a good general book, understandable to many who would not wade through the more philosophical and theological books.
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