An Educational Approach to Theodicy : ‘Experiential Theodicy’ for the Sick through Spiritual Mentoring

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to put forth an educational approach to theodicy. I propose an ‘experiential theodicy’ through spiritual mentoring for the sick, who suffer one of the most prevalent suffering in the world. The methodology for this study is a modified version of R. R. Osmer’s ‘Consensus model’ of practical theology. I begin with a descriptive section that includes for context the concrete story of a sick man whom I had the chance to observe in a pastoral role and descriptions of three theological responses to his suffering: atheistic rage, understanding of sickness as punishment, and communal participation. In the interpretive section, I systematically explore diverse themes and types of theodicy in light of these theological responses: theoretical theodicy, practical theodicy, and the integrated view of the two. In the normative section, I select useful elements for an effective theodicy for the sick from critical discussions on the themes of theodicy: the sufferer’s voice, the compassionate God who suffers with the sick, emotional/spiritual healing within transformative suffering, and spiritual growth. With these elements, in the fourth, normative section I formulate an ‘experiential theodicy’ as an effective theodicy for the sick. In the final, pragmatic section, I show that the practice of spiritual mentoring can play an effective facilitating role in the process of experiential theodicy, and thus propose spiritual mentoring as the most suitable educational method for the sick. As conclusion, I argue that ‘experiential theodicy’ should be regarded as an effective educational approach to the sick. ‘Experiential theodicy’ has its purpose and method in common with Christian education, spiritual growth and mentoring, which allows ‘experiential theodicy’ to function as an educational approach to theodicy. Thus, this new type of spiritual mentoring for the sick should be added to the repertoire of the ministry of Christian educators.