Viruses and the Anthropocentric Problem of Suffering

Abstract

ABSTRACT COVID-19 has increased awareness of the threat viruses can pose and drawn attention to the different areas of suffering one can be affected by. In this article, I use viruses as a case study to explore the current theological approaches to human suffering. I propose that there is a subjective and anthropocentric perspective on suffering that causes difficulties in the debate, but that awareness of this perspective can allow us to see the enigma within the theological discussion of suffering in a fresh way. This perspective will enrich academic as well as pastoral conversations on the topic.