Suffering, prayer, and miracles

Journal/Book: J Relig Health. 1997; 36: 233 Spring St, New York, NY 10013-1578. Human Sci Press Inc. 205-219.

Abstract: Unrelieved suffering leads many to ask, ''How can I trust a miracle-working God, who will not help me or my loved ones?'' From brief exegeses of Jesus' healing of a man born blind (Jn 9) and of Jesus' response to Pilate's murderous oppression (Lk 13), I argue that (1) God uses suffering to call its witnesses to repentance and to acts of steadfast love that fulfill the creation of humanity; (2) miracles are real, rare, and ambiguous; (3) God is good and powerful enough to deliver everyone decisively, but God's patient commitment to human freedom and universal reconciliation preclude it; (4) all suffering is sacrificial and will become meaningful; and that (5) there are at least three faithful and coordinate responses to suffering.

Note: Article Parker PP, Elmhurst Coll, Elmhurst,IL 60126 USA

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