Counted Worthy: A Father's Perspective on the Theology of Suffering

Abstract

ABSTRACT

COUNTED WORTHY:

A FATHER’S PERSPECTIVE ON THE

THEOLOGY OF SUFFERING

Connor Ross Bales, DEdMin

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2020

Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Christopher Barton Kouba

This work seeks to offer a deeply empathetic and unique resource on suffering that can help navigate necessary theology for sufferers when faced with trial and tragedy. Clear biblical teaching regarding the sovereignty of God in and over suffering will be shared, while highlighting personal examples as the proving ground for this truth. This work aims to help equip the Church with a more robust theology of suffering, but as given from the raw perspective of a fellow sufferer. I want to lovingly and honestly challenge sufferers to assess their own conviction regarding how their personal suffering has affected their awareness of the presence of God and their disposition toward him. This work is ultimately given as an encouragement and source of strength for sufferers, who might find the authenticity of my family’s story a validation of the convictions shared, as founded upon the truth of God’s eternal word.