Date of Award

Spring 2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS)

College

Barnett College of Ministry & Theology

Department

Department of Christian Ministries and Religion

Primary Advisor

Dr. Anthony Roberts

Second Advisor

Dr. Melissa Archer

Third Advisor

Dr. Daniel McNaughton

Abstract

Suffering is an experience that can lead one to question the goodness of God. Such an experience is exemplified in the narrative of Job. It is the argument of this thesis that the dialogue in Job ultimately reveals God’s character as good even in the midst of one’s suffering. This argument is supported through an examination of the polyphonic voices of the book of Job. The voice of Job demonstrates the tension of the sufferer, as a perceived absence of God seems contrary to His character. And yet, Job affirms God’s goodness. The voice of “the satan” demonstrates an awareness of God’s power, in which the sufferer can take comfort. The voices of the friends ironically clarify how God does not interpret suffering. The voice of God offers a theological benchmark for what each of the characters have spoken of Him in Job’s time of suffering. Finally, a praxis is presented based on the dialogue in Job for how to speak of/about God in times of suffering.

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