Gustavo Gutierrez in his book On Job writes, “It is important that we be clear from the outset that the theme of the book of Job is not precisely suffering-that impenetrable human mystery- but rather how to speak of God in the midst of suffering.” (13)
I find these words very helpful in thinking through the nature of pastoral involvement with human suffering. When I walk through a deep valley I need wise companions who will help me wrestle with how I speak of and to God rather than explain the problem of evil. The intellectual aspect is significant but the relational component of the struggle seems to take the lead.
