Should we be happy about experiencing suffering? Your answer is probably “no”. Should we be joyful? James, the brother of Jesus, says “yes!” Do you agree?

Has our modern view of autonomy always been the same? If not, how might a new perspective on autonomy help (or harm) us when we encounter suffering?

The biblical prophet Jeremiah provides an excellent case study of how to handle suffering. Beginning with accusing God of physically assaulting him and ending with a recognition of God’s faithfulness and mercy, Jeremiah shows us how we can be honest in our suffering and have joy.

Suffering can be described as a “fire” or as a “fiery trial”. What lessons can we learn from what fire does to metal? One thing that fire does is to “test” it to reveal things otherwise hidden. What does testing reveal about us?

Following the progress achieved during the Enlightenment in so many areas, our attitude toward suffering changed. We began to believe we could master both human and non-human nature and when, inevitably, suffering provides a reality check, we react badly. But it hasn’t always been this way.

Historically, “sloth” meant more than mere laziness; it was far more sinister. Referred to as the “noonday demon,” it was a “resistance to the demands of love”. What does it mean and what are the consequences of resisting love’s demands?