You Tube Theology

"The Silence of Abraham, The Passion of Job: Explorations in the Theology of Lament" with Dr. J. Richard Middleton These lectures explore what sort of prayer is appropriate in situations of difficulty and suffering. In contrast to simply bearing suffering in silence (which is the default spirituality of many), the Bible suggests that God desires vigorous dialogue partners, who will wrestle with God, baring their heart and soul, as they seek redress. The lectures will begins with lament prayer in the Psalms, then addresses the counter-example of Abraham's silence in Genesis 22, and concludes with the book of Job as a possible response to Abraham's silence. Lecture 3 of 3: "How Job Found His Voice: Learning the Wisdom of Lament from a Gentile Patriarch" Job's passionate lament in response to the death of his family and his own suffering offers a possible alternative to Abraham's silence. Indeed, while God's first speech from the whirlwind corrects Job's understanding of God's justice, the second speech nevertheless affirms Job's lament as right and proper.