Publisher's Synopsis
In the practice of the church, dealing with suffering takes place in the context of diakonia, funerals, pastoral care, but also in religious instruction. In European thought, suffering was both justified and rejected. This book seeks a third way in diaconal theology that struggles with suffering under Christian auspices. Diaconal practice first requires a language that exposes itself to suffering, articulates it and brings it into faith. This language is given to the Christian faith in the lamenting psalms of the Hebrew Bible and on the cross of Jesus Christ. It leads to a changed image of God and a solidary practice in dealing with those who suffer.
