The Silence of Abraham, The Passion of Job: Explorations in the Theology of Lament: 2016 J.J. Thiessen Lecture Series

October 25-26, 2016

These lectures will 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 begin with lament prayer in the Psalms, then address the counter-example of Abraham’s silence in Genesis 22, and conclude with the book of Job as a possible response to Abraham's silence.

Lecture 1 | Voices from the Ragged Edge

October 25, 2016
In the face of violence, pain, and suffering, the lament or protest psalms offer us theologically significant models of prayer. They open space for a rich and meaningful relationship with God that isn’t resigned simply to ascribing the suffering to God’s will.

Lecture 2 | Abraham’s Ominous Silence in Genesis 22: How the Patriarch of Israel Lost Both His Voice and His Son

October 25, 2016
Arguing for the justice of God’s actions, Abraham protested vigorously over the fate of Sodom (Genesis 18). Yet a few chapters later (Genesis 22), in response to God’s instructions to sacrifice his son, he is reduced to silence. What are we to make of that transformation?

Lecture 3 | How Job Found His Voice: Learning the Wisdom of Lament from a Gentile Patriarch

October 26, 2016
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.