Theology, Mental Health & the Problem of Suffering

This course explores the age-old problem of suffering from a unique and often overlooked perspective: mental health. Traditional theological approaches to suffering tend to offer simple answers that are too thin for the complex reality many people face. This course will dive deeper, exploring what a “thick” account of suffering—one that takes into account the intricate layers of human experience, particularly in relation to mental ill-health—might look like.

At the heart of the course is the question: Where is God in our suffering? Rather than offering a theodicy, we will investigate how mental health challenges reveal new dimensions of suffering and what they might teach us about divine presence and absence. Together, we will uncover new responses to the question of suffering that better reflect the lived experiences of those grappling with mental and emotional pain. This course is designed for a broad audience, welcoming those well-versed in theology and those new to academic theological education, offering accessible insights for all.