Exalting Pain? Ignoring Pain? What do we do with Suffering?

In this article, Ed Welch examines the role of suffering in biblical counseling. Welch argues against two extremes in dealing with the issue of suffering: One view which exalts a victimization theology in which our pain problem becomes deeper than our sin problem, leading to a compromise of the gospel. The second view minimized or ignores painful experiences and reacts in stoicism and a “fix-it” mentality that replace the ministry of the gospel. Welch identifies different levels of causality for suffering: other people, ourselves, Adam and the curse, Satan and God. Welch concludes by offering help for sufferers and suggestions for homework when working with sufferers.