Title

On the Connection Between Sickness and Sin: A Commentary

School/Department

Talbot School of Theology

Publication Date

9-2006

Abstract

In response to the articles by Eibach and Groenhut in this issue, I argue that there is a general connection between sickness and the entrance of sin into the world. There are times when there is a causal link between more specific sin and sickness, though often the patient is the one who has been sinned against. Illness can also expose sin in a patient's life. Integrating the reality of illness into the life history of a patient is a significant pastoral care issue and can be done with humility and sensitivity if done in accordance with the teaching of Job and Ecclesiastes. These books argue that “under the sun” or this side of eternity, human beings can't grasp the coherence of life, including the “why” of illness. Rather, God provides His loving presence, through His people as a comfort to those suffering from illness.

Keywords

Sin; Illness;

Publication Title

Christian Bioethics

Volume

12

Issue

2

First Page

151

Last Page

156

DOI of Published Version

10.1080/13803600600805310

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