Why Suffering?
This course will take on the problem of evil from many different perspectives.
Why Suffering? – An RZIM Academy elective course
Suffering and evil in the world have sparked questions and debates and led people to change their understanding of the world, of reality, of God and of themselves. The questions have been around for millennia, and today they present some of the greatest challenges to Christian faith. Being prepared to give a response specifically to the question of suffering is necessary for all Christians today who want to be able to help others understand that despite the evil we observe in this world, we have abundant reason to trust that God is there and that he is good.
This course will take on the problem of evil from many different perspectives. It will look at challenges from the highest level of academic philosophy, and will attempt to help students learn to engage with individuals around them who are in the midst of pain and suffering. This is an immensely important and often extremely difficult subject. The challenge to articulate the reasons for confidence in God’s existence and his goodness is greater today than ever before. This course is a great place to learn the most effective way to begin conversations with people who are asking questions about suffering, and who need to know that God is real and he cares and we can trust him.
To take this course, you must first complete the Core Module.
ACSI has approved the Why Suffering? Elective for 2.67 CEUs (Bible; Educational).
For any questions, please contact info@rzimacademy.org
Cost: $149. Scholarships are also available. Apply here.
Lecturers: This course features lectures from 10 of our itinerant speakers representing 5 different RZIM offices. Ravi, Vince Vitale, Jo Vitale, Naomi Zacharias, Christian Hofreiter and many more are featured in this 8-week elective course.
Module Lectures
Week 1
Lecture 1.1 Posing the Problem Vince Vitale
Lecture 1.2 Situating the Question Christian Hofreiter
Week 2
Lecture 2.1 Types of Responses Vince Vitale
Lecture 2.2 Questioning the Question Vince Vitale
Week 3
Lecture 3.1 Created Free Amy Orr-Ewing
Lecture 3.2 The Brokenness of Creation Sharon Dirckx
Week 4
Lecture 4.1 Suffering and Personal Identity Vince Vitale
Lecture 4.2 Suffering Defeated Jo Vitale
Week 5
Lecture 5.1 Suffering and Sanctification Ravi Zacharias
Lecture 5.2 The Knowledge of Relationship Vince Vitale
Week 6
Lecture 6.1 The Christian Call to those who Suffer Naomi Zacharias
Lecture 6.2 Suffering with Hope Tanya Walker
Week 7
Lecture 7.1 What Should I Do? Senem Ekener
Lecture 7.2 Resisting Evil Mahlatse Mashua
Week 8
Lecture 8.1 Other Responses on Offer Ravi Zacharias
Lecture 8.2 Many Christian Responses: But is More Better? Vince Vitale
