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The Role Of Suffering In Spiritual Growth From a Perspective Of John Of The Croess: Its Psychological Implications In Contemporary Context

  • Journal of Counseling and Gospel
  • Abbr : Jocag
  • 2014, 22(2), pp.340-370
  • DOI : 10.17841/jocag.2014.22.2.340
  • Publisher : Korean Evangelical Counseling Society
  • Research Area : Humanities > Christian Theology > Pastoral Counseling
  • Received : October 17, 2014
  • Accepted : November 12, 2014

Inhyo Cho 1

1숭실대학교

Candidate

ABSTRACT

There is no doubt that there are many kinds of sufferings which can beset us in this life. In the Medieval time, St. John experienced severe physical, mental, and spiritual suffering. His life was a dark night, but he considered it as a journey to God. He tried to live a holy life and have communion with God, and then to help others more effectively. For him, God uses trials and suffering to bring people to greater purification. Thus, the soul experiences extreme pain because of its impurity. However, he did not believe that God imposes suffering on us. Rather, God wants to stand with us to encourage and empower us in our suffering to grow and to rely on Him more. According to St. John, union with God is not something that we can achieve but something that already exists. The mystical experience, union with God, happens in a way that is hidden and beyond our conscious control. Thus, it is important how Christian sufferers understand their suffering within a theological framework and find meaning in their suffering. Even in our time, St. John's views on suffering and spirituality also can be applied to psychology, pastoral ministry, and spiritual direction. His writings have provided much insight for pastoral caregivers and counselors. St. John's transcendent experience of love and healing offers not judgment but hope in the midst of suffering and influenced the formation of his compassion and love for other Christians who suffer.

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