by: David Burrell

• Format

  E-Book

  ISBN

  9781441235190

  Pub. Date

  Mar 2008

  SRP

  $22.00

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About

In this compact-yet-rich volume, philosopher of religion David Burrell shows that Job actually deconstructs the theories of theodicy proposed by commentators over the centuries. This is seen in the fact that Job's three friends themselves offer theodicies, but are rebuked in the end, whereas Job, who seeks only to speak to God, is granted his audience. Rather than providing an exegetical commentary, Burrell engages in theological and philosophical reflection on the major movements of the book. Deconstructing Theodicy also contains an interfaith perspective with the inclusion of a chapter by Islamic scholar A. H. Johns on the reading of the Job figure in the Koran. Burrell then goes on to examine the treatment of Job in four classical commentaries and finally explores Job's contribution to faith and theology as an affirmation that God hears and heeds our cries of anguish.

Reviews

"Burrell is careful to point out that this volume is not an extended biblical exegesis; rather, it is a reflective essay on the book of Job to which Burrell brings a lifetime of learning and insight. The volume has the feel of a book that has been developing over a career of serious reflection; Burrell is integrating a large amount of material to make his point. That is the volume's beauty. . . . The book's production is inviting and easy on the eyes. . . . I appreciate in Burrell's solution his obvious philosophical learnedness and finesse, commitment to the theological and philosophical uses of Scripture, deep care and concern for humanity, willingness to stand up for the disenfranchised and suffering, and impatience with cheap theodicies. . . . I respect his effort to use the book of Job to challenge theodicies that fail to appreciate the intensity of human suffering. Further, Burrell's effort to combine biblical and philosophical-theological insights--both ancient and modern--is to be admired in this time of extreme scholarly subspecialization. I hope more work of this kind will appear--even though I am keenly aware that projects that cross such boundaries require a great deal of work. Burrell is right in asserting that Job deconstructs theodicies proposed across the millennia. . . . I would recommend [this book] primarily to philosophical-theologians, biblical theologians, and those interested in the book of Job and its history of interpretation."--F. Rachel Magdalene, Review of Biblical Literature

"Burrell's review of classical commentaries on Job, contemporary philosophies of suffering (theodicy), as well as a chapter on an Islamic perspective on the Job figure (Ayyub) in the Qur'an will speak mostly to academic audiences. Clergy and pastoral counselors, however, will find material helpful to those who seek guidance in the midst of pain."--Publishers Weekly

"[Burrell] sets out to deconstruct theories of theodicy that have arisen in an attempt to explain the plight of the suffering Job. He first moves carefully through the biblical text. . . . He then engages in a comparative study of Islamic literature that treats the theme of an innocent sufferer as well as classical commentaries on the biblical book in an attempt to uncover any insights they might provide regarding the question of theodicy. . . . The book will be of interest to the philosophically inclined."--Dianne Bergant, CSA, Bible Today

"[Burrell] argues that when philosophical theologians focus on the question of why God allows evil, they not only mire themselves in hopeless logical conundrums, they do exactly what Job tells us to avoid. Burrell opens more productive avenues for theological discussions of evil, using biblical, interreligious and philosophical tools. . . . One chapter of Deconstructing Theodicy is written by scholar of Islam Anthony Johns, who compares the biblical and Qur'anic Jobs. Johns analyzes the four pericopes concerning Ayyub--the Arabic name for Job--in great detail, providing the reader with an understanding of the themes and symbols in the passages. . . . Following Johns's chapter, Burrell presents an analysis of four classical commentaries on Job. . . . These chapters . . . offer a unique interreligious comparison. . . . In a powerful closing contrast with Augustine's Confessions, Burrell explains that Augustine's companions cultivate his relationship with God in a way that Job's do not. This may well be the most important part of the book. . . . Though Burrell's short treatise is philosophically dense, it is a smorgasbord, with each chapter offering a new flavor to pique readers' interest. . . . Because it focuses not only on theological but also on philosophical and biblical issues, the text is an exemplar for interdisciplinary discussion. It will push Christians to look at the problem of evil with new eyes and will call them to be like Augustine's friends--a redemptive hope for the world."--Danielle Elizabeth Tumminio, Christian Century

"I found this book to be intriguing [and] enlightening. . . . Burrell's philosophical-theological reading of Job does much to advance interdisciplinary work."--Timothy Johnson, Anglican Theological Review

"[A] fascinating little book. . . . Burrell has written a creative and imaginative study of the book of Job. While the whole book is well worth reading, his early chapters, where he offers his personal comments on the book of Job itself, are the most interesting, engaging and rewarding."--Thomas G. Weinandy, OFM, Cap, Modern Theology

"For a modest and deceptively simple book, where philosophy of religion is informed by Biblical Studies, Burrell offers a 'theological reflection' which deconstructs philosophic pretensions about theodicy. . . . At its core, this book draws us profoundly to the inexpressible relationship between creator and creature."--A. S. J. Lie, Journal for the Study of the Old Testament

"Although geared toward an academic audience, many pastoral applications can be gleaned from the text. Therefore, this book should be read by all Christians who seek to minister to the saints."--Bradford McCall, Pneuma Review

"One of the singular gifts of the writings of David Burrell is that he manages to bring into fruitful dialogue so many different figures. This book is another example of that gift. In the course of a rather short work, he manages to shed new light on the puzzle of human suffering by weaving together biblical exegesis, the Qu'ran, medieval thinkers from all three Abrahamic traditions, contemporary philosophy of religion, and Augustine! . . . The remarkable ken of this book reveals the creativity and capacity of Burrell's mind. . . . I believe Burrell succeeds in deconstructing theodicy. What Job and we need from the Creator God is not an explanation, but rather a renewed dialogical relationship."--Brian J. Shanley, OP, The Thomist