The Thomistic Institute Does God Care About Suffering? – Dr. Christopher Mooney
Jan 9, 2026
Dr. Christopher Mooney, an Assistant Professor of Theology at the Augustine Institute, explores whether God cares about human suffering. He examines biblical stories, focusing on Christ's tears, and discusses how suffering can lead to greater goods without justifying evil. Mooney critiques different philosophical responses to suffering, contrasting Socratic acceptance with Christ's palpable anguish. He ultimately emphasizes that God is present in our trials, suffering alongside us, and offers insights on how to console those in pain.
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The Agony Of The Isenheim Altarpiece
- Mooney contrasts Christ's death narrative and Matthias Grünewald's Isenheim Altarpiece to highlight Jesus' agony and visible wounds.
- He links Gospel descriptions (Gethsemane, crucifixion) to the painting's graphic depiction of suffering and shame.
Mystery And Humble Acceptance
- One response to suffering is humility: accept mystery because human perspective can't match God's.
- Mooney cites Job to argue silence can be justified when we lack divine perspective.
Suffering, Sin, And Their Limits
- Suffering is connected to sin and the fall, so pain has a corrective or remedial role in Christian thought.
- Mooney warns this can't fully explain unequal or seemingly innocent suffering, exemplified by Christ's sinless agony.
