Critiquing: #051 — Pain and suffering Part 1

January 21, 2021 | Ask NT Wright Anything – Premier

• Early Onset Alzheimer’s — Emotional Resilience — Theological Disease — God’s Presence — Resurrection Hope

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Episode Assessment:

		Commentary
Degree of Accuracy	B	The content is largely accurate and aligns with mainstream theological perspectives. The discussion correctly represents the theological issues and personal experiences shared by NT Wright. However, some historical and medical assertions could benefit from more precise citations.
Degree of Coherence	B-	The discussion follows a logical structure and flows well between topics. However, certain points, such as the link between music and memory in Alzheimer’s patients, could be explained with more clarity to strengthen the overall coherence of the argument.
Absence of Fallacies	C	The episode contains minor logical fallacies, including false dilemmas and anecdotal evidence fallacies. For instance, the reliance on personal stories to generalize about the nature of suffering and divine intervention can be misleading and does not account for the variability of individual experiences.
Degree of Evidence	C	The episode predominantly relies on anecdotal evidence and personal testimonies rather than empirical data. While these personal stories are compelling, they do not provide robust evidence to substantiate the theological claims made. Incorporating empirical research on Alzheimer’s and suffering could enhance the argument.
Degree of Testability	C-	The theological claims presented are inherently difficult to test or verify using scientific methods. Assertions about divine presence and the afterlife are based on faith and doctrinal beliefs, which are not subject to empirical testing. This limits the degree to which these claims can be scrutinized.
Rational Confidence	C+	The confidence in the claims is moderate, reflecting a balance between the theological assertions and the lack of empirical evidence. While the theological perspective is well-articulated, the absence of verifiable data reduces the overall rational confidence in the conclusions drawn.

Potential/Apparent Weaknesses:

1. Logical Fallacies

“The whole Christian hope is not based on let’s hope we can make it to 80 or 85 or 90 while we still got all our faculties…”

This statement involves a false dilemma by suggesting that the Christian hope is solely about making it to an advanced age with all faculties intact, thereby neglecting other nuanced theological views on hope and suffering. Additionally, it creates a straw man argument by oversimplifying the complex nature of Christian hope and reducing it to a singular, narrow perspective.

2. Degree of Evidence

“A dear friend whose photograph I can see as I look here was Bishop of Litchfield Keith Sutton when I was dean of Litchfield…”

The reliance on anecdotal evidence, such as personal stories about Keith Sutton’s wife, reduces the overall degree of evidence supporting the theological claims discussed. This approach exemplifies an anecdotal evidence fallacy, where personal stories are used to generalize about broader theological truths without sufficient empirical support. Incorporating empirical research on Alzheimer’s and its impact on memory and identity would provide a stronger evidential basis for the claims made.

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Formulations of Major Arguments

Argument 1: Alzheimer’s and Human Identity

Premises:

1. If a person suffers from Alzheimer’s, their mental and emotional faculties are impaired.
2. Theological questions arise about the continuity of human identity when cognitive functions decline.
3. Despite cognitive decline, elements such as music and deep-seated memories remain accessible.
4. The continuity of certain deep-seated memories suggests a retention of core aspects of identity.

Conclusion:
Therefore, while Alzheimer’s affects mental faculties, it does not entirely negate human identity and the capacity to bear God’s image.

Counter-Argument:
The argument assumes that cognitive and emotional faculties are the primary determinants of human identity. However, it could be argued that human identity is multifaceted, including physical, relational, and spiritual dimensions. Additionally, the emphasis on music and deep-seated memories as evidence of retained identity might be challenged by cases where these elements also deteriorate. For instance, advanced stages of Alzheimer’s often result in the loss of even these deep-seated memories and capabilities, indicating a more profound alteration of identity. Furthermore, the theological notion of bearing God’s image might encompass more than just cognitive faculties, suggesting a broader and more integrated understanding of human identity. Thus, Alzheimer’s may fundamentally alter all aspects of human identity, raising deeper questions about personhood and the divine image.

Argument 2: Suffering and Divine Presence

Premises:

1. Suffering is a universal aspect of human existence.
2. God’s presence is often perceived through enduring and bearing suffering.
3. The hope of resurrection provides consolation and future restoration beyond present suffering.
4. Theological teachings suggest that God suffers alongside humanity, exemplified by Jesus’ suffering on the cross.

Conclusion:
Therefore, suffering can be a means of experiencing God’s presence, with the hope of resurrection offering ultimate relief and restoration.

Counter-Argument:
This argument posits suffering as a medium for divine presence but risks glorifying suffering and potentially diminishing efforts to alleviate it. The counter-argument emphasizes that while some individuals might find divine comfort in suffering, it is equally important to address and mitigate suffering through practical means. Additionally, the assertion that God suffers alongside humanity, while theologically significant, does not provide a concrete solution to the problem of suffering. It might be argued that emphasizing divine empathy should be balanced with active efforts to reduce suffering and improve human well-being. Moreover, the future hope of resurrection, while significant for believers, may not provide immediate consolation or practical solutions to those currently enduring severe pain and hardship. This perspective requires a more nuanced approach that recognizes the complexity of suffering and the necessity of both spiritual and practical interventions.

◉ Addressing Argument #1:

The Varied Definitions of the “Image of God”

The notion of God’s image has been widely debated and haphazardly used by pastors and inconsistently applied by scholars over the centuries. Before the “image of God” in which humans are allegedly created can be invoked to support any specific notion, such as the dignity of the senile, it is essential to establish a clear and coherent understanding of what this image actually entails.

Throughout Christian history, numerous definitions of the “image of God” have been proposed, each reflecting different theological, philosophical, and cultural perspectives. Here is a comprehensive list of the definitions that have emerged:

1. Substantive View: This perspective posits that the image of God consists of certain inherent qualities or attributes, such as rationality, moral capacity, or spirituality, which are unique to humans.
2. Relational View: According to this view, the image of God is found in humans’ capacity for relationships, mirroring the relational nature of the Trinity.
3. Functional View: This interpretation suggests that the image of God is expressed through human actions and dominion over creation, emphasizing stewardship and responsibility.
4. Christological View: This approach identifies the image of God specifically in Jesus Christ, proposing that humans reflect this image to the extent that they conform to the likeness of Christ.
5. Vocational View: This perspective sees the image of God as a calling or vocation, where humans are intended to fulfill specific roles or purposes as representatives of God on earth.
6. Ontological View: This interpretation focuses on the being or essence of humans, suggesting that the image of God is an intrinsic part of human nature, regardless of attributes or actions.
7. Communal View: Emphasizing community and social interaction, this view argues that the image of God is best understood within the context of human relationships and communal life.
8. Dynamic View: This approach considers the image of God as a dynamic, evolving reality, where humans grow into the image of God through spiritual and moral development.
9. Imago Dei and Social Justice: Some modern interpretations connect the image of God with human rights and social justice, asserting that all humans possess inherent dignity and worth.
10. Biblical Literalism: Some take a literal interpretation from Genesis, suggesting that the image of God refers to a physical resemblance or specific form.

Given these diverse and sometimes conflicting definitions, it is clear that the concept of the “image of God” lacks a universally accepted meaning. The multiplicity of interpretations makes it challenging to invoke this concept unambiguously in theological and ethical arguments.

It is absurd to employ the image of God willy-nilly to support various doctrinal points without first establishing a coherent and consistent definition. To do otherwise not only undermines the credibility of the argument but also dilutes the significance of a concept that is meant to convey profound theological truth. Invoking the image of God without a clear understanding risks reducing it to a convenient rhetorical device rather than a meaningful doctrinal foundation.

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We warmly welcome you to discuss this topic further in the comments section below. Let’s delve deeper into the nuances and implications of the “image of God” and explore how it can be thoughtfully and consistently applied in contemporary theological discourse.