Suffering and Salvation

Suffering, especially that of the innocent and those unjustly treated, is a universal experience which has perplexed and agonised humanity. This reality is especially a challenge to believers in an all powerful, good and loving God. Within the Christian tradition in particular, because of the centrality of the cross and the crucified and risen One, there has been a tradition which has hallowed suffering. In this perspective suffering per se, whatever its origin, is mystified as a necessary prelude to salvation. Is suffering salvific? Are all experiences of suffering saving? What is God's attitude and involvement with suffering? In this work, these questions are explored through the lens of Edward Schillebeeckx's later theology which is primarily concerned with the development of a contemporary soteriology.