Summary

In this session philosopher John Cooper presented key points in the theology and philosophy that undergirds our understanding of God's providential care in a world where terrible things happen all the time. Why do bad things happen to good people? Scott Hoezee connected these thoughts to the pastoral care that preachers can provide from the pulpit. This session aimed to be both rigorously thoughtful and pastorally practical for the life of the church.

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In this session philosopher John Cooper presented key points in the theology and philosophy that undergirds our understanding of God's providential care in a world where terrible things happen all the time. Why do bad things happen to good people? When a bad thing is averted in someone's life, can we chalk that up to God's providential care? What about people who prayed just as hard but were not spared some hurt or calamity? Cooper addressed these painful and complex issues. Scott Hoezee connected these thoughts to the pastoral care that preachers can provide from the pulpit. How can pastors construct thoughtful sermons that will help members of the congregation see their lives in ways that are both true to Scripture and pastorally comforting? This session aimed to be both rigorously thoughtful and pastorally practical for the life of the church.

Presented at the 2007 Calvin Symposium on Worship.

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