Spirit on Tap

January 25, 2022, 7:00 p.m.
DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton
701 Penn Street, Reading, PA 19601

How to Think When Bad Things Happen to Good (or Imperfect) People

Those in the Judeo-Christian tradition have long asked themselves why bad things have happened to them or to other good people. (There is a logical reason why people don’t ask why bad things happen to bad people.) This evening’s session will explain in simple, logical terms, why those in the Judeo-Christian tradition have had a centuries long discomfort living in a world with suffering and evil that is ruled by a benevolent and omnipotent God (called “theodicy”). Tonight’s discussion will focus on:

*  The cause of our cognitive dissonance with the issue of our perception of God in a world with suffering and evil.

*  The twelve theologies of suffering and evil within the Judeo-Christian tradition and beyond, including biblical references for these theological viewpoints.

*   Participants will be able to detect their own theology/theologies of suffering/evil within the larger spectrum of the twelve qualifications.

*  Helpful pastoral responses to those who might ask us how to make sense of those occasions when bad things happen to good (or imperfect) people.

Haydn J McLean, MDiv

Haydn attended Lycoming College and the Lancaster Theological Seminary. After serving five congregations in the pastoral ministry, he trained for hospital chaplaincy through the clinical pastoral education program at Lancaster General Hospital, staying at LGH in full- and part-time capacities. Haydn was the first LGH chaplain designated for the palliative care service. He later served in the pastoral care department at the Hershey Medical Center and eventually retired from the Reading Hospital.

Haydn received training in Bowen Theory/emotional process through Edwin Friedman and is a freelance writer, having produced 40 articles for a variety of publications on topics such as spirituality, emotional process, management, leadership, pastoral care, and more. He and his wife, Gale, live in New Holland and enjoy traveling by car and boating on the Chesapeake.

Spirit on Tap’s purpose is to encourage theological discussion, explore alternative views, and stimulate dialogue around issues of faith and spirituality. There is no charge and all are welcome.

 Spirit on Tap is sponsored in part by the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton and by individual contributions.