The recent discussion of Christian suffering has led me to think about the apostolic call to “rejoice in suffering,” which, on the face of it, seems practically impossible if not morally irresponsible. That, in turn, led me to think that perhaps just as suffering gets redefined by Christ so that one can speak of specifically Christian suffering, then perhaps joy undergoes the same redefinition.
In the following posts, I want to sketch a sort of theology of Christian joy. First, I’ll outline briefly five propositions and then deal with each in individual posts. In addition, I want to provide a reading of a few Scriptural passages, especially Luke 10.17-24.
1. Christian joy is God’s own joy, shared with us by the Spirit who is present in and among and for us.
2. Christian joy is born in obedience, in the decision for Christ and his interpretation of reality.
3. Christian joy contradicts the world’s joy.
4. Christian joy is grounded in hope, in confidence in God’s faithfulness and the certainty of God’s future.
5. Christian joy transfigures suffering.
As always, your feedback is coveted.
