Hope in the Face of Chronic Pain and Mortality

Human pain, especially when severe, chronic, and life-threatening, is a distinct challenge to hope. A review of recent research regarding human pain and its effects supports this idea. A pastoral theology that attends to the way of the cross and the hope of the resurrection can guide ministry with persons facing this challenge. The meditations and reflections of John Tully Carmody during his season of suffering with multiple myeloma are illustrative and instructive.