Bats, viruses, and human beings: a chiropteraphilic theodicy. Issue 1 (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Copeland, Rebecca L.
• Is Part Of: Scottish journal of theology. Volume 74:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 11
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: attention epistemology, -- COVID-19, -- ecomimetic interpretation, -- finitude, -- interdependence, -- suffering; Theology -- Periodicals; 260
• DOI: 10.1017/S0036930621000016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0036-9306

Abstract

Abstract: This project offers an expansive theological understanding of the relationship between suffering and the divine while providing grounds for constructive human responses to suffering. To do this, I use an ecomimetic investigation of bats – selected because of their relationship to the COVID-19 pandemic – to explore the complexity of creaturely suffering in an interdependent world. Next, I offer an explanation of vulnerable suffering that is grounded in God's faithfulness to all of the creation that God called good. Rather than using this explanation to excuse human indifference to suffering, I argue that embracing one's creaturely finitude authorises constructive responses to suffering.