What life experience have you had where meaning difficult

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Reference no: EM133600278

Homework: Making Meaning Out of Suffering

Getting Started

Life is full of difficulties and challenges, though none, perhaps, as difficult as when one suffers permanent loss. It could be the loss of a loved one, of physical or mental health, of financial resources, a job, or a host of other scenarios. As people of faith, are we just to cope with these losses or is there a way to find meaning amid the pain and struggle? That is the question you will be wrestling with in this homework.

As inspiration for sorting out your thoughts, you will be exposed to the work of Victor Frankl, another leading proponent of humanistic theory. Frankl experienced a depth of loss like few will know. He spent years in a German concentration camp during World War II, and during his time there, he saw several of his immediate family members die in the camp. Yet, despite the horrific conditions and the immense personal loss and grief he experienced while a prisoner, he attributes his ability to stay alive during that period of life by finding meaning amid the suffering. In fact, many who lived with Frankl at the concentration camp credit him for saving their lives. He helped them find meaning that transcended the utter despair that threatened to swallow them.

In this homework, you will take a closer look at Frankl's life experience and perspective on meaning amid suffering and decide where you stand on the issue. There are many nuances that can be explored here. You will also put on your critical thinking hat to discern how Frankl's ideas on suffering compare to a biblical perspective on suffering. Finally, you have the opportunity to apply these ideas to a situation in your own life. This is one of those homeworks you will be glad you thought through carefully should you need it later in life.

Upon successful completion of this homework, you will be able to:

Reflect on humanistic theory from the vantage point of Frankl's experience of suffering.

Background Information

Before starting the paper for this homework, watch the interview video with Victor Frankl, where he explains his perspective on suffering and meaning. The article on Victor Frankl will also fill in gaps that will help you understanding his perspective more completely. The point of this homework is to think deeply and critically about how suffering, pain, loss, and disappointment can be redeemed. Our ultimate example of suffering is Jesus, who willingly chose to be arrested, shamed, beaten, and ultimately, crucified for our sins. His suffering was certainly not without meaning. In light of his example and other scripture that speaks to this issue, how should we approach suffering and how do we create meaning amid the suffering? Keep those points in mind as you work through the questions in this homework.

Task

A. View the video "Man Alive: Victor Frankl" (21:15 min) and/or read: Man Alive: Victor Frankl Transcript.

1. Note: Scroll down to the video that appears under the words: "We meet Viktor Frankl himself, in an interview with Roy Bonisteel of CBC television's Man Alive.")

B. Read the article "Victor Frankl" on the GoodTherapy website.

C. Write a three- to four-page paper that addresses the following:

1. Based upon the video interview with Frankl, how would you summarize the core premise of his humanistic theory?

2. How was this theory shaped by his life experiences in the Nazi concentration camps?

3. Do you agree or disagree with Frankl's idea that you can find meaning amid suffering? Explain.

4. Would you say that Frankl's view of suffering coincides with or differs from a biblical view of suffering?

5. What life experience have you had where meaning was difficult to find? Has exposure to Frankl's views given new meaning to that life experience? Explain.

D. Though the questions are more reflective in nature, attempt to be objective as you interact with Frankl's ideas and how they relate to humanistic theory.

Reference no: EM133600278

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