Godforsakenness: ‘the scourge of God’ or hidden gift?

Abstract

ABSTRACT The article offers a phenomenological study of the interpenetrating experiences of suffering and Godforsakenness from the perspective of ‘the scourge of God’, based on the works of Albert Camus. The study reveals the complexity and ambiguity of this experience and its transcendental significance as being ‘without God’, and invites eschatological and soteriological discussions. However, special attention is focused on understanding the suffering of humanity which manifests the quintessential experience of Godforsakenness. Suffering becomes a space of total vulnerability, not only before God but also before the neighbour and the Church. The experience of Godforsakenness also becomes a tool of apophatic theology and a sign of the reconciliation of suffering and God's love. In addition, the experience of Godforsakenness in suffering may produce original gifts: hope, solidarity, and faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrew 11, 1).