The Book of Job

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the question raised in the "Book of Job" about why the innocent suffer in this world and interprets the answer to this question as it is revealed in the story. More specifically, the paper, through analysis and interpretation, attempts to illuminate the religious problem that concerns itself with the reasons for suffering in what is supposed to be a world created by a supposedly merciful, just and loving Creator. It concludes that perhaps the lessons of the "Book of Job" are to look inward in order to find moral guidance, instead of looking to God for rewards and punishment.

From the Paper:

"But the objection may be interposed, why designate Job as a book that questions the current view that suffering is for a good cause, when we have the speeches of the three companions who in answer to Job's complaints uphold the orthodox point of view? Besides there are the discourses of Elihu in defense of orthodoxy, and the magnificent series of poems, put into the mouth of God Himself. Is not the orthodox point of view triumphant? Does not Job repent and only after his repentance is rewarded for his sufferings by having health, wealth and happiness restored to him? Why not judge the book from this angle? Such indeed was the prevailing view taken of Job until the advent of modern Biblical criticism, and even among the critical students there are at present some--and in the former generation there were more--who look upon the Book of Job as written for the purpose of vindicating the Job, instead of questioning the basis on which that story rests."

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