Pondering a Theology of Sadness

If theology matters at all, it matters as a way of exploring the things that matter most in the world, and in our lives. These past weeks sadness has been an unasked but persistent companion. Is there a theology of sadness? I've taught theology, and amongst other descriptions I've spoken of theology as thinking about and looking at the world with God on the horizons. 

But what if the horizons are obscured, and landmarks have shifted? Sadness is a complex and elusive experience. It can be longing for what seems now beyond reach; the ache of an emptiness that cannot now be filled; an inner de-motivation of mind and heart when important things suffer a recession of value and significance; a loneliness traceable to great loss, and which cannot be satisfied because that loss is final; and therefore sadness is a felt deficit at the deep core of who we are. Something, or someone is missing, and missed.

A theology of sadness must bring that deep crisis of loss into conversation with an understanding of God which neither minimises that loss, nor dismisses its accompanying sadness as lack of faith. 
As I work away at Aileen's tapestry, weaving colours and stranding threads, I also try to strand thought and prayer from within this strange climate of loss and longing. And I listen to music which not only speaks to me, but speaks for me, becoming a true articulation of life as presently experienced. Tonight Gabriel's Oboe became a prayer pouring out loss, sadness, longing, and hope. Our daughter Aileen loved this piece.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WJhax7Jmxs&fbclid=IwAR0HNgJjn7imzaOWQcmu5CCrd-ZBnT5HXoHbyatkwyfqUvHXIjcp-LZmt-Q

Comments

[Andy P]

Thanks for your thoughts and your honesty as you continue to mourn Aileen. I have been wondering about sadness a lot recently. Ministering to people going through all sorts of stuff and having experienced some personal loss, I have frequently felt sad in recent months and am learning to accept that this experience of sadness is the appropriate human response to the brokenness of the world. Sadness is a way of acknowledging that 'this is not the way it is supposed to be.' Living with the sadness, not seeking to deny it, or to move to quickly away from it, is perhaps itself an act of protest at that deficit you mention.

Anyway, thank you for your post which has forced me to articulate some of my own thoughts and experiences.

I will continue to pray for strength, courage and comfort within the sadness.