Abstract

The much discussed “problem of evil” poses challenges to not only the academic philosopher but also to the pastoral minister. Evil is experienced most concretely by persons when they encounter the reality of death and dying. How is a minister or counselor to serve the dying and the bereaved in a manner that avoids both extremes of pietistic platitudes and despair? In this paper I am suggesting that the philosophy of Gabriel Marcel offers a solution to this issue. Specifically, his contribution lies in viewing evil in general and death in particular as a mystery and not a problem. By locating death in the realm of mystery, Marcel is able to argue for the possibility of transcendence and hope rather than despair. Thus, the role of the minister or counselor is to aide dying persons and their bereaved loved ones to embrace the mystery of death and be open to a new horizon of hope. In this paper, I will a) discuss the Marcelian distinction between problem and mystery, b) discuss Marcel‟s position on evil in general and death in particular with an emphasis on the roles played by communion, hope, and presence, and c) apply this philosophical vision of Marcel to the work of the ministry with the dying and bereaved.