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Associate Professor, Imam sadegh University, Women’s campus
10.22080/jepr.2026.32291.1351
Abstract
The problem of evil has always been one of the fundamental challenges of the philosophy of religion, but in recent decades, the “emotional problem of evil” has attracted special attention due to its focus on the lived experience and the faith and psychological crises of those who suffer. The necessity of this research lies in the analysis and evaluation of practical solutions for rebuilding this damaged relationship. The main purpose of the present research is to answer the question of whether the “pastoral theology” solution, based on John Feinberg’s critical analyses, is a comprehensive answer to restoring the heart trust of those who suffer, or does it remain only an emotional-psychological support? The method of this research is descriptive-analytical with a library approach and critical analysis, during which, while examining the differences between the emotional and rational problem of evil, the consolation mechanisms of pastoral theology are evaluated and compared with similar concepts in the Islamic-Shiite tradition. The research findings show that although pastoral theology, through empathy, active presence, and emotional consolation, plays an effective role in reducing initial psychological tensions and abandonment of the suffering, As a result, although this approach is successful in temporarily relieving emotions, in giving existential meaning to suffering, it needs to be supplemented with a coherent rational-metaphysical framework (such as wise explanations in the Islamic tradition such as active patience, trust, consent, and tawasul); Because rational persuasion and emotional consolation are complementary and inseparable components in religious experience.
Shajari, A. , & Sadeghzadehghamsari, F. (2026). Pastoral theological perspective in solving the emotional problem of evil with emphasis on Feinberg; its level of effectiveness. Journal of Explorations in Philosophy and Religion, 5(2), -. doi: 10.22080/jepr.2026.32291.1351
MLA
Atefeh Shajari; Fatemeh Sadeghzadehghamsari. "Pastoral theological perspective in solving the emotional problem of evil with emphasis on Feinberg; its level of effectiveness", Journal of Explorations in Philosophy and Religion, 5, 2, 2026, -. doi: 10.22080/jepr.2026.32291.1351
HARVARD
Shajari, A., Sadeghzadehghamsari, F. (2026). 'Pastoral theological perspective in solving the emotional problem of evil with emphasis on Feinberg; its level of effectiveness', Journal of Explorations in Philosophy and Religion, 5(2), pp. -. doi: 10.22080/jepr.2026.32291.1351
CHICAGO
A. Shajari and F. Sadeghzadehghamsari, "Pastoral theological perspective in solving the emotional problem of evil with emphasis on Feinberg; its level of effectiveness," Journal of Explorations in Philosophy and Religion, 5 2 (2026): -, doi: 10.22080/jepr.2026.32291.1351
VANCOUVER
Shajari, A., Sadeghzadehghamsari, F. Pastoral theological perspective in solving the emotional problem of evil with emphasis on Feinberg; its level of effectiveness. Journal of Explorations in Philosophy and Religion, 2026; 5(2): -. doi: 10.22080/jepr.2026.32291.1351
