An investigation into the phenomena and practices of spiritual ...

probably a reflection of Job and her words the ones that Job was saying to himself.Respondent 4‟s view is that her sister is not suffering because she repeatedly bringsmisfortune on herself and uses this as excuse to adopt the sick role. Her views havesimilarities to those of Job‟s friends who believe that there must be something in Job‟s lifethat is not right, therefore he has brought this suffering on himself. Her sister‟s suffering isnot one of innocence in the same way that innocent children die and their parents sufferthrough their grief as with Job‟s innocent suffering.Interviewer: Do you think some of that is suffering?Respondent 4: Not for my sister she has always managed to get everyone doing things forher throughout her life. She has never actually done very much for herself or anyone else.(see 6.3 perceptions on suffering)The Jerome Bible commentators (MacKenzie, and Murphy, 1996) propose that there is nothingin Job‟s conduct which indicates that his suffering is just, or a punishment for sin. Theextent of Job‟s suffering is so un-believable that although his imaginary friends sat withhim in silence, they were not convinced that his suffering was not a result of sin. Eliphazadvised “If you repent Job, then all this will go away and God‟s blessing will return,” Jobwas not prepared to take the advice because when he searched his own heart he had noguilt and responds „I would still have this consolation - my joy in unrelenting pain, that Ihave not denied the words of the Holy One.‟ The next two friends are of the same opinionthat Job was not as righteous as he should be and this is why he was suffering as apunishment. Job remains equally unconvinced and responded in humility by repeating that209