Sin and Human Suffering: A Contextual Criticism of John 5:14 and John 9:1-3 with Reference to the Karo People

Abstract

In the course of human history, sin and human suffering have been perennial topics of discussion. It was commonly believed that human suffering was the result of sin. This article argues, using contextual criticism, that the link between sin and human suffering is not found in John 5:14 and John 9:1-3. In other words, human suffering is not always caused by sin. The exegetical findings of John 5:14 and John 9:1-3 are then placed in dialogue with the Karo understanding of the connection between sin and human suffering. The aforementioned procedure is called contextual criticism.