The Theology and Ministry Program of the School of Humanities invites you to the oral defense of the M.A. Thesis entitled “RESILIENT GRIEVING IN CHRISTIAN FAITH: A Journey Through the Gospel of John” by ISODORUS BANGKIT SUSETYO ADI NUGROHO, S.J. on 16 May 2025, Friday, 10:00 a.m. at the Tipanan ni San Ignacio, DLC 201, 2/F Dela Costa Bldg., Loyola School of Theology. The Board of Examiners is composed of Fr. Hartono Budi, S.J., Th.D. (Adviser), Sr. Ma. Anicia Co, R.V.M., S.T.D., Ph.D. (Second Reader/Principal Examiner), Moses Jarvis Catan, Ph.D., and Fr. Teodulo Gonzales, S.J., Ph.D. The defense is being held in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Arts in Theological Studies specializing in the field of Systematic Theology. It is open to the public.
Abstract: This study explores the intersection of Catholic theology and the psychology of well-being, as well as human science on resilience, aiming to develop a theology of resilience that integrates empirical research with Christian sources. Using an appropriate theological (interdisciplinary) method, this thesis aims to synthesize the new findings of psychological research on resilience applied in the context of the experience of grieving a loved one and the theological vision of resilience embedded in the Gospel of John. This theological reflection center on the dialogue between the elements of resilient grieving introduced by Dr. Lucy Hone, Ph.D., and biblical insights from the grieving communities mentioned in the Gospel of John, i.e., the family of Bethany (John 11: 1-37), Mother Mary and the beloved disciple at the Foot of the Cross (John 19:25-27) and Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the Risen Jesus at the Break of Dawn (John 20:11-18). By engaging with contemporary research—especially in positive psychology— alongside biblical theological reflection, this study provides a more comprehensive understanding of how Christian faith can foster resilience in the face of loss and other life adversities. On a pastoral level, it proposes a systemic-pastoral care, a resilience-oriented approach rooted in Christian faith, to accompany families through devastating loss and support them in restoring a meaningful life afterward.
