ARTHUR SCHOPENHAUER’S CONCEPT OF SUFFERING IN RELATION TO CHRISTIANITY AND DISCIPLESHIP

This study examined the relationship between Arthur Schopenhauer’s notion of suffering, and Christian concept of suffering and discipleship. The researchers provided the reader a better connection of suffering with the idea of discipleship and Schopenhauer’s concept of suffering through his book The World as Will and Representation (1818/1819, revised 1844), for it presented a metaphysical framework where suffering is integral to existence. His philosophy centers on the dichotomy of the "Will" and the "Representation," which he sees as two aspects of the same reality. Therefore, discussions specifically revolved around the suffering which was analyzed and applied to the context of following Jesus as the challenge to every Christian.