In this volume, I want to move us forward to consider the implications of a pastoral care church (community) model in Christian moral theology and the necessary conflict with specific elements of our modern culture. The foundation of our present cultural moral climate has a lot in common with similar fundamental questions that also burdened our ancestors: why do we suffer, and what does it mean? Certainly science and technology have come a long way, and we have many new tools in medicine to deal with suffering. However, the other side of that truth is the fact that for many with serious health issues, the suffering lasts longer, and pain becomes a chronic way of life.
