ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights two of the teachings of Schillebeeckx, his doctrine of suffering and his understanding of freedom and solidarity. The relational nature of Jesus is the central theological theme here, and Christ is portrayed as being in complete solidarity with those who suffer. The idea of solidarity extends further in Schillebeeckx's work on community and suffering. In a theology of community, God is known by our knowledge of Jesus Christ, and by the acts of Christ like love that happen between members of the community. Solidarity in community means people of all types who have suffered in their own ways offering that know ledge of suffering to the group for the edification of all. Those who have endured suffering and emerged with a stronger faith may be in ministry to those who currently suffer and cannot believe to those who suffer.
