Dr. Noel Boyle, professor of Philosophy, will have an essay “In Spite of: Theological Reflections on My Son’s Suffering” published later this year by Palgrave Macmillan as a chapter of a book to be titled “Chronic Illness, Spirituality and Healing.” In it Boyle explains that accepting hard truths about the depths and meaninglessness of his son, Ciaran’s suffering make it possible to find a deeper understanding of joy, purpose and the nature of God. It is largely based on the writings of Protestant theologian Paul Tillich.