When Suffering Persists: A Theology Of Candor

When Suffering Persists: A Theology of Candor

Review Now more than ever, since the tragedy of terrorist attacks, we need this book to help us deal with the mystery of suffering in our lives. --Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man WalkingAt once pastoral, personal, and theological, this timely and sensitive book refuses to domesticate the mystery of our suffering with conventional explanations that blame either God or the victim, and instead affirms a relational God who is present with us in our suffering. --Marcus Borg, author of Reading the Bible Again for the First Time and Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time Sometimes pain passes quickly and small losses are easily absorbed. But when suffering goes on and on, for people of faith, the resulting crisis can be deeper and more destructive than the loss itself. We look for ways to comfort those who are hurting. But sometimes, in spite of our good intentions, the cliches and simplistic theology we offer only add to the pain and misery. In When Suffering Persists, Frederick W. Schmidt presents a pastoral exploration of ways to understand suffering theologically, offering an approach that ministers to both mind and spirit. He questions the value of our usual comforting words and examines the pat explanations we give one another. He provides instead a theology that takes seriously the devastating character of suffering, allowing for real help to those who continue in pain. From the Publisher An accessible and pastoral challenge to the pat answers often given to those who suffer, and a new theology of suffering that takes seriously the devastating character of painful experiences. About the Author Frederick W. Schmidt is an Episcopal priest and the Rueben P. Job Chair in Spiritual Formation at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. He is the author of several books, including The Dave Test: A Raw Look at Real Faith in Hard Times.He lives in Arrington, Tennessee.