NOTE: I received this book for free from Christian Focus for the purpose of this review. I was required to be honest in my review, and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

I believe that eventually we will all ask this question: ‘Why do I personally experience evil and suffering?’ It’s a profound question that strikes at the heart of our worldview. I think the ‘why’ in this question expresses a quest for meaning amid the difficult and confusing emotions that can accompany pain.

Gabriel Fluhrer, a senior pastor and seminary professor, discusses this question in his short book, ‘Why Do I Personally Experience Evil and Suffering’, which is part of the ‘The Big Ten: Critical Questions Answered’ series.

The book’s aim appears to be an introduction to thinking about suffering from a Christian perspective, with the goal of inspiring hope that it is possible not only to survive suffering and evil but to flourish.

I appreciated that the author addressed difficult topics such as depression, anxiety, fear, illness, disability, death, poverty, and abuse. These issues are often overlooked in modern church life.

From a personal perspective, I would have liked to see more self-disclosure from the author about how he has wrestled with these questions as he has faced suffering, as I think the nature of the question is both theological and emotional. Nevertheless, there are several examples from others that help to delve beneath the surface of the question of personal suffering.

Here are some quotes that stood out to me:

“The quality of connection with loved ones and early emotional deprivation is key to the development of personality.” (Dr Sue Johnson)

“One of the chief characteristics of being sinners is that we want to be little sovereigns. Our pretended sovereignty and God’s actual sovereignty are on a collision course in every human heart, every day, in every age. This is the chief battle of our heart, which we can put in question form: ‘Will we let God be God?’”

“We must know Him intimately, or suffering and hardship will break us. We must, with the psalmist of old, ‘taste and see that the Lord is good!’ (Psalm. 34:8).”

“We are embodied souls.”

“God binds Himself to keep His promise to save a people for Himself, not because of anything they do, but because of who He is.”

Read this book if…

I would recommend this book to those considering what Christianity teaches or who are new to the Christian faith. It offers a great introduction to the subject of suffering, as the author explores some key questions and adopts a conversational tone. It is a fairly short book and not intimidating to pick up.

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Thank you very much for reading. If you found this encouraging and helpful, please share it with friends and followers. Let me know in the comments if you’ve read ‘Why Do I Personally Experience Evil and Suffering’ by Gabriel Fluhrer, and what stood out to you from it, Dan :)

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