Why a Suffering World Makes Sense

by Chris Tiegreen

Did you know that the number one objection among skeptics and the number one reason for doubt among believers is the problem of suffering? Why did an all-powerful, all-loving God create a world that he knew was destined to fall? What's in it for him? Why does he let us struggle? Christians and skeptics alike share these concerns. This unique book reveals that there is a point to suffering--and it isn't about us, our pain, or our confusion. Though they are hard to bear, pain and suffering make sense when we consider what they reveal about God--his mercy, forgiveness, and healing can only be known in an imperfect world. Filling a void in Christian literature, Why a Suffering World Makes Sense encourages readers to let God's hidden attributes be revealed in their pain, thereby helping them unravel the mystery of who God really is.

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Chris Tiegreen is an award-winning author of more than 60 books and discussion guides that have been translated into more than 40 languages and read by more than 5 million people worldwide. He is also a collaborative/supporting writer on more than 40 book projects. As a journalist/photojournalist, he has written hundreds of magazine and newspaper articles covering city and county government, sports, and education. His experiences in media, ministry, and higher education bring a unique perspective to his writing, which often focuses on cultural commentary and devotional themes.

Reviews

[K.Howard Joslin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiegreen boldly claims that our sufferings are the “ordained stage for those formerly hidden divine attributes to be displayed” (p. 77). Knowing that suffering manifests God’s character makes all the difference.

[Brian Eshleman]

Really penetrating analysis tying suffering to a fuller display of, rather than a self-centered indictment of, God's character

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book on suffering that I have ever read. There are things about the “why” of suffering that I won’t fully understand until I see Him face to face, but seeing this topic from scripture’s point of view helps me more fully appreciate God’s flawless character and His work in this fallen world and in my heart.

[David Blankenship · Rating 4 out of 5]

The basic premise of this book is that human suffering leads to God's redemption and mercy upon people and ultimately brings glory to God. Through Biblical examples of this and some reasoning that 'makes sense', this book looks to give an answer to a question that has befuddled religious and unreligious people alike for thousands of years.

This book will not be satisfying to some simply because we can't imagine a loving God could let us suffer. But while it's not a perfect argument (which likely doesn't exist!), it's better than many others I have seen.

[Jessica Geist · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a tough, tough read. It's first priority isn't to make people feel better about suffering; it skips the pat answers that many people grow up in church hearing. However, I appreciated its realistic approach, felt like I learned much in reading it, and even gained encouragement in spite of the tough nature of the subject.