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A Scandalous Providence
Book by E. Frank Tupper
- GenresTheology
Hardcover
First published June 1, 1995
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August 16, 2018
I have been carrying around this book for nearly two years and have finally completed it! I give this book fives stars because it is nothing short of a theological gem. I had the honor of studying under E. Frank Tupper during my time as seminarian and upon his retirement from the academy I knew I needed to invest more in understanding and reading his seminal work. In this book, Tupper masterfully re-constructs a theology of providence that takes into account both advances in modern science and the influence of postmodernity. The result is a deeply feelingful and embodied theology that can speak deeply to all souls. I began reading this book during a time of deep personal suffering in my life and I think Tupper's reflections on how God acts in the world gave me the substance I needed to so many questions I had asked during this time of my life. Tupper's assertion that no matter what in the specificity of the situation, God is doing the most God can do for each of us out of love was what I needed to hear. I also found this book useful for my career journey as a hospital chaplain and educator of clergy in pastoral care. Myself and my students regularly see and often feel the suffering of others but I don't think we often confront the question of suffering critically and with feeling. Tupper accomplishes this herculean task in this book.
I thought it might be helpful to include some helpful tips in approaching this book along with a few critiques. First, Tupper avoids strict conceptual analysis and approaches the Providence of God primarily through narrative. I find this appropriate and congruent with Tupper's emphasis on the specificity of God's actions, however, it also means the book is very long and can be hard to read as Tupper immerses himself in various narratives. With that said, the entire book may not be for everyone but I think the introduction and the first chapter of this book are ESSENTIAL reading for anyone in seminary or curious about the question of Providence. This is Tupper's argument laid out as clearly as it gets. My only critiques of this book are the ways the concepts can get lost in the narratives and a few moments where it appeared the book wasn't edited well. However, despite these shortcomings and the time it took to read this book fully it deserves five stars as Tupper faithfully and thoroughly throws himself into the theological area of Providence, an area often neglected in modern and postmodern theology.
I thought it might be helpful to include some helpful tips in approaching this book along with a few critiques. First, Tupper avoids strict conceptual analysis and approaches the Providence of God primarily through narrative. I find this appropriate and congruent with Tupper's emphasis on the specificity of God's actions, however, it also means the book is very long and can be hard to read as Tupper immerses himself in various narratives. With that said, the entire book may not be for everyone but I think the introduction and the first chapter of this book are ESSENTIAL reading for anyone in seminary or curious about the question of Providence. This is Tupper's argument laid out as clearly as it gets. My only critiques of this book are the ways the concepts can get lost in the narratives and a few moments where it appeared the book wasn't edited well. However, despite these shortcomings and the time it took to read this book fully it deserves five stars as Tupper faithfully and thoroughly throws himself into the theological area of Providence, an area often neglected in modern and postmodern theology.
Displaying 1 of 1 review