Why Do We Suffer?: A Scriptural Approach to the Human Condition

by Daniel J. Harrington

The question of suffering naturally evokes questions about the existence and nature of God, ethics, justice, sin, and life after death. Why Do We Suffer? helps you understand the concepts, vocabulary, and context of suffering in the Bible. Establishing a framework with the Old Testament, Harrington develops how Jesus' teaching and example shapes Christian understanding in the New Testament. Addressing difficult questions in a readable, pastoral style, Father Harrington helps you draw meaningful and personal connections between Scripture and your own experience, and that of everyone who struggles to make sense of the human condition.

156 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2000

About the author

Rev. Father Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, was a professor of New Testament studies and chairman of Biblical Studies at Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry. He received a PhD in biblical languages and literatures from Harvard University. A past president of the Catholic Biblical Association, he wrote more than two dozen books about the Old Testament and the New Testament.

Reviews

[Anthony · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book over a year ago. After attempting to seriously read a decent amount of it, I grew tired of its analysis. I thought it was watered-down and wasn't any more meaningful/insightful than my sophomore and junior high school theology classes.

I'll admit I attempted to read it in a noisy atmosphere (my college house with 7 others roaming about it), so perhaps this prevented me from seeing the book's stronger moments.

[Anthony · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't finish the book as my expectations of what I would be reading were not met. Harrington does a good job at giving a cursory overview of different biblical approaches to suffering and the meaning behind suffering, but he does not go into a satisfactory level of analysis about these biblical approaches. Probably a good read for someone unfamiliar with biblical texts, but not so much for a someone who is somewhat familiar with the Bible and its teachings on suffering.