A Traveler's Guide Through Suffering and Joy: Changed by Theology that Feeds and Leads

by Karen Thomas Olsen

Both suffering and joy pursue us. Once you thought you could evade suffering, but now you know better, and you want to be prepared. When in the middle of distress, you want to know how to deal with it. You want to know how to live a meaningful life, no matter the challenges. Meaning births joy. Where is the meaning?



This interactive book arms you with a biblically grounded theology of suffering and joy to nourish your soul and direct your feet. "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him" (Colossians 2:6). Here, all Christ-followers become "Pedestrian Theologians." Pacing our walk, we will explore the ground under our feet, the winding way up, and the unexpected views. We will discover nine genres of suffering with their corresponding genres of joy. Travel with me, and let's pray, savor, change, and grow in Christ Jesus, our Lord, Savior, and coming bridegroom.

268 pages, Paperback

Published November 19, 2024

Reviews

[Debbie Wentworth Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Thomas Olsen takes the reader through a journey of the relationship between the different types of suffering and joy revealed in the Bible. Olsen, a sufferer of fibromyalgia, has a DRS in theology from Trinity Theological Seminary. Her study of the topic led her to three different levels of suffering. She uses scripture, anecdotes, research, and personal accounts to explain the subject. She employs charts, a glossary, and well-thought-out questions. She offers a list of resources for further study. You may want to read her Travel Guidelines in the back of the book before actually reading the book because it offers valuable ideas for studying the book.

I found the study thoughtful and thought-provoking. I recommend it..