The Meaning of Suffering and Strife & Reconciliation

by Seraphim Aleksiev

Where have we gone wrong that we suffer so meaninglessly? Father Seraphim answers this question with penetrating clarity and with a compassion which warms the heart, helping us to come to the point where "quiet hope has taken the place of the bitter despair of suffering, and suffering is not unbearably heavy anymore, because it gives birth to sweet fruit. Along with the current lack of belief and faith in God, truly the most piteous of all suffering is the lack of repentance--and therefore the lack of love. Repentance leads to the gateway of heaven and not only alleviates the anguish of suffering but actually transforms this suffering into the intense joy of being reunited with out Lord Jesus Christ. THE MEANING OF SUFFERING and STRIFE AND RECONCLIATION is presented as a two-volume sequel to The Forgotten Medicine . These volumes reflect a depth of insight and experience which can touch the souls of all those in the world today who are hungry for God--! from an outstanding contemporary pastor, spiritual writer and theologian.

Genres: Christianity, Theology, Religion

112 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1997

Reviews

[Nora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting but brief theology of suffering & reconciliation from the Eastern Orthodox perspective. I purchased this book in a convent bookshop from an Orthodox nun in the Holy Protection Monastery in Pennsylvania, purely out of curiosity. It turned out to be an engaging read. Archimandrite Seraphim Aleksiev illustrates his points throughout the book with examples from Orthodox hagiography, and as someone coming from a Catholic background I learned a bit about some of the Saints from this different tradition. If you're looking for an accessible entry point into Orthodox thinking on the subject of personal suffering, this is a restorative read filled with words of encouragement and some colorful hagiographic anecdotes.

[Seraphim Pardee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first set of writings, The Meaning of Suffering, elaborates on how suffering starts and how it should be responded to. What I find the most fascinating about the reading was the similarities it shares with Catholic viewpoints on suffering. While it certainly is not 1:1, it's pleasant to see some commonality.

The second, Strife and Reconciliation, is my favorite of his writings so far. He expounds greatly on the holy value of reconciliation and why pride is not worth the eternal suffering that follows. Intelligently, Archimandrite Seraphim goes beyond the face value of strife and stubbornness, into the great depth of practicing what we believe and preach. How are we to call ourselves Christians if we hate our neighbor or brother?

Wonderful read for any Christian struggling with either of these concerns. Definitely something to have in case you're in need of coming back to your senses.

[Marina Nicolas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most comforting book one might read on suffering and the most humbling on reconciliation. A book I think every Christian must read to truly understand the problem of suffering. Underrated and a hidden gem.

[EC · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent compilation of two smaller books. Saint Xenia Skete and St. Herman of Alaska Press put this out. It is volume II & III of The Spiritual Writings of Seraphim Aleksiev.

[B.gaist]

Excellent brief book which helps us understand why we suffer and how that suffering can acquire meaning.

[Kristi Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read and profound message.

[Amanda Gorial · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book leaves no room for doubt about God's purpose for our lives and for absolutely everything ever created by Him.

The quote “suffering in its nature is nothing else but a withdrawal from God.” is the answers to every mankind’s problem- WE NEED GOD!

I specifically gravitated towards page 60, the story about the ‘one hour in hell’- that really put suffering in such a deeper perspective.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND! 🔥🔥🔥

[GK Stritch · Rating 5 out of 5]

life changing