In Oceans Deep: Redemptive Suffering and the Crucified God

by Eduardo J. Echeverria

When the author’s 2 year-old granddaughter Penelope Grace died within 36 hours of being diagnosed with a virulent strain of meningitis, her family questioned how to stand in her absence. As a Professor of Theology, and Penny’s grandfather, answers came “as from oceans deep.”  This book is written from the perspective of a grandfather who suffered the death of a beloved granddaughter. In dealing with his suffering, he addresses these questions: What reasons does he have for trusting God’s love, goodness, and providence—even when prayers go unanswered? Why does he grieve, but not without hope? Is perplexed, but not in despair? Why is he justified in trusting the Word of God as a reliable source of knowledge? Experiencing suffering and evil is like being up to one’s neck in deep water, in oceans deep as it were. Yet, God’s grace abounds in deepest waters by virtue of the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who “brings redemption not only to my suffering but also meaning to my death.” This book holds the conviction that “There is not a single aspect of the Christian message that is not in part an answer to the question of evil” (Catechism of the Catholic Church §309). 

162 pages, Paperback

Published March 19, 2018

About the author

Eduardo Echeverria is a professor of philosophy and systematic theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, where he has been teaching since 2003.

He earned his BA in philosophy from Trinity Christian College in 1973; doctorates in systematic theology and philosophy from the Free University (Amsterdam) in 1977 and 1981; and his S.T.L. from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Rome) in 2009.

Reviews

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a solid study on the problem of evil and the theology of suffering. I appreciated Dr. Echeverria’s thorough treatment of how our suffering in union with Christ “furthers the glory of God and his plan of salvation.” His analysis of Kalanithi’s “When Breath Becomes Air” was timely and relatable. I would recommend this book to the amateur and experienced theologian alike who may be seeking a deeper understanding of grief, and how the Church has responded to our experience of suffering.