The God of Joy and the Problem of Pain (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780933932173)

Why would a good God allow so much suffering?
Why doesn't God take away our pain?

Some say he allows it. Others call it punishment. Still others dare to name it a gift. But what is the truth--and how do we live under the weight of suffering that seems senseless, tragic, or cruel?

In a world marked by natural disasters, devastating illness, war, abuse, and untimely death, many wonder why an all-powerful, loving God wouldn't simply make a better world. Couldn't he have prevented it all?

With clarity, compassion, and the depth of Catholic tradition, the author invites readers into the heart of the Church's wisdom on human suffering, an age-old mystery that touches every life.

This book explores:

• The nature of evil and why God permits it
• Whether suffering has meaning--and if so, what might that be
• How Jesus transforms pain from within
• What it means to believe in a God of joy in a world of sorrow

Whether you are struggling personally or seeking to understand the suffering of others, this book offers a faithful, honest, and hope-filled perspective for those who dare to ask: Why?