Book Review
Book Review: God & Human Suffering, by Douglas John Hall
by Louise Dickey
I must confess that the title intrigued me as I perused the shelves at my local Borders. Since experiencing personal trials from my parents' illnesses and profound loss in their deaths, I have searched for an understanding of how and why humanity is destined to suffer under a loving and caring God. In anticipation of enlightenment, I picked up this literary piece in the hope of understanding why and to what purpose suffering fit into our human condition.
In this book, Professor Hall has crafted a work dealing with a difficult and troubling subject. His words are comprehensive and thought provoking but definitely not a light read.
As opposed to other writers who have tackled this difficult and scholarly subject, Dr. Hall acknowledges both the reality of suffering and affirms that God creates, upholds, and is redemptive. He defines suffering in terms of loneliness, temptation, anxiety, and human limitation. However, in his views, without these trials how else are we to experience God’s creation and redemption? He references the fall from grace as a defining moment. Professor Hall restates a common theme suffered by many in the pursuit of understanding suffering: "How can undeserved suffering coexist with a just and almighty God?"
His analysis also includes the works of five leading writers and thinkers on this topic such as Harold Kushner and C.S. Lewis, among others. While I believe he is sincere in his efforts, I found myself having to reread his words in an effort to understand his premises. He emphasizes that in order for God to be one in solidarity with man, He must become a suffering God. Dr. Hall also emphasizes that the physical suffering of Jesus is required so that as a condition of his messiahship God can affect the healing process from within.
This is a book worth reading but only if time and patience are on your side. Or maybe, as an imperfect human, I am looking for quick answers.
