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God in Pain


Synopsis


To speak of God in pain is to consider no only the biblical accounts of Christ's suffering and death, but also to proclaim that God is present in our pain. Barbara Brown Taylor explores the eternal mystery of suffering from human and divine perspectives with her characteristic grace, sensitivity and profound biblical insight. In this collection of addresses, she explores pain experienced both in life and around death, with subjects including:  The Gift of Disillusionment;  Learning to Hate Your Family;  Feeding the Enemy;  The Triumphant Victim;  The Myth of Redemptive Violence;  May He Not Rest in Peace.

Summary

Chapter 1: The God of Love

This chapter explores the biblical concept of God as a loving and compassionate being. The author cites passages from the Bible, such as John 3:16 ("For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son"), to demonstrate God's love for humanity.

Example: The author recounts the story of a young woman named Sarah who had endured years of abuse and neglect. Despite her pain, she held onto her faith in God and believed that he loved her. One day, Sarah met a kind and supportive Christian woman who helped her to heal and discover God's love.

Chapter 2: The God of Suffering

This chapter acknowledges the reality of suffering and pain in the world and grapples with the question of how a loving God could allow it. The author explores various theories, including the idea that suffering is a consequence of sin, a test of faith, or a necessary part of growth.

Example: The author shares the story of a man named David who lost his wife and children in a tragic car accident. David struggled to understand why God would allow such a terrible thing to happen to him. Through his grief, David eventually came to believe that God was with him in his suffering and that God's grace could sustain him.

Chapter 3: The God of Redemption

This chapter focuses on the hope of redemption and resurrection that is offered in the Christian faith. The author explains that God has a plan to heal the brokenness and suffering caused by sin and death.

Example: The author describes the story of a former drug addict named John who turned his life around through the power of God's love. John was able to overcome his addiction and find redemption and new purpose in life.

Chapter 4: The God of Justice

This chapter explores the biblical concept of God as a just and fair judge. The author argues that God will not tolerate evil or injustice and that he will eventually punish those who do wrong.

Example: The author cites the example of Nazi war criminals who were eventually brought to justice for their heinous crimes. The author believes that God's justice will ultimately prevail, even in the face of the most heinous evil.

Chapter 5: The God of Hope

This chapter concludes the book on a hopeful note, emphasizing God's desire to bring healing, restoration, and hope to a broken world. The author encourages readers to trust in God's love, even in the midst of pain and suffering.

Example: The author shares the story of a terminally ill woman named Mary who found comfort and peace in her faith in God. Mary believed that even though she was facing death, God had a plan for her and that she would be reunited with her loved ones in heaven.