Between Pain and Grace

Peterman and Schmutzer’s, “Between Pain and Grace: A Biblical Theology of Suffering,” is one of the best books that I have read on the topic, in a very long time. I must admit, I was skeptical at first. I thought, “Oh boy, a book on theodicy coming from Moody, which is probably by a bunch of conservative theologians who are going to spout off their refashioned old-timer, Calvinistic readings of scripture,” but boy was I naïve, and flat out wrong. I found Peterman and Schmutzer’s book fresh, inspiring, challenging, and deeply biblical. They did their homework and are very well-read on the different theological and philosophical views on the topic, and incorporate other’s views throughout. Obviously, questions will still remain regarding the intricate dance between God, suffering, and evil, but I firmly believe many questions will be answered with compassion and wisdom. The reader’s faith, in an immanent, embodied, relational, emotional, sovereign, and loving God, in the midst of pain and suffering, will no doubt be strengthened. I recommend this book to Christians and skeptics alike.

Between Pain and Grace: A Biblical Theology of Suffering by Gerald W. Peterman, Andrew J. Schmutzer answers questions according to the Bible and what God has to say about this subject. When I first started this book I wasn't sure I was going to like it but what an eye-opener it is!

I was very interested in reading this, as I watched my Mother who was dying with cancer, as she suffered and the pain she endured. And as for myself I have suffered many things throughout my lifetime. I am now living with chronic pain. So yes you might understand why this is a book I would be quite interested in.

The authors take us on a journey through the Bible to show us how God is in pain himself. How it must break the heart of God to see how the people he has created behave so badly toward each other and destroy the earth he made for us to enjoy. Let's not forget how Jesus suffered for ALL of us, so that we can one day make Heaven our home. Who are we to expect any less suffering or pain than our Father in Heaven and our Savior?

With chapters titled...

1. The Grammar of Suffering : Basics of Affliction In Scripture 2. The Relational Ecosystem of Sin and Suffering 3. The Suffering of God 4. Emotions and the Suffering of Jesus 5. Longing to Lament : Returning to the Language of Suffering 6. Suffering and Redemptive Anger 7. The Lord's Prayer : Suffering, Prayer, and Worldview 8. Leadership and Tears 9. Joseph's Tears: Suffering From Family Toxins 10. Sexual Abuse : Suffering a Host of Betrayals 11. Inner Darkness : The Unique Suffering of Mental Illness 12. Suffering and God's People : Community, Renewal, and Ethics 13. The Metanarrative Renewed

The authors use Biblical scripture to explain pain and suffering to us in each chapter, along with thoughts and questions at the end to get us thinking for ourselves.

One of my favorite quotes from this book...
"Focus on your healing, not the politics of being a victim"

I highly recommend this book to both Christians and Non-Christians alike.
I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) from Moody's Publishers and NetGallery in exchange for my honest review, rather it be good or bad.