"Where is God When it Hurts?" by Phillip Yancey -Book Review-

I'm so glad I discovered the works of Phillip Yancey. Indeed, the question presented by the book title has been one that's bothered Christians for a long time.

Overview

Where is God When it Hurts? is a book written specifically to address the very question that makes up its title. Yancey begins with a case arguing for the practical and crucial role of the pain network in the human body. Yancey argues that there is an excellent reason for pain. He then takes this principle into the spiritual realm and explores the role that pain and suffering might play in God's great plan for the world and for humanity. Yancey offers philosophical and biblical reasons for pain, but he doesn't just stay on that level, he actually takes real-life examples of people who have endured terrible pain to really make this book relatable on a human level. In the end, Yancey offers practical things Christians can be doing in response/preparation to pain as well as how they can offer practical help to others.

Why Read This?

Okay, allow me to show my enthusiasm a little bit here. This book is AWESOME. Personally, I have been struggling with the problem of pain for much of my Christian walk. Of all the resources I read on this subject, this is by far the most satisfying Christian answer to pain I have ever read. This book is well-researched, evidently thought through, and most important of all, it just feels... very human.

I really love how Yancey brings the research when it comes to seeking an answer to pain, but he also offers a VERY human and sensitive approach to this issue. One way he accomplishes this is by emphasizing the humanity of Jesus Christ, making sure that He is not seen as some foreign God who knows nothing of human suffering. Additionally, Yancey also offers many examples of real people who have endured terrible suffering but continue to glorify God through their sufferings. Lastly, the practical aspect is also very helpful. This book has a great balance of hard facts and personal experiences.

Of course, how can I forget the most important part? Yancey uses scripture as much as he can in this book. Most of his answers are backed up by scripture. The examples of Job and Jesus are very well used.

Potential Pitfalls

I have come to understand recently that when one is currently going through tremendous pain, confusion, and suffering, they don't need nor want elaborate philosophical answers to why pain exists. Rather, they just want a shoulder to cry on and listening, non-judgemental ears. If you are currently suffering terribly, this book will not satisfy you, your emotions will trump whatever answers anyone has to offer. If you know someone who is suffering terribly, do not try to give them a bible or philosophy lesson, instead, love them, and be there for them for the time being until they are ready for some answers.

The problem of pain is such an emotional-driven subject. If you decide to read this book, but you have a worldview where you think all suffering is evil, I ask that you lay that down for the time being and just be open-minded. If you are here, looking for a magic spell that will just take your sufferings away, I ask that you lay down that mindset for the time being. If you are only looking for alleviation of pain rather than seeking real answers, then I doubt this book will be satisfying to you. But I still think you should read this book, after all, in my opinion, alleviation of pain without fully understanding the full scope of things will only numb you, it will not heal.