Where Is God When It Hurts? Book

I wouldn't call myself Christian, but some Christian philosophy books are okay (I accept all sorts of philosophies about the higher power). In other words, even though it's geared for Christians, this book will not pitch to you - it's a book that you can read and still believe in evolution.

Where Is God When It Hurts is primarily directed at people who suffer, but it's also for people who are close to those who suffer (we're mostly talking physical illness here). It challenges some common (and really pathetic) beliefs that the sufferers have done something wrong ant that's why they suffer, or that their faith is not strong enough. It's so lovely seeing a Christian person, criticizing his fellow Christians about basically being cold, unfeeling pricks. People don't get sick because they're "sinful". Any Christian who believes that should honestly try and figure out if they're still Christian, or just plain heartless. Being a Christian is not about being righteous, and it's not about judging others. Philip Yancey calls bullshit on all of that and recommends that when we suffer, we shouldn't ask the question why we suffer. Instead, we should ask with what purpose we suffer. What should we glean from that experience to grow.

The book also contains stories of people who were severely ill or disabled. Some of those stories are people beating the ordeal and growing despite it, some of the stories are about people the illness crippling their souls as well. I will admit that I cried in a few places, as some of the stories are truly touching. I suffer from chronic pain myself, so there were things in this book that truly helped me cope.

The book also looks at why pain is actually there, why it's needed (biologically). Yancey has convinced me that I'd rather have my toe hurt than eventually fall off without me knowing something is wrong with it. It's a good knowledge.

Anyhow, this was a good book. If you suffer from physical ailments and are Christian, this book will benefit you. Even if you're not Christian, it will still benefit you. If you are close to a friend who suffers and is Christian, then you absolutely need to read this, because it will help you learn how to be there for them. This book has a little bit of everything for everybody.

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