Finding Hope and Meaning in Suffering

by Trystan Owain Hughes

This book doesn’t set out to tackle what the author calls ‘the problem of theodicy’ (why are there evil and suffering in a world created by a good God?), but rather to consider how we may ‘draw closer to God’s love in the midst of our suffering’. The ‘twin foundations’ for finding hope and meaning in the chaos of suffering are ‘awareness of the present moment and acceptance of our present circumstances’. Adversity afflicts all of us, ‘but it is ultimately up to us whether it becomes a curse or, paradoxically, a blessing.’ The chapters I found the most stimulating feature the ‘building blocks’, in the areas of nature, laughter and memory, art and helping other people, which enable us to discover hope and meaning. Reading this book may help you as you face your particular suffering, through the ‘rewiring’ of your thoughts and attitudes.



Reviewer: Barry Vendy   (31/07/10)

Paperback
Price: £9.99
Publisher:SPCK (Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge)
Published:15 April 2010
ISBN:978-0-281-06249-2