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Preview — Why Suffering? by Ravi Zacharias
Why would a loving and powerful God allow so much pain and suffering? In WHY SUFFERING? Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale carefully walk you through a variety of responses that considered together provide a clear, comprehensive, and convincing answer. Responses like:
Where there is the possibility of love, there has to be the reality of freedom, and therefore the possibility..more
Where there is the possibility of love, there has to be the reality of freedom, and therefore the possibility..more
Published October 21st 2014 by FaithWords (first published September 2nd 2014)
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When it Hurts
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Feb 23, 2015Rebecca rated it liked it
Shelves: skimmed, read-via-netgalley, theology-religions
This is an admirable take on one of the major questions that persists for people of faith. Zacharias and Vitale don’t offer answers as such, but ways of thinking around the issue. Whether you find their tactics convincing will likely depend on where you stand on the orthodoxy spectrum. The approach reminds me very much of classic C.S. Lewis (e.g. Mere Christianity) in its reliance on both scripture and practical, real-world analogies – usually anecdotes from the authors’ lives. (I once attended..more
Mar 28, 2017Jordyn Redwood rated it it was amazing
This book is not a light read. I mean, how can it be dealing with the subject of suffering and God. I listened to the book of which the author and his co-author narrate.
This is ultimately a book I'll purchase. I've always appreciated the deep thinker that Ravi Zacharias is and some of the concepts discussed in this book I feel like need to pondered over by reading repeatedly.
Does Christianity hold the only reasonable answer for suffering in this world? Definitely worth your time in reading (or..more
Nov 05, 2014Maxine (Booklover Catlady) rated it liked it · review of another edition
This is ultimately a book I'll purchase. I've always appreciated the deep thinker that Ravi Zacharias is and some of the concepts discussed in this book I feel like need to pondered over by reading repeatedly.
Does Christianity hold the only reasonable answer for suffering in this world? Definitely worth your time in reading (or..more
Shelves: 2015-reading-challenge, non-fiction-read, net-galley-reviewed, christian-books-read
Sigh..sigh. I am just gutted at the last round of Christian books I have read. So many sound the same, it's like the regurgitation of the bible without a clear, fresh message to express from it.
I was keen on this book as going through very complex serious health crisis at quite a young age. I was hoping to find God's comfort and some down to earth wisdom to help me cope and well 'find meaning'.
Through personal anecdotes, scripture references and expansions the book does certainly cover what Go..more
I was keen on this book as going through very complex serious health crisis at quite a young age. I was hoping to find God's comfort and some down to earth wisdom to help me cope and well 'find meaning'.
Through personal anecdotes, scripture references and expansions the book does certainly cover what Go..more
Nov 09, 2014Josh Olds rated it it was amazing
QUICK HIT - You could fill a library with the books on this subject, but in my opinion, there is none better for the average reader than what Zacharias and Vitale offer here.
We ask it every day. We ask it in the big things and the small things. We ask it when our world implodes around us and when we explode into our world. It is a universal question asked in every human language and guttural moan imaginable. It is asked the world over, from the richest to the poorest, from the East to the West,..more
Jan 22, 2015John Martindale rated it really liked it
We ask it every day. We ask it in the big things and the small things. We ask it when our world implodes around us and when we explode into our world. It is a universal question asked in every human language and guttural moan imaginable. It is asked the world over, from the richest to the poorest, from the East to the West,..more
Shelves: apologetics, philosophy, christian, religion, audiobook
Several years ago I listen to a podcast by Ravi critiquing Rob Bell's controversial book 'Love Wins' (a book I ultimately didn't agree with) but it really didn't seem Ravi even read what he strongly condemned, he claimed Bell was a universalist (a misrepresentation) and that Bell didn't believe there was a hell (another misrepresentation), and then Ravi used an argument for the existence of hell to prove Bell wrong, and get this, it was the very argument Bell himself used in the book to show why..more
I bought this book last year when Ravi was doing a book signing and it's taken me this long to get to reading it! Definitely one of the best and most lucid books on suffering I've read. This is a popular level apologetics work, but it still brought fresh observations to the table for me. I highly recommend this if the question of evil or suffering is bothering you! Zacharias and Vitale have gathered a strong cumulative case in favor of suffering actually being a strong argument FOR not AGAINST G..more
Thought provoking and encouraging!
Had a difficult time following his reasoning.
Typical apologists method using selective rationale to support pre-existing beliefs.
It is a book that preaches to choir.
It is a book that preaches to choir.
Jul 02, 2016Rod rated it it was amazing
Even though Ravi Zacharias is my number one favorite thinker and religious philosopher on the planet - I held off reading this for a long while. I assumed it would be all emotional and depressing (with many hints of HOPE, it is Ravi after all) and go into great detail about old Job and other Bible character's sufferings and trials. As essential as this topic is, it's just not my fight right now - soon perhaps.
But I loved it. AS I do all Ravi's books.
I've found most of my answers to comprehending..more
But I loved it. AS I do all Ravi's books.
I've found most of my answers to comprehending..more
This is a book that is intended to give an answer, not only to skeptics, but to those who are of various persuasions, as to why suffering is not inconsistent with the reality of a living, and loving God. It also dispels the notion that if a loving, beneficent God genuinely cares for humanity, thereby- since suffering is so obvious and universal- it must therefore follow that he is not an omnipotent God.
Zacharias lives up to his reputation as a Christian apologist with heart, acknowledging that p..more
Zacharias lives up to his reputation as a Christian apologist with heart, acknowledging that p..more
Why Suffering? Finding Meaning and Comfort When Life Doesn’t Make Sense. This book is fabulous, clear, insightful, interesting & engaging. You really want to read this book.
In finding a way to approach the problem of pain and pleasure or good and evil, the authors use worldviews as a lens to peer through in order to gain some sort of understanding. The book is written by Ravi Zacharias & Vince Vitale, & this combination works well. Vitale shows us, with a large arrow pointing to the..more
In finding a way to approach the problem of pain and pleasure or good and evil, the authors use worldviews as a lens to peer through in order to gain some sort of understanding. The book is written by Ravi Zacharias & Vince Vitale, & this combination works well. Vitale shows us, with a large arrow pointing to the..more
I found this to be a wonderful apologetic on a theology of suffering, of a similar caliber to C.S. Lewis's 'The Problem of Pain.' Zacharias and Vince Vitale provide many theological and reasoned explanations for the problem of suffering, and why a good God could allow suffering. They also tackle the issue that suffering still make more sense with God than without him. It makes more sense within the Christian worldview, while reminding the reader of the promises of God, and that there is more tha..more
Dec 07, 2014Jeremy Budnack rated it it was amazing
This was an excellent book. Ravi and Vince do a great job of listing not one but multiple reasons why belief in God is not made null by the problem of suffering. While they don't claim that any one reason is without question or conclusive in and of itself, the number of reasons makes the Christian Worldview and the view of a good God pretty reasonable.
Aside from the apologetic value of this book, it is a good read in the midst of suffering, where you want to look up at God and ask - WHY?
The writ..more
Aside from the apologetic value of this book, it is a good read in the midst of suffering, where you want to look up at God and ask - WHY?
The writ..more
Why suffering? Every viewpoint of human origin has to deal with that question. Did the authors answer the question? Without spoiling the read, they take a shotgun approach, admitting they wrestle with the question from different angles using Christian-based arguments to try to get to a clearer picture. I did find the book worth my time to read, and do feel I received some valuable insight to a season of suffering I was going through. I have often enjoyed books by Ravi Zacharias, and hope you wil..more
Feb 21, 2015Francis Brault rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
A terrific book.
The best book I have ever read on why suffering and evil do not prove that God does not exist. The authors present a number of arguments which individually you may or may not find persuasive, but for me when considered together prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the existence of suffering and evil does not foreclose the existence of a loving God. After all, as they demonstrate, but for this world , exactly as it is, I would not exist.
The best book I have ever read on why suffering and evil do not prove that God does not exist. The authors present a number of arguments which individually you may or may not find persuasive, but for me when considered together prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the existence of suffering and evil does not foreclose the existence of a loving God. After all, as they demonstrate, but for this world , exactly as it is, I would not exist.
Ravi shares the writing with Vince Vitale, a member of the RZIM team. As one would expect from Ravi it is an excellent apologetic for the unity of Suffering in this world and each individual life and a loving compassionate God! This question of Suffering and a good God is often asked by the audiences of college students. The book goes beyond the apologetic for the Biblical answer by also looking at how Buddhism, Islam, and Naturalism address suffering.
I bought this from a book shop in Bangkok/
the title was nice so I had a look at it.
I read it In 1 days.
it is well written and it a short read.
the author talks about his life in india.
the mains thing that he says is that why is there so much pain in the world when there is a loving god
and that why does god allow suffering in the world.
he says that god is the author of life,
I liked his book , It gave insight .
the title was nice so I had a look at it.
I read it In 1 days.
it is well written and it a short read.
the author talks about his life in india.
the mains thing that he says is that why is there so much pain in the world when there is a loving god
and that why does god allow suffering in the world.
he says that god is the author of life,
I liked his book , It gave insight .
The comments explaining the Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim answer to suffering were informative. His philosophical musing on suffering were rather confusing. I think that we will not ever understand suffering on this side of eternity. The descriptions of Christ's suffering on the cross were graphic.
Apr 20, 2015Mano Chil rated it liked it
I love the way Ravi stretches my mind. He knows how to plot his arguments and ideas.
However, I found Vince's chapters too long and basic yet important. I believe Vince could have made his points with less words.
However, I found Vince's chapters too long and basic yet important. I believe Vince could have made his points with less words.
Oct 29, 2014Justin Wiggins rated it it was amazing
Amazing. Ravi Zacharias, along his colleague Vince Vitale, has written another book that I will re-read over and over.It was very encouraging,brilliant philosophically, and spiritually nourishing Thanks for everything Ravi. All the glory to God!
This is a beautifully-written book. It gives arguments towards Christianity with clear basis and considers other worldviews as well.
It may not completely answer my question on pain and suffering, but definitely helps me appreciate its existence. Well-said arguments with supporting examples.
It may not completely answer my question on pain and suffering, but definitely helps me appreciate its existence. Well-said arguments with supporting examples.
Jan 11, 2018Phillip Gardner rated it it was amazing
Ravi Zacharius and Vince Vitale provide excellent insight into life’s questions and especially the questions surrounding pain and suffering in life and the responses from the major religions and worldview of the world.
Oct 18, 2016Brad rated it liked it · review of another edition
Not a bad book, just not my favorite on the subject. In my opinion, there are much better volumes on the reality of suffering.
Apr 29, 2016Holli Benkelman rated it it was amazing
This book open an interesting door into the question..no need to discuss it other than to say I have since purchased 3 titles as gifts.
Great responses to a question no one can seem to answer.
Why Suffering Finding Meaning And Comfort When Life Doesn't Make Sense Mean
Feb 16, 2017Jamie Holloway rated it it was amazing
I have been wanting to read this book for a long time. I finally got the chance. I love that Zacharias said pain is real.
A great philosophical read. Not a great theological one.
I didn't find this discussion of theodicy compelling. Zacharias is a great preacher.but I have not been intrigued by his books.
Jul 16, 2016Brando Menjivar rated it it was amazing
Beautifully written and a breath of fresh air when things don't make sense. I loved this book!
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For over thirty-five years Ravi Zacharias has spoken all over the world in great halls and universities, notably Harvard, Princeton, and Oxford. He is listed as a distinguished lecturer with the Staley Foundation and has appeared on CNN and other international broadcasts. The author of several books for adults and children, he powerfully mixes biblical teaching and Christian apologetics. His most..more
“Presence, relationship, holiness, trust, beauty, goodness, peace—all were present in the relationship between God and humanity at creation. By playing God and redefining good and evil according to our own discretion, we introduced into the human spirit disobedience, absence, severance, distrust, evil, and restlessness.” — 4 likes
“The context of the entire book of Job—the book in the Bible that deals most with this subject—is pain. “Why?” Job asked from various vantage points, but not once did he question God’s existence. He struggled with wanting to know God’s purpose and understand His ways. Job wondered about the purpose of his own existence, but he never questioned God’s existence. Deep within he ultimately recognized that outside of God there were no answers, just haunting questions. But in the philosophical and the theological pursuits of the answers to the reality of his experience two realities emerged, one negative and the other positive. First, the negative: the colossal failure of his friends. They were at their best when they took time out of their own lives just to be with him, saying nothing. The moment they began to give their own observations for why Job was suffering and offer their suggestions for remedying his situation, Job’s pain intensified. To be loved and feel cared about is what someone who is hurting needs from friends. The person who is experiencing pain and suffering simply needs to know that he or she is not alone.” — 3 likes
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Why Suffering?: Finding Meaning and Comfort When Life Doesn't Make Senseby471 ratings, 4.29 average rating, 50 reviews
Why Suffering? Quotes Showing 1-4 of 4
“Presence, relationship, holiness, trust, beauty, goodness, peace—all were present in the relationship between God and humanity at creation. By playing God and redefining good and evil according to our own discretion, we introduced into the human spirit disobedience, absence, severance, distrust, evil, and restlessness.”
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“The context of the entire book of Job—the book in the Bible that deals most with this subject—is pain. “Why?” Job asked from various vantage points, but not once did he question God’s existence. He struggled with wanting to know God’s purpose and understand His ways. Job wondered about the purpose of his own existence, but he never questioned God’s existence. Deep within he ultimately recognized that outside of God there were no answers, just haunting questions. But in the philosophical and the theological pursuits of the answers to the reality of his experience two realities emerged, one negative and the other positive. First, the negative: the colossal failure of his friends. They were at their best when they took time out of their own lives just to be with him, saying nothing. The moment they began to give their own observations for why Job was suffering and offer their suggestions for remedying his situation, Job’s pain intensified. To be loved and feel cared about is what someone who is hurting needs from friends. The person who is experiencing pain and suffering simply needs to know that he or she is not alone.”
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Why Suffering Finding Meaning And Comfort When Life Doesn't Make Sense Quotes
“Pain can easily produce the sense of being abandoned. The presence of someone who loves and cares can most persuasively counter that fear. God’s words were important to Job, but most important to him was the assurance that God was with him through it all, revealing Himself to Job at the most critical moment. And Job said, “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you” (Job 42:5).”
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Why Suffering Finding Meaning And Comfort When Life Doesn't Make Sense Lyrics
“If God can do anything, then He surely can even allow evil and call it good. Why does He have to explain it? Surely, if omnipotence means all-powerful without even logical or rational limitation, He can allow evil to exist and not see any incoherence in it. And if God can do anything He pleases why can’t He simply be incoherent as well? That may be irrational to the skeptic, but does not limitless power also mean the power to be irrational without justification?”
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Quotes By Ravi Zacharias