Customer Reviews

Job and the Mystery of Suffering: Spiritual Reflections

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book, outside of the Bible, has been the most inspirational book I have ever read. I had to read it for a class, so I approached it grudgingly. Yet now every other page (literally, I'm not kidding) is dog-eared with highlighted and underlined sentences. This book is amazing and I think every Christian should read it. Non-Christians would probably enjoy it to as it deals with probably the largest block to faith: the problem of suffering.

Richard Rohr's writing is clear and concise. This is an "easy read", meant in only the best way. It is not so deeply theological that one needs training to decode the message. For a topic as difficult as this, he helps the reader review suffering. The title is truly appropriate since bad things do happen to good people - as Job indeed was good yet suffered intensly. Rohr does an excellent job disecting the book of Job and revealing his (and our) relationship with God within the pain, not apart from it.

Richard Rohr has a clear view about suffering. Through Job, Richard, explains away our misconceptions about suffering and leads one into a contemplation of Gods view of the human condition.

Ever since I first read C.S. Lewis's `The Problem of Pain', half a century ago, the search for answers has been part of my life. Richard Rohr has taken me in a new direction. Job and the Mystery of Suffering does not provide quick-fix answers, but offers instead a journey into the Pascal mystery. I found it an intriguing invitation and not an easy one to comprehend. A second, more thoughtful reading is yielding a much more meaningful understanding for me. The place of Job in human thinking is portrayed with an honesty that will appeal to many readers. One can identify readily with the great range of his expressions - rage, despair, pleading and impatience - but his unyielding trust through it all is well underlined as the book unfolds. I regard Job and the Mystery of Suffering as one of my better acquisitions.

Another Rohr book, this is not his strongist book, i struggled through it. (Maybe I like to avoid dealing with suffering in my life!) I would advise skipping this one and delving into "Things Hidden...." which I believe to be his strongist book yet

I am a fan of Rohr's, but reading this book did very little for me. I think his message - which is astonishing and wonderful - is better available in other formats. The basic question I came to the book with was this: I understand that suffering is one of God's tools in shaping us; but why does the experience of it have to be so overwhelming and terrible? The book did not come close to answering that. I think its main value is that you recognize that everyone in life deals with the sufferings of Job - and that everyone is mystified by it. So I came away from the book with little. I'm glad that everyone else found the book so wonderful, though.

The way of perfection on the spiritual path is hard and narrow, with few willing to persevere. Painful circumstances, those that are self-induced or materialize for reasons that are beyond our control, jeopardize our security and primary attachments to persons, places, and things, all of which ultimately disappoint us (if only because they're losable). The pain of suffering and loss gets the attention of the mindful soul in a way that goads it to contemplate that which endures in the midst of all that fades and passes. Reaching for the fixed point is reaching for God, for Spirit, for one's God-self. In this book, Richard Rohr names and defines the mystery of the sacred process that leads us to God and our own center simultaneously. The book helps inform the reader with a Judeo-Christian perspective on suffering, which declares that suffering is not a virtue in its own right, but can be utilized by God in drawing us closer, via spiritual surrender, spiritual abiding and spiritual consciousness -- toward our true identity in God. Few books or authors address this reality more clearly or authentically. Highly recommended for spiritual sojourners and those lost and reeling in the midst of personal suffering and pain.

Have you ever had a setback that rocked you right down to the soles of your feet? And then your well meaning friends get busy telling you "everything will be all right," "Just let it go, and go on." Finally, a book that gives you permission to mourn and go through the process that will allow you to heal. This book helped me to tell my friends to back off and give me a chance to grieve.
Typical Rohr wisdoms on the gospel and that is just an added gift included in this readable book.

This book is universally sound. I felt spiritually awakened after reading this book. This book is consistent with what I instinctually believe. I am not religious, but this author, although a Franciscan, did not offend me. Quite the contrary.

This book lifted me up from the spiritual mire I was in.

I like the book "Job and the Mystery of Suffering" because it has helped me to understand a little more the mystery of suffering in my life and the lives of others that I minister to. A good tool for reflecting more fully on the Book of Job as it might relate to one's own life. Richard Rohr is an excellent author. I have read other books written by him. He is very honest and upfront about things.