Problems of Suffering in Religions of the World [Paperback]

John Bowker (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 052109903X | ISBN-13: 978-0521099035 | Publication Date: April 25, 1975

A comparative general study of the problems of suffering as treated by Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Marxism, Hinduism and Buddhism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'There are many gaps to be filed in the comparative study of religions, but to isolate and deal with them competently is not easy. John Bowker has done well to take up this subject, not hitherto treated in this way, and in this fine comparative study he ranges across a wide field with assurance and authority. The great religious traditions are studied in turn: Judaism, Christianity, Islam and Marxism representing the 'Western tradition', and the Eastern being seen in Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Manicheeism and Jainism ... This book reads well and is a pleasure to handle. It will take its place as a sound and thoughtful study of this vital problem, which admits of no agreed solution except that the quest is worthwhile and that any religion claiming attention today must face the facts.' Geoffrey Parrinder, The Expository Times

'This is a book of genuine intellectual distinction which also forms about as good an introduction to the comparative study of religions as one could wish for. The question, or rather the experience of suffering provides a central axis around which the varying perspectives of the world religions can be elucidated and compared. The elucidation is remarkably clear, and the comparison very charitable without being syncretistic or glossing over differences.' David Martin, Jewish Journal of Sociology

'No one can question the value of this weighty and, at the same time, most readable book. It is powerfully documented but never prolix, and at all times it is carefully selective. There is no existing book, as far as I am aware, to compare with it. nor will it be quickly superseded.' Lord Longford, Contemporary Review

'... Mr Bowker's characteristically lucid and erudite work will be very welcome to all students of religious thought and of the relation between 'creed and culture'.' R. D. Williams, New Blackfriars

Book Description

A comparative general study of the problems of suffering as treated by Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Marxism, Hinduism and Buddhism.

Product Details

• Paperback: 332 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (April 25, 1975)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 052109903X
• ISBN-13: 978-0521099035
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #389,022 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have book for any student of religion, August 7, 2002

By 

Andreass (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Problems of Suffering in Religions of the World (Paperback)

I have found this book to be indispensible in my studies of theodicy. The book gives a short, concise over view of the major religious traditions, then explains how each tradition interprets and responds to the problems of evil and suffering. This book will give you a fairly sound grounding in the basics of each tradition. You won't have to go out and read entire text book on a religion to understand how its adherents respond to and deal with suffering and evil. An understanding of these responses is necessary to really understand a religion.