Customer Reviews

The Promise: God's Purpose and Plan for When Life Hurts

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`Why does God allow suffering?' - a painful question that is addressed in a compassionate, and even refreshing, way in this special book. I like to describe it as sitting down with a friend over a cup of coffee - `The Promise' is uplifting, encouraging and resonating with hope. Although this book may be directed at those going through a crisis or a difficult life experience, I think this would be an excellent read for anyone, at any stage of life, for those who consider faith important and those who do not.

I feel this book succeeds on three levels - Father Morris does an effective job in discussing both faith and reason as it relates to loss, suffering and why there is evil in the world. He also draws upon his experiences in counseling people and visiting various global `hot spots' as a journalist, which makes this book contemporary and intriguing from that perspective. I especially liked 'Letters from My In-Box' which are sprinkled throughout the book -- actual e-mails from readers of his column. Finally, Father Morris offers practical ideas and suggestions meant to enable you to better handle whatever life throws your way; he does this both in answering the heart-felt e-mails which he shares, but also in a special chapter at the end of the book.

I highly recommend this energetic and intelligent book; those who read it will definitely be blessed and will probably find that their faith has grown as well. It is clear through this book that this young priest has a heart for God and for others; I hope there will be more books from him.

By some odd occurrence, I happened to come across this book the day it was released here on Amazon. Based on some of his video commentaries, I went ahead and ordered the book. I simply couldn't put it down when I received it. I read it in two days. I can relate to Fr Jonathan's life examples and how there is good to be seen out of life's unfortunate situations. Well written and backed with scripture, this is a great read for anyone who wants to take an honest and open look at why life is the way it is.

Father Jonathan Morris has written a superb book much along the lines of my great hero, Father Benedict Groeschel, CFR. I highly recommend this to ALL my spiritual directees, parishioners, and fans from EWTN television and radio. It is inspiring, encouraging and filled with hope while never losing focus on reality, no matter how uncomfortable or painful it may be from time to time. A classic, I am sure, years from now, when both Father Morris and I and Father Ken Brighenti are in the old priests retirement home (at least 30 years to come)

As a fan of Father Jonathan from watching Fox TV. I had always found his answers, to be definitive and enlightening.
This book tells us about the earthly pains suffered by many. And answers that can help lead us, to a sense of peace, at our most painful times.
The book helps us see how, we can turn our suffering into the Grace of God. NOT FOR CATHOLICS ONLY..anyone who loves God, and needs answers
this book is for you as well.

There are very few books written in the Christian genre that speak the Truth. And the Truth is that suffering is allowed by a Sovereign and Loving God who has greater purposes than the human mind can conceive. In truly understanding God, we find that our suffering is an avenue to an intimate relationship with Him. Father Jonathan brings our suffering into perspective as he shares emails from his "InBox." The Promise reveals that through our sufferings there is a Promise of greater good and it is our choice to believe in the Promise or look God in the eyes and walk away. This book was written for the believer and the nonbeliever. It was written in a way where you can feel Father Jonathan's heart and the heart of God pouring out to you. "The Promise" will bring you to a crossroads in your life; you will make the decision to walk by faith or walk by sight.

Personally for me, I will share this....I have read this book more times than I have ever read any other book. (I have read ALOT of books in the Christian genre) I will tell you that never before has a book brought such amazing peace to my soul. Each time I pick it up and read, I feel as though I am entering into the presence of God and through "The Promise" He is speaking loud and clear.

One of the best books I had read, well aside from Pope John Paul's encyclical letter "Salvifici Doloris" The Christian Meaning of Suffering", both were awesome and classic in their explanation about the subject.

Quoting the letter that looks at the passage of "Good Samaritan" pierced me, "...suffering is present in the world in order to release love, in order to GIVE birth to works of love towards neighbor, in order to transform the whole human civilization into a "civilization of love".

"The first and second parts of Christ's words about the Final Judgment unambiguously show how essential it is, for the eternal life of every individual, to "STOP" as the Good Samaritan did".

Since I had never heard of this author before, I'm not really sure why I ordered this book, but I am glad I did. I read several excellent reviews, and decided it sounded interesting.

This book has three distinct parts. The first part, "God on Trial", is about who God is. The second part is "Emotional and Spiritual Healing". Part three is titled "Principles for Freedom-Living". As you read from one section to another it is almost like starting a new book each time, and each section is loaded with helpful information.

Fr. Morris talks about the many different types of suffering and gives suggestions on how to deal with them. Sometimes we wonder why God allows bad things to happen. Fr. Morris reminds us that God creates good, He does not create evil, but because of free will, He allows it. Sometimes this is hard to understand, and when we suffer, we can become bitter or better.

If we handle it right, we will be better people for having suffered. I know it is not easy. Many years ago our youngest son died as an infant. You never forget, but you can go on and be a better person because of it. I still read anything I can to help me learn to help other people with loss. I also recommend Rabbi Kushner's book, When Bad Things Happen to Good People, which Fr. Morris quotes in this book.

"The Promise: God's Purpose and Plan for When Life Hurts" is a great book for all who believe in God. It is written by a Catholic priest, but it is not just for Catholics.

I stumbled across this book. Wow, what good timing! With God, there are no coincidences. I am currently experiencing some issues in my life concerning my health, my children, past hurts, etc and have suffered with oppression and some depression, so this came in the knick of time. God knows, Fr. Morris' book was exactly what I needed to read.
No matter what Christian denomination you are, or whether you believe in God, for that matter...this is an amazing, step by step, guide for anyone who is suffering or has suffered and is in need of healing and hope.
My heart feels as if a weight has been removed. I finally see a light at the end of this tunnel!
My husband has read this book, too and we are both buying up a bunch of these to give to our family and friends for Christmas!
If you are in need of hope and healing then read this book. Even if you are not currently in the "pit" you will at some point in your life and this will prepare you and help you to avoid ending up there! Or, if you've been there and are on the hill top right now, waiting for the other shoe to drop, this book will help you to put it all in perspective!
Thanks Fr. Morris for allowing the Holy Spirit to use you, to bring a message of hope to those of us who need it! You helped me to remember that God is in control and the best is yet to come!

Wonderful! Inspiring! Father Jonathan beautifully reteaches the core of our Catholic faith and candidly describes his own experiences and those of others. He offers a divine and practical understanding of even the most unimaginable suffering...thank you!

Fr Jonathan Morris has written a wonderful book on what God really wants for us. I have seen Fr Morris on Fox News & I respect his knowledge of the Catholic faith. I highly recommend this to both Catholics & non Catholics.