Customer Reviews

Surprised by Suffering (Walker Large Print Books)

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

 

 

Contrary to common views that suffering and injustice is a result of sins, which is not necessarily false, or the free will of man goes rampant beyond God's control, whose jargon is called opentheism, Prof. Sproul affirms the biblical view of the absolute sovereignty of God who has purposes; good, pleasing, holy purposes for his children in his design, not men's design, of every event that happens in their lives including suffering. Death for believers is a noble call to a glorious everlasting joy to be with God forever, something not to be dreaded for, but to look forward to with the certainty of faith, not in a suicidal sense, however, which is a selfish reason to end one's life, that Sproul also discusses in this book. Suffering and death seem to be the life theme, not only for the Apostles, as we read the Scripture texts, particularly in the book of Acts, or 2 Cor 1, for examples; but also for most Christians in the past, as we read texts like "Fox's Book of Martyrs", "Tortured of Christ" by Richard Wurmbrand; as well as for the present day saints, as we read the testimony of courageous brothers and sisters in Christ in hostile nations, available in the free monthly newsletters from the Voice of the Martyrs, for example. What is lacking in this book, in my view, is an elaborate treatment of Christian suffering for the sake of faith, missions and the defense of the biblical truth. Nevertheless, I still recommend this book for its God-centered view on the subject of suffering.

This is a wonderful book! In a time when many destructive teachings abound regarding the suffering of Christians and life after death. Dr. Sproul addresses the same topics from a carefully biblical standpoint. I would highly recommend this book and any others by this author.

Due to some errors at the Amazon end I received the wrong book instead of "Surprised by Suffering" I returned it with a note of explanation and am still waiting to receive the book I ordered. The book I ordered was to be a birthday gift for someone. Alas that date has long since passed-maybe I can give it to him next year.