I've read the opening chapters of Philip Yancey's classic book on hurt and suffering from a Christian perspective entitled, Where is God When it Hurts, and I'd like to open this post with a quote which struck me as dead on. Read what Yancey says in the opening chapter...
After an extensive tour of the United States, the well-known German pastor and theologian Helmut Thielicke was asked what he saw as the greatest defect among American Christians. He replied, "They have an inadequate view of suffering." I have come to agree with him.
There you have it - one widely respected opinion on the greatest "defect" among American Christians today. Actually this book was first published in 1977 and I believe Thielicke is spot on concerning this issue. In my opinion, our [Christian]view of human suffering in the Western world is too small and inadequate.
And so it is Yancey's hope - which began as a quest - that Christians have something to offer those who are suffering. And, offer a message which can strenghten our own faith if we suffer. "Where is God when it hurts? Is He trying to tell us something?" (15).
More to come...
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