Missiology
Southwestern Journal of Theology
Volume 49, No. 2 – Spring 2007
Managing Editor: Malcolm B. Yarnell III
By Warren McWilliams. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2005. 259 Pages. Softcover, $16.95.
All of us have either experienced the topic of this book or someday will. That relevance makes this book immediately enticing. Growing out of his background as a university professor, McWilliams addresses many of the common sources suffering people experience from an objective view. The title of the book comes from the question of the struggling post-exilic Jews in Malachi 2:17. That question serves as the foundation of the book. McWilliams admits that many today struggle with the question, “How can a good, loving God allow suffering in His world?” (ix). Hence, he attempts to present a “biblical perspective on suffering” (ix) for the purpose of helping “Christians think about the issue of suffering and respond creatively” (x).
The book is organized in two parts. The first part deals with four questions people often ask about suffering: Is suffering a punishment for sin? Does God cause suffering? Does my suffering affect God? And is there an end to suffering? The second part of the book focuses on specific issues related to suffering, where the author deals plainly with common sources of suffering. Although McWilliams tries to distinguish his study, which he calls a theology of suffering, from traditional theodicy, which he sees as more philosophical, the distinctions are often blurred.
The issues related to the different types of suffering tend to fall into two categories: one, God causes suffering either as a consequence of sin, a testing or learning opportunity, or for some reason known only to God; or, two,God allows suffering either as a natural consequence of the created order, or as the work of Satan. McWilliams admits that human experience does not always fit into logical doctrinal categories. Ultimately, the author asserts that God alone holds the key to the answers to the questions many sufferers ask. He describes mankind’s actions as penultimate, whereas God’s are ultimate.
McWilliams presents various viewpoints on each issue he addresses, but concludes each chapter with his personal view, which emphasizes God’s grace and hope. One chapter that seems a little out of place is the chapter on animal suffering. The discussion is informative, but very speculative and incongruent with the stated approach of the second part of the book. The final chapter presents his appeal for “reverent creativity” (174) in our response to the struggles God allows in our lives. He highlights those who creatively responded to their suffering “from the resources of their faith in God” (174).
This book is an enjoyable read. Its strength is its practical focus and honest assessment of issues all of us face. Throughout the book, McWilliams maintains a strong biblical focus and steadfast faith in God. In the end, he allows that it is not wrong for sufferers to ask questions, and in fact, even the asking of them may be part of our spiritual growth process.
