Why is doing good no guarantee of an easy life? One of the most common objections to the Christian Faith is 'If God created the universe, and is still in control of it, then Why does he allow suffering and injustice?' Melvin Tinker considers the different opinions people have before investigating the biblical answers about a crucial topic that needs to be faced by an evangelistic church. He looks at the situations biblical characters faced, the opposition to Jesus himself, and the suffering of the early church. This book provides the key factors behind the benefit and purpose of suffering.
Endorsements
One teaching which appears to becoming more common in Christian circles today, is that 'when you put your faith in Jesus Christ, all your problems will disappear!' However, the reality is that this is not the case at all, and such a superficial and indeed false teaching, can leave many people disillusioned and filled with doubts. The question, which the title of the book asks is a serious one. Why indeed, is doing good no guarantee of an easy life, while on the other hand, it looks as if those who do bad seem to prosper all the time. Melvin Tinker provides answers to these questions. He explores the cases of different characters from the Bible, such as Job. He then examines what Jesus Christ said, and looks at the example of the early Christians. Throughout the book, Tinker presents different explanations of the reasons for and the benefits of suffering, and encourages the reader to look at the 'bigger picture' all around them, rather than their own narrow view of the world. The author writes in a very readable style, using some very powerful illustrations, and handles the subject in a very sensitive fashion. Here is a book, which I can recommend. It contains some timely teachings for the Christian church today.
Andrew Young, Fraserburgh
"Right from the first page this book is easy reading, yet it deals with the most difficult subject Christians ever have to face - the question of why a loving God allows suffering. A wonderful antidote to self-pity, I can highly recommend this book to anyone, but particularly to those who struggle to know what to say or how to help when their friends are going through the mill."
Jennifer Rees Larcombe, Christian Herald
"...not only an apologetic and a pastoral help but also puts the reader into immediate contact with Job and the Psalmists as they struggle with the issues for real. The book is a deceptively easy read, written in an everyday style with biblical and contemporary illustrations. It is well worth a read."
Melvin Tinker (1955–2021) was Vicar of St John’s Newland, Chairman of Yorkshire Gospel Partnership, Co–director of Northern Training Course and was a leading member of the Anglican group ‘REFORM’. He is a popular author on culture and faith.
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