Why Is There Suffering?: Pick Your Own Theological Expedition

Praise for Why Is There Suffering?

ALISTER MCGRATH, Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion, University of Oxford

"Bethany helps us to explore options through this intellectual maze by pointing out the various pathways available, inviting us to explore them in her company, and asking what we make of them. It’s a guided tour of options, intended to help readers explore them with a courteous and informed guide who accompanies them as they wander and reflect. I hope you enjoy this intellectual ride and that it helps you think through the challenges of living in a world of pain, suffering, and evil."

SALLY NELSON, Dean of Baptist Formation, St Hild College, Yorkshire and Hub Tutor for Northern Baptist College

"Sollereder leads us skillfully through key issues of providence, evil, suffering, divine intervention and judgement, with elegant and accessible prose, and with frequent references to familiar stories and sources. Instead of closing down debate by attempting to produce a single theological explanation, Sollereder offers a refreshing openness that encourages the pilgrim reader to grow in understanding and in faith. This book will excite and encourage those who are not satisfied with trite answers."

DIARMAID MACCULLOCH, Professor Emeritus of the History of the Church, University of Oxford

"Bethany Sollereder has written a hospitable book, with a light touch. Although an admirably well-informed guide, she allows the visitor to wander at will through many mansions housing one of the most difficult problems to confront thoughtful humanity. Enter, and enjoy finding your own route forward."

JOHN SWINTON, Chair in Divinity and Religious Studies, University of Aberdeen Author of Raging with Compassion: Pastoral Responses to the Problem of Evil

"Bethany Sollereder is one of the leading scholars within the ongoing debates around the nature of theodicy and how best we should respond to the problem of evil. In this creative and deeply thoughtful book she presents us with a new, challenging and deeply promising approach to how best to think about theodicy. This book will not only make an excellent contribution to the field, it will also move us on in important direction."

JAMES BRYAN SMITH, Author of The Good and Beautiful God

"The problem of suffering has been an eternal riddle that has left people puzzled and perplexed for centuries. What I love about this book is its approach to this riddle. It is truly an expedition, and it is clear that the author knows the terrain inside and out. It reads like a field journal written by a deeply informed guide. If you are looking for an excellent book about how to think about this problem, you need look no further. You have found it."

CHRISTOPHER SOUTHGATE, Professor of Christian Theodicy, University of Exeter

"Bethany Sollereder has combined her considerable learning with her passion for theological adventure to produce a book that will help, delight and provoke many readers. Accessibly written, it will stimulate many a church study group, and also provide solace for many a Christian who has thought some of these thoughts but not known how to connect them up. This is a highly original approach to introducing laypeople to theological reasoning, and I recommend it thoroughly."