Brent Colby

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The Problem of Pain - Review

problem of painC.S. Lewis describes a personal theology of suffering in his work titled, The Problem of Pain. He wrestles the subjects of divine goodness, human wickedness, sin, and heaven to paint a logical and theological view of suffering. His attempt to answer the question of why bad things happen is personal and transparent. Lewis is open about things he does not know and is careful to grasp supposition too tightly. This book is written in first person and reads like a one sided conversation. The conversational quality comes from his reasonable movement between concepts and questions surrounding his topics. He does not pretend to be something he is not: an expert on all things. He does pretend to not be something he is: one of the greatest theological expositors of our time. His humility is refreshing and honest and adds a level of human contact throughout the work.

I would recommend reading this book. It is thoughtful and complex.  The ideas presented from page to page are more than the musings of a brilliant mind. They are the theological and practical reflection on a life time of thought.  As approachable as C.S. Lewis may be, understand that reading this book is an exercise in thought. It is not as entertaining as it is challenging.