It's the most important subject in Christianity. It reveals who God is, how God works, how we mature as followers of Jesus, and how we are to conduct ourselves in this sinful world. The subject is suffering. To explore it biblically and inspirationally is to identify the basic elements of a responsible Christian theology that's more than a set of pious abstractions. This subject forces us close to where we hurt, doubt, believe, and relate to our neighbors. God suffers, Jesus cries. The tears of God are the deepest meaning of our history. God's ""problem"" is not that God is not able to do certain things, but that God loves. The cross of Jesus was in God's heart before it appeared on Golgatha. The pain of God is the healing of humanity. The cross, the worst of human doing and the best of divine revelation, clarifies that we must die to really live. We must share in the sufferings of Jesus. ""Here's refreshing honesty about suffering. The negative experience, common to all, is less a problem to be solved and more a calling to be embraced, one that can deepen intimacy with God, reveal God's heart, and enable us to become carriers of healing love to a broken world. This is a must read "" --Philip R. Meadows, Professor of Evangelization Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary ""Why do we suffer unnecessarily if God is good, powerful, and cares? Callen cuts through the chaos of bad explanations and presents a ROSE-shaped God who is lovingly with us on the jagged journey. Biblically sound and beautifully written."" --Thomas J. Oord, Wesleyan theologian, author of The Uncontrolling God ""Instead of another abstract treatment, this gift to the suffering Christian reveals God as immanently real and relevant. The prose is often powerful and jarringly poignant."" --Diane Leclerc, Professor of Historical Theology, Northwest Nazarene University, author of Discovering Christian Holiness ""A difficult subject presented clearly and wisely. God suffers with us because of an amazing love. This reality brings vital knowledge about ourselves and God."" --Roger J. Green, Member of the International Doctrine Council of The Salvation Army, Professor at Gordon College ""Callen navigates through difficult questions, brings hope, and points to Christlikeness. Here's a healing balm for sufferers that encourages Christians to participate in the pain of others."" --Carla Sunberg, General Superintendent, Church of the Nazarene, co-author of Reflecting the Image: Our Call to Mirror Christ to the World Barry L. Callen is Dean Emeritus of Anderson University and its School of Theology, Editor of Aldersgate Press, and Corporate Secretary of Horizon International, a mission to AIDS orphans in six African nations. He has authored or edited over fifty books, including Cascade's acclaimed Bible Stories for Strong Stomachs.
