Book Review: Why Is There Suffering?
I loved reading the classic "Choose Your Own Adventure" series when I was a kid. My school library had a series collection, and the self-guided stories were always fun to read. These were stories where the reader had the opportunity to make choices on behalf of the story's main characters. For example, if the story involved a character who was kidnapped by a pirate, the chapter might end with a choice like this: you join the pirate's crew, turn to page 58, or you begin to plan your escape, turn to page 98. I believed these stories helped cultivate my imagination. When my creativity is at its best, I consider options I hadn't previously considered. We solve our most significant problems by intentionally or unintentionally considering other paths.
When it comes to one of the big questions in life, like, "Why is there suffering?" the answers are never straightforward. If anything, I've found the answers to be frustrating and sometimes downright insulting. But we all try to answer that question. "Why did I not get that job?", "Why are we still stuck in this pandemic?" or "Why did my friends lose their baby?" Often, there are no good answers. You know that mystics, sages, philosophers, and theologians have considered these questions for centuries, but studying their work is a very daunting task.
If this is you, I'd like to recommend you pick up the book "Why Is There Suffering? Pick Your Own Theological Expedition" by Dr. Bethany Sollereder. The book takes a novel approach to the subject of suffering by using a similar format to the classic "Choose Your Own Adventure" titles and allows you, the reader, to journey through different approaches to suffering. As the reader, you go on an epic quest with Bethany alongside you as a guide. Bethany does the heavy lifting for you as the reader and presents multiple options to consider in an approachable, friendly yet informed manner. It's a journey that will take you through mountains, across rivers and fields. You'll explore islands, forests, and cities to understand better why it is that we all hurt.
The book reminded me of a trip I took through the U.K. years ago.
Here's why I think you should buy this book:
1) The book's format is intelligent and creative, but the author's tone is gentle, caring, and kind. This balance is the approach we need to see more of in our world. Bethany becomes your own theological Obi-Wan Kenobi, Mr. Miyagi, or Gandalf and does a great job of helping you interpret ideas rather than telling you what you should think.
2) I found a new appreciation for ideas and philosophies that I had not previously considered. My favorite chapters or paths were the ones I was least familiar with. I purposely chose paths I knew I probably would disagree with and ended up finding value in those perspectives. I think you will too.
3) Any book that can inspire empathy is worth our time. We live in a time where people are in pain. I need to become a better listener, and I believe this book has helped me.
4) Decades ago, I literally spent time shoveling horse poop with Bethany Sollereder. Naturally, I don't blindly trust anyone I did that task with, but I certainly trust this one. There are many theologians out there, but I gravitate to ones that have shoveled horse poop.
One last thing, I do enjoy ebooks, but I think the best way to experience this book is with an actual physical copy. You'll want to flip back and forth through the pages, and an ebook may not be as fun.
This is a journey you should take. Enjoy!