Logo

 

Banner Image:   Baptist-Times-banner-2000x370-
Template Mode:   Baptist Times
Icon
    Post     Tweet

Suffering: if God exists, why doesn't he stop it? 

'An invaluable piece of concise apologetic which can be given with confidence to any thoughtful person who wants to dig deeper into the dark mystery of suffering'

SufferingSuffering: if God exists, why doesn't he stop it?
By John Morris
Circle Books
ISBN: 978-1785350115
Reviewers: John Pritchard, Sir Colin Humphreys 

This is a gem of a book. It's approach is lucid, intelligent, wide-ranging and persuasive. As a Church of England Bishop I have faced this question many times from sixth formers, thoughtful agnostics and loyal believers, and always wanted a short book to recommend.

John Morris has given us the book I wanted - an invaluable piece of concise apologetic which can be given with confidence to any thoughtful person who wants to dig deeper into the dark mystery of suffering. 

Highly recommended for clarity, comprehensiveness and brevity.

John Pritchard is a former Bishop of Oxford


This is the simply the best book I know on suffering. The problem of suffering is probably the most difficult problem believers in God face. There are no easy answers. In this book John Morris writes both scientifically and biblically about suffering. He provides answers to the problem of suffering. He has a great writing style, and a talent for expressing profound thoughts simply.

The book is wonderfully short, so it can be read in an evening. But what a read! It is a great book to give to others who are troubled by how a loving God can allow suffering. If you only have time to read one book on suffering, read this one.    

Sir Colin Humphreys, CBE, FRS, Director of Research, Dept of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge


Related: The question of suffering leads many to leave their faith. Why didn't I? By John Morris

Both reviews originally published on Amazon, and used with the permission of the reviewers


 


 

Baptist Times, 24/06/2016
    Post     Tweet
When I am Among Friends I am Least Disabled, by Martin Hobgen
'A book to be read by those working in disability theology as a discipline, but also holds important insights for church congregations and pastors as a whole'
Becoming the pastor’s wife, by Beth Allison Barr
'Remarkable and accessible' book examining the connection between the decline of female ordination (present in late Roman times and in the medieval period) and the development of the role of the pastor’s wife in evangelical churches
Life Beyond Suicide, by Samuel Wells, Ann Feloy and David Mosse
Written for those considering how to help people affected by the horrors of suicide or are contemplating ending their own lives - not an ‘easy read’ but a ‘must read’ for individuals and pastoral groups
Unmasking the Angel, by Stephen Langford
'A rich and thoughtful resource... plenty of information regarding prayerfully considering the personality of churches'
Fringe Dweller, by Jonny Baker and David Cotterill
Recommended devotional and resource book - 40 stories about people on the margins that Jesus met and ministered to in some way, with liturgies and responses you can use straight out of the box expanding on those ideas
God’s Book, by Andrew Ollerton
'Though I have concerns on a couple of aspects as a former medical doctor, this is nevertheless a highly readable, helpful primer on some of the Bible’s many tough topics, full of memorable anecdotes and allusions'
    Posted: 24/10/2025
    Posted: 10/10/2025
    Posted: 18/07/2025
     
    Text Size:  
    Small (Default)
    Medium
    Large
    Contrast:  
    Normal
    High Contrast