Raging with Compassion: Pastoral Responses to the Problem of Evil

Can we defend God's love, goodness, and power in a world scarred by violence and suffering? Do we need to? Traditional attempts to explain the problem of evil have mostly seen it as a philosophical and theological task. In this fascinating take on theodicy, John Swinton reminds readers that the experience of evil and suffering precedes pontification on its origin.

In "Raging with Compassion" Swinton argues for a practical theodicy, one embodied in the life and practices of the Christian community. This practicality does not seek to provide an explanation for the existence of evil, but rather presents ways in which evil and suffering can be resisted and transformed. This, he insists, will enable Christians to live faithfully with unanswered questions as they await God's redemption of the whole creation.

Swinton explores essential practices of redemption -- lament, forgiveness, thoughtfulness, hospitality, and friendship -- drawing out their practical implications for the faithful resistance of evil. Enhanced by case studies from current events and by Swinton's own experience as a pastor and mental health nurse, this book seeks to inspire fresh questions about the Christian traditions, as well as new responses and modes of practice to our broken, fallen world.