Harold Kushner’s “When Bad Things Happen to Good People” is a compassionate and deeply personal examination of life’s most profound questions. Published in 1981, this book grapples with the age-old problem of evil and suffering, seeking to provide solace and understanding to those facing adversity.
Key Points:
Theodicy Dilemma:
Kushner confronts the paradox: If God is benevolent and loving, why does suffering exist? He delves into the evidential problem of evil, acknowledging the tension between a compassionate Creator and a world filled with pain.
Finite God Solution:
Rather than presenting an all-powerful God who prevents suffering, Kushner proposes a different perspective. He suggests that God is benevolent but not omnipotent—doing His best to be with us in our suffering, even if unable to fully prevent it.
Personal Context:
Kushner’s own experience—losing his three-year-old son to progeria, a degenerative disease—infuses the book with authenticity. His grief becomes a universal touchpoint for readers navigating their own hardships.
Comfort and Faith:
The book aims to offer comfort, not easy answers. Kushner encourages readers to maintain faith despite tragedy, emphasizing that God cares deeply, even when unable to intervene directly.
Impact and Criticism:
Bestseller:
“When Bad Things Happen to Good People” became a New York Times bestseller, resonating with countless individuals seeking solace.
Translation: Translated into multiple languages, the book has reached a global audience.
Challenges to Beliefs: Kushner’s views have sparked debate. Some conservative scholars question his stance on God’s omnipotence, while others find his perspective refreshing. For those seeking wisdom in times of suffering, this book offers a thoughtful companion. You can explore it further on Penguin Random House Canada or Goodreads.
References:
Michael, Martin. (1990). The Finite God Theodicy. In Atheism: A Philosophical Justification. Temple University Press. pp. 436-438. ISBN 0-87722-642-3.
Rabbi Harold Kushner ’55 | Columbia College Today. Retrieved 2023-04-30.
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