Making Sense Out Of Suffering by Peter Kreeft

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I’m wondering if this book would be good for someone who just recently lost their father. She (the person who lost her father) could be described as a rather worldly individual who is very secular in thought and politically liberal as far left could go. I’ve been praying for a while now for a conversion to Jesus Christ (in which more prayers would be appreciated) for her, and I thought with this tragedy in her life, now would be a good time to witness a bit to her. I’ve heard this book is great for those mourning. However, I’m really cautious as to not throw something at her that is heavy on Catholic theology or religious doctrine. Any thoughts or suggestions?

PS. Please remember her and her family in prayer, and for the soul of the recently departed.

Thanks!
 
This is a wonderful book and I think it is one of the only truly Catholic perspectives on why “bad” things seem to happen. I would highly recommend it and highly recommend it for someone who just suffered a loss.
 
It’s been about 15 years since I read it, so my memory may be a bit fuzzy. :o I really liked the book and found it to be a great explanation of suffering. However, I’m not sure how it would come across to a “secular liberal” who just lost her father. It might come across far differently to her.

I think it could be worth picking up and reading through yourself first. Then you can decide whether it would be a good one to pass along. The book isn’t that long. It’s a relatively quick read.
 
Kreeft has another excellent book,* Love is Stronger than Death*, which might be helpful for your friend (not a few have called me liberal and worldly, but I found Kreeft’s logic and style very compelling). However, if the pain of loss is still too strong, you might want to wait on the book and just be available for your friend. Praying for their loss.
 
Joe_5859 said:
It’s been about 15 years since I read it, so my memory may be a bit fuzzy. :o I really liked the book and found it to be a great explanation of suffering. However, I’m not sure how it would come across to a “secular liberal” who just lost her father. It might come across far differently to her.

I think it could be worth picking up and reading through yourself first. Then you can decide whether it would be a good one to pass along. The book isn’t that long. It’s a relatively quick read.
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Thanks for the feedback. I should clarify that this person is not an atheist or agnostic. I venture to say she may even identify as a believer in Christ but would subscribe to the “spiritual but not religious” rhetoric. She may attend a non-denominational church every few months or so. I’m hoping that by this loss, though sad and painful, may increase her need for a connection to God.
 
christofirst said:
Kreeft has another excellent book,* Love is Stronger than Death*, which might be helpful for your friend (not a few have called me liberal and worldly, but I found Kreeft’s logic and style very compelling). However, if the pain of loss is still too strong, you might want to wait on the book and just be available for your friend. Praying for their loss.
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Does Making Sense Out Of Suffering contain a lot of Catholic theology? I guess a more careful question would be, could any person of faith read this with understanding? Or would it fly over the head of non-Catholics in general?

Thanks for the prayers.
 
Mgray82 said:
Does Making Sense Out Of Suffering contain a lot of Catholic theology? I guess a more careful question would be, could any person of faith read this with understanding? Or would it fly over the head of non-Catholics in general?

Thanks for the prayers.
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Peter Kreeft is generally pretty good at targeting a “mere Christianity” audience such that it is accessible to all Christians.

I looked and he actually has an excerpt of the book on his website. So you can get a feel for what the book is like:

peterkreeft.com/topics/suffering.htm
 
It would help. I also suggest you download the mp3 of it on his website. One good help as well would be Kreeft’s seminar on Lewis’ “Grief Observed”. Kreeft and Lewis’ take imply death cannot be meaningless and therefore there is God. Something like that.
 
Patty23 said:
It would help. I also suggest you download the mp3 of it on his website. One good help as well would be Kreeft’s seminar on Lewis’ “Grief Observed”. Kreeft and Lewis’ take imply death cannot be meaningless and therefore there is God. Something like that.
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I think A Grief Observed is a better choice in this case. However, I think suffering is one of those things we should train for and prepare a defense in advance. To this end, Making Sense Out of Suffering is the best book I have read on the subject since Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning. These two lay the foundation to weather storms in the future. Another source for help I know, that work well even in the midst of suffering, are the* Amazing Grace for Those Who Suffer* books by Jeff Cavins, or anything by Jeff Cavins on the subject.
 
The concept of Original Sin is a big hurdle. You have to explain that we rebelled against God and that is why there is all this pain and suffering in the world and yet God so loved the world He sent His only Begotten Son. 👍
 
opusAquinas said:
The concept of Original Sin is a big hurdle. You have to explain that we rebelled against God and that is why there is all this pain and suffering in the world and yet God so loved the world He sent His only Begotten Son. 👍
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Far from being a big hurdle Original Sin is the most reasonable explanation of the blood-stained history of the human race. Anyone who denies the reality of evil is living in a fantasy world.
 
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