Why, O God?: Suffering and Disability in the Bible and the Church

  

Suffering and disability have been innate human problems since the Fall. The topic presents a number of pastoral, theological, philosophical, and practical challenges. So I am excited to share a new resource that seeks to address these challenges biblically and from an Evangelical perspective.

Larry J. Waters and Roy B. Zuck, eds., Why, O God?: Suffering and Disability in the Bible and the Church (Wheaton: Crossway, 2011).

Publisher’s Description:

With two in seven American families affected by disability, the body of Christ has a great opportunity for ministry. This new anthology uniquely points the way, training churches, caregivers, pastors, and counselors to compassionately respond.

The book’s contributors—ranging from Joni Eareckson Tada and others living with disabilities, to seminary professors, ministry leaders, and medical professionals—do more than offer a biblical perspective on suffering and disability; they draw from very personal experiences to explore Christians’ responsibility toward those who suffer. The volume addresses various disabilities and age-related challenges, end-of-life issues, global suffering, and other concerns—all the while reminding readers that as they seek to help the hurting, they will be ministered to in return.

This unprecedented work, which includes a foreword by Randy Alcorn, belongs in the hands of every Christian worker and caring individual who is seeking a real-world, biblical perspective on suffering. 

Table of Contents:

Foreword by Randy Alcorn

Part 1 Challenge and Need

1. Redeeming Suffering – Joni Eareckson Tada

2. A Biblical Disability-Ministry Perspective – Daniel R. Thomson

3. Church-Based Disability Ministry – Jessica James Baldridge

4. Disabilities and the Church – Michael A. Justice

5. The Rolling Throne – Greg A. Hatteberg

Part 2 Biblical Foundations

6. Suffering in the Pentateuch – Stephen J. Bramer

7. Suffering in the Historical Books – Stephen J. Bramer

8. Suffering in the Book of Job – Larry J. Waters

9. Suffering in the Psalms and Wisdom Books – Ronald B. Allen

10. Suffering in the Writing Prophets (Isaiah to Malachi) – Stephen J. Bramer

11. A Biblical Theology of Suffering in Gospels – Mark L. Bailey

12. Suffering in Acts and the Pauline Epistles – Stanley D. Toussaint

13. Suffering in the Non-Pauline Epistles – James E. Allman

14. Suffering in the Book of Revelation – Thomas L. Constable

Part 3 Theology, Pastoral Ministry, and Missions

15. Receiving Evil from God – Douglas K. Blount

16. Pastoral Care and Disability – Victor D. Anderson

17. Global Suffering – James A. Neathery

Part 4 Counseling and Professional Services

18. Dealing with Disabilities in Adults – Amy J. Wilson

19. Children with Disabilities – Patricia Evans

20. Bioethics and Suffering – Richard L. Voet

21. Death and Dying ­– Linda M. Martin

Part 5 Conclusion

22. Wheelchairs in Heaven? – Joni Eareckson Tada

General index

Scripture Index

You can read an excerpt here.