Description

Book Synopsis
To many, the problem of evil and suffering constitutes by far the most serious objection to mainstream religious belief. For all its starkness and salience, though, the dilemma is also widely misinterpreted. That visceral feelings often dominate discussion is understandable on one level. But this can displace the clearer-headed thinking needed to shed greater light on the subject.

In this brief but broad-ranging book, Rupert Shortt shows that belief in a divine Creator is much more coherent intellectually than many sceptics suppose. Basic misconceptions about core aspects of Judaism, Christianity and Islam can in turn spawn still greater caricatures of subjects including divine power. Having cleared the ground, Shortt goes on to discuss the nature of evil from a classical Abrahamic standpoint and how Christian resources in particular offer guidance in an area where raw emotion, conceptual th

Trade Review
Rupert Shortt is clear and incisive in this new work of theodicy -- Iain McGilchrist
'One of the most cogent writers of our day' -- Peter Sedgwick
'Beguiling' -- Julia Neuberger
'Deep theological knowledge and spiritual discernment' -- John Barton
'Wise, informed and immensely thoughtful' -- Alister McGrath
A stunning challenge to the casual atheism of our age -- Angela Tilby
His arguments are powerful -- Bishop Erik Varden
The book succeeds in presenting a reasoned case for holding fast to the reality of God, as Christianity understands it, and not shirking from the troubling existence of suffering. -- Mark Vernon
intelligent and lucid -- Melanie McDonagh
a profoundly helpful book -- Timothy Radcliffe
Unlike most participants in this lively debate, Rupert Shortt hasn't decided the answer before asking the question . . . After all, evil and suffering are not a problem to be fixed but a mystery to be entered. -- Sam Wells
Shortt has an admirable gift for making the obscure lucid, for chasing away confusions, and for saying a great deal in a small space without sacrifice of substance or profundity -- David Bentley Hart
Rupert Shortt gets to grips with this philosophical, theological, pastoral and human conundrum incisively but sensitively -- Fr Alban McCoy
The Hardest Problem contains hard thought, emotional honesty and keen awareness of the issues. * TLS *
This is an immensely attractive exposition of Christian faith, accessible to a wide readership, and ideal for discussion groups on these topics. * Church Times *

The Hardest Problem

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    A Paperback / softback by Rupert Shortt

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    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Wed 9 Sep 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher Hodder & Stoughton
      Published 17 August 2023
      ISBN-13 9781399802727
      978-1399802727
      ISBN-10 1399802720
      Also in:
      Religion Christian life and practice Religious issues and debates

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      To many, the problem of evil and suffering constitutes by far the most serious objection to mainstream religious belief. For all its starkness and salience, though, the dilemma is also widely misinterpreted. That visceral feelings often dominate discussion is understandable on one level. But this can displace the clearer-headed thinking needed to shed greater light on the subject.

      In this brief but broad-ranging book, Rupert Shortt shows that belief in a divine Creator is much more coherent intellectually than many sceptics suppose. Basic misconceptions about core aspects of Judaism, Christianity and Islam can in turn spawn still greater caricatures of subjects including divine power. Having cleared the ground, Shortt goes on to discuss the nature of evil from a classical Abrahamic standpoint and how Christian resources in particular offer guidance in an area where raw emotion, conceptual th

      Trade Review
      Rupert Shortt is clear and incisive in this new work of theodicy -- Iain McGilchrist
      'One of the most cogent writers of our day' -- Peter Sedgwick
      'Beguiling' -- Julia Neuberger
      'Deep theological knowledge and spiritual discernment' -- John Barton
      'Wise, informed and immensely thoughtful' -- Alister McGrath
      A stunning challenge to the casual atheism of our age -- Angela Tilby
      His arguments are powerful -- Bishop Erik Varden
      The book succeeds in presenting a reasoned case for holding fast to the reality of God, as Christianity understands it, and not shirking from the troubling existence of suffering. -- Mark Vernon
      intelligent and lucid -- Melanie McDonagh
      a profoundly helpful book -- Timothy Radcliffe
      Unlike most participants in this lively debate, Rupert Shortt hasn't decided the answer before asking the question . . . After all, evil and suffering are not a problem to be fixed but a mystery to be entered. -- Sam Wells
      Shortt has an admirable gift for making the obscure lucid, for chasing away confusions, and for saying a great deal in a small space without sacrifice of substance or profundity -- David Bentley Hart
      Rupert Shortt gets to grips with this philosophical, theological, pastoral and human conundrum incisively but sensitively -- Fr Alban McCoy
      The Hardest Problem contains hard thought, emotional honesty and keen awareness of the issues. * TLS *
      This is an immensely attractive exposition of Christian faith, accessible to a wide readership, and ideal for discussion groups on these topics. * Church Times *

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