Bad things happen to good people. It’s a fact.

Sometimes in my ministry work, worshipers asked how and why God allows bad things to happen, especially to people who have already endured endless amounts of suffering. Sadly, many times I don’t know what to say. I want to provide comfort and answers, but I can’t.

For hundreds of years, theologians have asked similar questions. In times of extreme hardship, God certainly does test our faith. Whether it’s illness, financial hardships, or family problems, relationship problems or work problems, sometimes the “best people” are met with the worst and most unfair suffering.

Christians are not the only people who struggle with why God allows this to happen. Other religions ask similar questions. In fact, a Jewish conservative Rabbi, Harold Kushner wrote a very famous and well reviewed book on the subject in the 70’s. It’s title? “When Bad Things Happen to Good People”.

In this famous book, Kusher explores the theory of evil and why a loving and just God allows evil to happen. Kushner wrote the book after his young son, Aaron, died at age 14 of an incurable genetic disease. His book was on the New York Times best seller list for many, many months. If you haven’t already read it, I encourage you to check it out. His book provides comfort to those who are grieving. Although in full disclosure, I do want to let you know that when it was published, the book did find some critics in Orthodox Jewish circles and among evangelical Christian groups.

Put it on your summer reading list. You won’t be sorry.