Questions and Answers for God Can't - Book reviews of Questions and Answers for God Can't

'Questions and Answers for God Can't' book reviews

Review for'Questions and Answers for God Can't'

"Questions and Answers for God Can't" by Thomas Jay Oord is a thought-provoking exploration of theodicy and divine power that challenges conventional Christian theology. Oord, a seasoned theologian and philosopher, invites readers into a candid conversation about some of the most perplexing questions surrounding God's nature, particularly in the context of pain, suffering, and evil. This book serves as a companion to his earlier work, "God Can't," and is structured to address the myriad questions that arose from readers of the first book.

Oord's approach is both compassionate and intellectually rigorous. He starts from the premise that traditional explanations for why a loving and powerful God allows suffering are often unsatisfactory. Instead of the typical responses that attribute suffering to God's mysterious will or the necessity of free will, Oord proposes a different perspective: God can't unilaterally prevent evil because of the inherently relational nature of divine love. This bold claim is the foundation upon which the book is built, and it is explored through a series of questions and answers that are both direct and deeply reflective.

The format of the book is particularly engaging. Each chapter is dedicated to answering a specific question, many of which have clearly been posed by real people grappling with real issues. This makes the book feel immensely practical and grounded. Oord does not shy away from difficult questions. Instead, he faces them head-on, offering answers that are thoughtful, well-reasoned, and rooted in his concept of "essential kenosis"—the idea that God's nature is inherently self-giving and non-coercive.

One of the strengths of "Questions and Answers for God Can't" is its accessibility. Oord writes in a clear and straightforward manner, avoiding the dense jargon that often characterizes theological texts. This makes the book suitable for a broad audience, from those with a casual interest in theology to scholars seeking to understand contemporary debates about divine power and love. Additionally, the book is rich with scriptural references and theological insights, which provides a robust framework for readers to engage with the material more deeply.

However, the book is not without its challenges. Some readers may find Oord's arguments unsettling or even controversial, especially if they hold traditional views about God's omnipotence. The idea that God’s power is inherently limited by God’s nature as love can be difficult to reconcile with long-held beliefs. Yet, this very challenge is what makes the book so compelling. Oord encourages readers to re-examine their assumptions and to consider the possibility that understanding God's power in a new light can offer deeper comfort and hope in the face of suffering.

In conclusion, "Questions and Answers for God Can't" is a significant contribution to contemporary theology. Thomas Jay Oord's willingness to engage with difficult questions and his innovative perspective on divine power and love make this book a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of God’s nature in relation to human suffering. It is a courageous work that invites readers to think critically and compassionately about the profound mysteries of faith.

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