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Review Summary: A Superb, Biblical Treatment of the Problem of Suffering |
Date: 2008-05-12 |
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Details: I write as a Catholic, who strongly disagrees with certain of Dr. Stanley's doctrines, such as his notion of eternal security, but I find that he offers very sound and wise advice in a number of areas of the spiritual life, and one of these areas is the problem of suffering.
The main portion of this book walks the reader through the sufferings and profound setbacks endured by many of the great figures in the Bible, such as Joseph and Moses. Stanley's exposition of these stories, in themselves, is comforting to the suffering reader -- he sees that others have walked the path before him.
Importantly, Stanley makes no false promises about escaping from suffering. While he encourages the reader to pray, and to maintain hope and faith, he does not offer false assurance that such prayer will inevitably alleviate suffering.
Finally, Stanley offers a well-thought-out discussion of the benefits of suffering - how, painful though it can be, it allows us to grow in spiritual maturity.
There is much else that can be said about this book. It is written simply and straightforwardly, but with penetrating insight and wisdom by a man who obviously has thought and prayed a great deal on the subject. It is also written with great warmth, and is a comforting book to read, reflecting, I'm sure, Stanley's long experience as a pastor.
As a closing aside, I might mention that as someone who has been immersed in Catholic life, practice and sensibility since childhood, it seems to me that Stanley's take on suffering is very Catholic indeed! There is very little if anything in this book that is contrary to Catholic teaching on the subject -- whether formal doctrinal teaching, or the informal teaching found in the writings of the saints. The Lord has planted the thought in my heart that Charles Stanley should be a Catholic, and that is something I pray for. |
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Review Summary: Gave New Hope to a Struggling Young Man |
Date: 2007-09-07 |
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Details: My son has been struggling with a broken marriage, and the resulting loss of his job, his home, and his pets, as well as the "one person who he thought would never hurt him, and the one who hurt him the most" for the past 9 months. It seemed there was nothing more I could do or say to get him through his days without extreme sadness and lack of self esteem. A good friend of mine suggested this book, and it has literally turned his life and his attitude around. I asked him if I could please read it when he was done, because I am so amazed that one book could have such an impact! Whatever Dr. Stanley has shared with him has certainly given him new hope, and I can't thank him enough for sharing his wisdom! |
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Review Summary: Good Point |
Date: 2007-03-21 |
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Details: Dr. Charles Stanley writes prolific prose about finding the blessing in everyday occurance. This is a comfort book. Buy it. |
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Review Summary: Balm and So True |
Date: 2006-06-15 |
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Details: When life deals a severe blow, it's one thing to hear "you'll be all right," but another to hear "you'll be blessed." "The Blessings of Brokenness" is a reassuring blend of grace and truth that ministers both to the emotions and to the mind. Stanley shares reasons, obstacles, processes, and blessings of being broken. While offering truth to hold on to, the book has the relational tone of a compassionate friend, rather than a detached, academic counseling guide. It's small size, substance, and tone make the book a good choice for giving to those in pain, including grief. (It's also available in audio, a format that could be useful, since sometimes reading even a small book might be too much exertion for a friend who feels like [...], pierced, pummeled, shattered, or just plain world-weary.) |
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Review Summary: Good Deals for your Money |
Date: 2005-07-08 |
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Details: This book has been such a Blessing and a fraction of the original cost. The book looked like new and came in a
timely manner. |
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out of 11 Reviews
