The God I Don't Understand
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Synopsis
If we are honest, we have to admit that there are many things we don't understand about God. We do not have final answers to the deep problems of life, and those who say they do are probably living in some degree of delusion. There are areas of mystery in our Christian faith that lie beyond the keenest scholarship or even the most profound spiritual exercises. For many people, these problems raise so many questions and uncertainties that faith itself becomes a struggle, and the very person and character of God are called into question. Chris Wright encourages us to face up to the limitations of our understanding and to acknowledge the pain and grief they can often cause. But at the same time, he wants us to be able to say, like the psalmist in Psalm 73: 'But that's all right. God is ultimately in charge and I can trust him to put things right. Meanwhile, I will stay near to my God, make him my refuge, and go on telling of his deeds'.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The "Tough Questions" that Christopher Wright's book addresses are as old as the hills. But his clear, honest approach and dialogue with these imponderables of the faith is skillfully fresh, accessible and relevant to both the scholar and non-scholar. Freeing himself of evangelical platitudes and simple solutions, Wright portrays tough questions as they should be portrayed: "really tough." But what is so refreshing about the book is already expressed in the title and subtitle: The God I Don't Understand: Reflections on Tough Questions of Faith. He doesn't promise all the answers from the get go. He promises reflections, of which he delivers thoughtfully, articulately, prayerfully, and pastorally.
Allow me to give some examples. In his introduction, Wright begins by clarifying that there are different types of "not understanding." Often, we simply put "understanding" in the theoretical world, but we experience non-understanding in a variety of ways including grief, emotional pain, puzzlement and even gratitude. This is a simple, yet profound insight by which he begins his book.
Wright acknowledges the agony of evil's influence in the world. For us, it simply does not make sense. Rather than postulating a rationally sound theodicy, however, he turns the tables. For Wright, it is actually a good thing that evil does not make sense to us because "sense" is a good part of our rationality that is part of the image of God in us. Evil has nothing to do with "sense"-- that is, it is completely beyond our rational notions! (p. 42)
But Wright never leaves the reader in hopelessness. He guards the ugliness of evil's offense and violation of all we know to be good, while equally affirming the goodness of God and the hope of complete redemption.
I have only a few incidental criticisms. Wright frequently quotes Scripture and often includes significant portions of text. This is distracting at times from the flow of the book. (Of course, quoting Scripture too often is a sin easily forgivable!) Some may also object to his perhaps too-hastily expressed eschatological positions (e.g. see p. 169, pp. 199ff.), or generalizations with respect to postmodernity (see pp. 136-38). But these are minor grievances compared to the richness this book offers.
Allow me to give some examples. In his introduction, Wright begins by clarifying that there are different types of "not understanding." Often, we simply put "understanding" in the theoretical world, but we experience non-understanding in a variety of ways including grief, emotional pain, puzzlement and even gratitude. This is a simple, yet profound insight by which he begins his book.
Wright acknowledges the agony of evil's influence in the world. For us, it simply does not make sense. Rather than postulating a rationally sound theodicy, however, he turns the tables. For Wright, it is actually a good thing that evil does not make sense to us because "sense" is a good part of our rationality that is part of the image of God in us. Evil has nothing to do with "sense"-- that is, it is completely beyond our rational notions! (p. 42)
But Wright never leaves the reader in hopelessness. He guards the ugliness of evil's offense and violation of all we know to be good, while equally affirming the goodness of God and the hope of complete redemption.
I have only a few incidental criticisms. Wright frequently quotes Scripture and often includes significant portions of text. This is distracting at times from the flow of the book. (Of course, quoting Scripture too often is a sin easily forgivable!) Some may also object to his perhaps too-hastily expressed eschatological positions (e.g. see p. 169, pp. 199ff.), or generalizations with respect to postmodernity (see pp. 136-38). But these are minor grievances compared to the richness this book offers.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I appreciated the honesty of the author. He distinguishes clearly between what can be asserted with confidence and what cannot. The section on end times was most helpful.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is a most excellent book tackling a few difficult questions, each of which is treated with a serious, thoughtful and detailed response. While one might not agree with everything the writer states it is refreshing to have honest opinions clearly expressed - would that politicians followed this man's approach.
I would recommend it to anyone who seeks to have some answers given to the puzzles that Scripture oft times leaves for us to ponder.
I would recommend it to anyone who seeks to have some answers given to the puzzles that Scripture oft times leaves for us to ponder.
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