The Question That Never Goes Away

Written by Philip Yancey

Narrated by Henry O. Arnold

Why does God allow suffering?

In his classic book Where Is God When It Hurts, Philip Yancey gave us permission to doubt, reasons not to abandon faith, and practical ways to reach out to hurting people.

In this sequel, written 30 years later, Yancey revisits our cry of "Why, God?" in the wake of increased violence and natural disasters the world over. It's a cry that many of us take up with more urgency each year as we sit stunned by the calamities devastating our world, our communities, and our personal lives.

Acknowledging that Christians have not always responded to the problem of pain and grief with grace, Yancey helps us find meaning in the midst of the deepest suffering. The Question That Never Goes Away is a deep and personal reflection on the ways that suffering both challenges and affirms our faith and how we can respond to the existence of evil in a manner that doesn't dismiss it.

"In the face of suffering, words do not suffice. We need something more: the word made flesh, actual living proof that God has not abandoned us, that he shares in our distress," Yancy writes. We find this proof in Jesus, whose own story is one of suffering voluntarily accepted. No other religion has this model of God identifying so deeply and compassionately with humanity—and this changes how we see it and respond to it.

Timely and heartfelt, Philip Yancey has once again offered readers a powerful response to some of the toughest questions that will never leave us in this life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Release date: May 17, 2022
• ISBN: 9780310365808

Philip Yancey

Philip Yancey previously served as editor-at-large for Christianity Today magazine. He has written thirteen Gold Medallion Award-winning books and won two ECPA Book of the Year awards, for What's So Amazing About Grace? and The Jesus I Never Knew. Four of his books have sold over one million copies. He lives with his wife in Colorado. Learn more at philipyancey.com.

Reviews for The Question That Never Goes Away

[the_hibernator · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Synopsis: After over a decade of traveling the world giving lectures on Where is God When it Hurts, Philip Yancy has decided to revisit this subject in his most recent book The Question That Never Goes Away. I have not read his earlier book, so I can't compare the messages of each, but I assume the newer book has a similar message to the older, with recent examples and insights that he has gathered since writing the first book. He starts by describing two different types of disaster: the devastating 2011 tsunami in Japan and the horrifying 4-year seige of Sarajevo in 1992. The first example is a natural disaster, but the second is man-made. Such disasters beg the question "Why?" Why would a God who loves us allow such destruction?Yancy points out that atheists have a field day with such calamity - using it as evidence that God doesn't exist. For, clearly, a loving God wouldn't allow such things to happen; therefore it is erroneous to believe in God. But Yancy counters: if, indeed, this is an impersonal universe of random indifference, why are the atheists so shocked and upset about someone else's tragedy? Clearly, their morals are shaped by the philosophical framework of Christianity. Yancy continues by explaining that there's nothing wrong with asking the question "Why?" In fact, it is a question asked over and over again in the Bible. God expects such questions, and he understands our grief and frustration at getting no answer. BUT, He still doesn't provide an answer. Not in the Bible. And not in the world. Yancy suggests that we shift our focus from cause to response. When disaster strikes, we should appreciate the outpouring of humanitarian aide that comes from individuals, communities, and countries. Yes - some of this humanitarian aide can be poorly planned, but notice what lies at the heart: love. We, as human beings, want to reach out and help those who are suffering. So where is God when it hurts? He is in those friends, neighbors, and complete strangers who reach out to help the suffering. God hates our suffering as much as we do - but he loves us so much that he sent his own son to suffer among us. Because we can relate to a suffering God. Finally, Yancy criticizes the claim that God sends suffering in order to build character. He points out that Jesus healed the afflicted. He never once said to them "But think of how character-building this experience is!" Yancy points out that God has promised to redeem our suffering. This does not mean that God sends suffering, but that when tragedy occurs, He inspires and directs good to result from the evil. Thus, we do gain character from suffering. My thoughts: This is a very difficult book to read because Yancy dwells on quite a few tragic events in detail. However, the book has a strong message and is written with a very humble and personal air. Yancy impresses me with his intelligent observations and powerful examples. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the question of why God allows suffering. I am eager to read more of Yancy's work.To read my full review check my blog: Resistance is Futile

[cherylcope_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Being a sequel to Where Is God When It Hurts?, “The Question” in this book is basically the same one. Or along similar lines, why do bad things happen to good people?, or why does God allow evil to take its awful course?, or how could a good God possibly allow such a calamity? The question never seems to be about God causing the bad stuff, just about God permitting or allowing it to happen.Philip Yancey uses one of his usual literary techniques—stories. He has stories from several modern catastrophes, especially from 2011-2013 from the United States and from around the globe. Most of them are heart-wrenching so be prepared for this. He includes stories from mass shootings, civil wars and natural disasters. Also included are snippets of interviews of victims and quotes from other Christians on the topic.Some of the conclusions are that suffering can be redeemed and that suffering contributes to spiritual growth in Christians. Other conclusions seemed to be that Jesus reached out with healing and compassion (therefore, so should we) and that one basic overarching truth is that God is with us during any tragedy or suffering.Two things are for sure when you read this book, one is that you will not come away with feeling sorry for yourself and two, you will be provoked to much thought, that is wondering, wondering, wondering.I thought a few things needed more attention or were missing altogether. There was very little (as in, a couple of sentences at the most) about Christian persecution and about compassion. There was no mention of crisis intervention intercession. Could some of these tragedies be averted if more Christians prayed? Not addressed.Even though I would have liked to see more on those topics (from the previous paragraph) there was still plenty to chew on, including ideas on what to say to hurting people. If you or someone you love is struggling with “The Question”, this book will be worthwhile for you to read.To purchase your own copy of this book go here:The Question That Never Goes AwayDisclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from publisher through the Booklookbloggers.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”