Why Does It Have to Hurt?: The Meaning of Christian Suffering

Rating:
Summary: An honest, Bible-based examination of suffering
Review: Dr. McCartney boldly examines the subject of suffering, especially asking the questions that all Christians deal with eventually. He uses the life of our Savior, Jesus Christ, as the ultimate example of apparently unjust suffering as part of God's plan. Scripture assures us that God has ordained suffering as a refining of His chosen and that He is with us to guide, comfort & rescue according to His grace & wisdom. This makes an excellent small group study guide as Dr. McCartney is not afraid to ask "why?" and examine it in light of the truth & inerrancy of the Word of God.

Rating:
Summary: More than feeling good
Review: The previous reviewer who says that while suffering we need to be lifted up rather than made to feel worse fails to address the issue of whether what the author says is TRUE. If all we care about is feeling good and encouraged, this only proves the author's point -- we are so evil and self-centered that no wonder we suffer so much.

Rating:
Summary: why does it have to hurt?
Review: This book will not help the person that is undergoing a rough time from stress, depression, emotional trauma, etc. It discusses how suffering is caused by evil. While we are in the middle of suffering we need lifted up, not made to feel worse. Instead, I would recommend, "Gold in the Making" by Ron Davis.