Wrestling with the divine
Book Description
In this profound exploration of one of humanity's most enduring questions, Rabbi Shmuel Boteach tackles the age-old puzzle of why suffering exists in a world created by a benevolent God. Rather than accepting pain and hardship as inevitable aspects of the human condition, Boteach presents a revolutionary Jewish perspective that challenges readers to reconsider their relationship with divine justice.
Drawing from traditional Jewish teachings, the author argues that suffering represents a fundamental disruption in creation's intended harmony, tracing its origins to humanity's earliest choices in Eden. This perspective stands in direct opposition to theological approaches that counsel passive acceptance of life's difficulties or suggest divine limitations in addressing human pain.
Boteach invites readers to embrace an active partnership with the divine, proposing that our true calling involves working to eliminate suffering from the world entirely. Through both practical actions such as medical advancement and charitable giving, and spiritual practices including bold dialogue with God about injustice, individuals can participate in healing creation itself.
This compelling work offers hope to those wrestling with personal trials while addressing broader questions about collective human suffering. Boteach's vision transforms the experience of hardship from resigned endurance into purposeful engagement, suggesting that our struggles can become catalysts for bringing about a world where goodness ultimately triumphs over all forms of darkness.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~8 hours)
📄 Length: 298 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Pain
- ✓ Explore Suffering, religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Religious aspects
- ✓ Explore Reward
- ✓ Explore Suffering
- ✓ Explore Reward (Jewish theology)
- ✓ Explore Doctrines
- ✓ Explore Judaism
