Beautiful and Terrible Things: A Christian Struggle with Suffering, Grief, and Hope

Bible scholar Brady (The Rabbinic Targum of Lamentations) mines scripture and his own experiences of grief in this touching testament to the value of hope after a tragedy. Though Brady felt he understood the Old Testament views on lament (it was his focus of study) he found his studies did little to prepare him for the death of his son Mack at age eight after a blood infection. In dealing with his grief, Brady used the Old Testament for exegesis and personal guidance, beginning with the question many have asked God after tragedy: “How could you let this happen?” He examines biblical books that tackle tragedy and give voice to grief—Ecclesiastes, Job, Lamentations—and stories that illustrate how those who found peace embraced the unknowable: “Job seeks purpose and meaning and is unwilling to accept a pat answer that does not fit his own, real, lived experience. The world, and our experience in it, is complicated, messy, and painful.” He also weaves in reflections prompted by popular culture, such as the music of U2 or the Lord of the Rings books, which he read to Mack in the hospital. Brady rests his faith on a nuanced view of resurrection and hope that his strong faith will allow him to be with Mack again. This thoughtful and heartfelt inquiry into biblical lessons on suffering will satisfy any theologically inclined Christian. (Sept.)