God, Suffering, and Pentecostals
- Theology
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2022
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Publisher's Description
Pentecostals emphasize that God is still the Healer of all illnesses, implying that God answers all prayers. What about those who are not healed? How do we explain suffering? Why does a good God allow suffering? Is God not powerful enough to prevent it? In this publication, the author reconsiders these questions from a Pentecostal hermeneutical perspective to develop a novel way to think about God's involvement with suffering among people. His experimental theology speculates how a Pentecostal ethos accommodates a theodicy that acknowledges suffering and God's involvement in people's lives. Although the book is a theologically constituted attempt, anyone can follow and understand its arguments. It concludes with alternative views of suffering, evil, God's loving attention to people, the doctrine of original sin, and Satan. The author also suggests some ways to respond to suffering.
Endorsements (5)
“Marius Nel raises essential arguments that have long concerned theologians and people interested in the theodicy debate. . . . This matter is finally being applied to the Pentecostal tradition and offers valuable perspectives to reflect on further. Congratulations to Marius for a well-written book and for again emphasizing the topic of God and suffering.”
“The issues of theodicy and suffering concerned philosophers and theologians over time without the final word being said. This is a much-needed contribution, in particular within Pentecostal circles, where there is little reflection on these issues. The author does a fine act of balancing academic discourse and experienced reality. This study will challenge stereotyped Pentecostal beliefs but will also appeal to every reader to empathetically engage with people who suffer.”
“In God, Suffering, and Pentecostals, Marius critically addresses the problem of theodicy in Pentecostal thought. In this welcome and cogent analysis, Nel provides us not with easy answers but with meticulous reflection on biblical and Pentecostal views on theodicy, God, and evil, inviting the reader to struggle with him and other Pentecostals about one of the greatest theological mysteries.”
“Despite the explosive growth of global Pentecostalism, few scholars are wrestling with issues of theodicy from the perspective of the tradition. Nel provides a welcome exploration of the realities and theology of suffering. . . . While academically rigorous, this book is profoundly practical as it grounds the experience of suffering in the pastorate. Even more, this book is very needed in the current context as we navigate the heartbreaking impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic.”
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