Heidi Schlumpf

The Mystery of God and Suffering

Theology

“Like the woman in Overberg's story, I, too, have asked 'Why did Jesus have to die?' and struggled with the church's teaching that an angry God required it to atone for humanity's sinfulness. In The Mystery of God and Suffering, Overberg does a superb job of tracing church teaching on atonement theology and, more importantly, explaining contemporary theologians' different interpretations––what he calls the 'minority view'––that portray a loving God who desires healing and salvation, not suffering. His book is accessible, clear, and helpful in offering an alternative that is hopeful and healthy for those who are suffering or those, like me, have struggled with the 'majority view' of a vengeful God.”