When Bad Things Happen to Good People

Amazon.com

Rarely does a book come along that tackles a perennially difficult human issue with such clarity and intelligence. Harold Kushner, a Jewish rabbi facing his own child's fatal illness, deftly guides us through the inadequacies of the traditional answers to the problem of evil, then provides a uniquely practical and compassionate answer that has appealed to millions of readers across all religious creeds. Remarkable for its intensely relevant real-life examples and its fluid prose, this book cannot go unread by anyone who has ever been troubled by the question, "Why me?"

Book Description

For anyone who has ever been hurt by life.

"I knew that one day I would write this book. I would write it out of my own need to put into words some of the most important things I have come to believe and know. And I would write it to help other people who might one day find themselves in a similar predicament. I would write it for an those people who wanted to go on believing, but whose anger at God made it hard for them to hold on to their faith and be comforted by religion. And I would write it for an those people whose love of God and devotion to Him led them to blame themselves for their suffering and persuade themselves that they deserved it."

-- Harold S. Kushner

Customer Reviews:

A incorrect view of God that is devoid of hope.......2007-10-06

I write this review with sensitivity to Rabbi Kushner. He has suffered the great loss of his son. His motivation for writing this book is to distill "some blessing out of Aaron's pain and tears" and perhaps to process and come to grips with how and why God `allows' such incomprehensible and unbearable grief in this life. As Rabbi Kushner says:

"I wanted to write a book that could be given to the person who has been hurt by life--by death, by illness or injury, by rejection or disappointment--and who knows in his heart that if there is justice in the world, he deserved better. What can God mean to such a person? Where can he turn for strength and hope? If you are such a person, if you want to believe in God's goodness and fairness but find it hard because of the things that have happened to you and to people you care about, and if this book helps you do that, then I will have succeeded in distilling some blessing out of Aaron's pain and tears."

Unfortunately I'm not sure this book is helpful because his answer to "the one question which really matters: why do bad things happen to good people?" is untrue. Rabbi Kushner does not believe in scripture other than as a literary and religious work. Therefore he can't find or rely on what God himself says about this question and ends up with only his own speculations.

Rabbi Kushner's God is impotent: concerned by the tragedies of our lives but unable to do anything about it. His belief system started by seeing God as "an all-wise, all-powerful parent figure who would treat us as our earthy parents did, or even better. If we were obedient and deserving, He would reward us. If we got out of line, He would discipline us, reluctantly but firmly. He would protect us from being hurt or from hurting ourselves, and would see to it that we got what we deserved in life." Suffering taught Rabbi Kushner that such an unbiblical world-view was wrong; however his impotent God world view is no less incorrect.

The major contribution of this book is to remind us that people are God's solution to much of this suffering. This is a wonderful corrective to the idea that God should work exclusively by mystical and miraculous methods.

Rabbi Kushner's "only question that matters" can't be answered, not by any secular or religious system. The biblical writers wrestled with the question but didn't offer any neat "fixes" either. The sufferings of Job, for example, were never answered with a reason but only by the character of God himself. I hope that people can find comfort in this book, that Rabbi Kushner's goal has been accomplished. I fear, however, that bad theology (that is lies and misrepresentations about God) only leads to further grief and suffering. What hope or comfort is there in a god that can do nothing in our lives? If a god created this mess and then can't fix it where do we find help?

Far better reading can be found in books by Philip Yancey, C. S. Lewis, and Dallas Willard. Scott Peck's book "A Road Less Traveled" is also helpful, not as an answer but as a guidebook. I also strongly recommend the book "Sacred Romance" by Brent Curtis and John Eldredge.

Emotionally satisfying, but..........2007-10-01

This book claims not to be about theology, but actually that is what it is about from the first word to the last. And Kushner tackles an ancient and difficult theological issue: if God is good and His creation wholly good, why is there evil in the world? Kushner never really answers this question (probably because there is no satisfactory answer to the question as it is stated). And he has the courage to say that he does not really know. In fact, the book is loaded with courageously unanswered questions. This makes the work extremely satisfying on an emotional level. But on an intellectual level, it can leave the reader deeply unsatisfied. Kushner accepts that the world is chaotic; that good people will inevitably have bad things happen to them. He exonerates God by saying God did not create this chaos. In doing so, Kushner wishes to exonerate the God of Judaism from such sins as, among others, the death of innocent children. But by letting God off, he distances the deity from the world. He creates dual realms: one for God and one for us. Kushner's God is not the God of mysticism or pantheism (and some have said, not Judaism). For all its considerable emotional strengths, it seems that Kusnher in this work wants the best of both worlds: he wants to wed the chaotic universe of the atheist, and the good God of the Bible. In the end, it's a troubled marriage.

A great book........2007-10-01

Main reason for purchasing this book was Christopher Barrios death on March 8. He was a six year old Little Angel that became an angel on that date.
His death affected me to no end. It affected my eating and sleeping habits. This book helped me to see things in perspective.
I would recommend this book to anyone trying to cope with the loss of a dear one.

The Only Explanation That Made Sense.............2007-08-20

My mother died of cancer 3 weeks ago (she was only 59) and it made me MAD as hell at God for not saving her. For a while I denied the existence of any diety. A friend recommended this book. I learned I had to change my views about the nature of God.

The traditional "pray to God, he is all powerful, and he will fix everything" belief I was taught as a child no longer applied once my mother got sick and died. Why didn't God answer my prayers? Did he want my mother to suffer, become riddled with tumors, and then die at a young age? Why didn't he help us? Harold Kushner had a similar experience (his son died at age 13) and came to the conclusion that (in a nutshell)God does not heal the sick, stop tornadoes, cure AIDS and Cancer etc. because he can't. He is not all powerful.

I never EVER would have come to this conclusion by myself because it goes against EVERYTHING I was taught as a Christian. If my mother had not died there is NO WAY I would believe God was NOT all powerful. But, in doing some soul searching, that is the only explanation that makes any sense to me. For God to make my mom sick to teach my family a lesson, for a greater good, because she was a bad person, because we did not pray enough, because it was in his divine plan etc. makes no sense to me. All of these explanations offered by my church, my friends, Priests, and fellow believers led me to one conclusion: God did not help me in my time of need and therefore, God was either evil and enjoyed watching us suffer OR there was no God. Now I believe that neither of these conclusions are true. God is simply not omnipotent.

There is no doubt that accepting that God is NOT omnipotent opens up an entirely new can of worms. I had to rethink everything I knew about God and religion. I no longer look to the Bible or to any religious text for answers. I always had my doubts about the Bible. It was written by Men, Gospels were omitted and hidden away etc. It was not written by God himself/herself. Furthermore, each religion has a "Bible" or book of laws, worship, beliefs etc. How is there any way to know which is the correct set of beliefs? In a sense, due to my skepticism about Christianity/Judaism and the Bible's authenticity, it was easier for me to accept that my view of God as an omnipotent diety was flawed. REading this book made alarm bells go off in my head - AHA! Someone else feels exactly how I feel! Someone else, a religious leader, looked around and said "What the hell is going on here?!"

I may not agree with ALL of Kushner's statements (Kushner still believes in the Bible as a holy text, and the word of God, whereas I do not) but I do believe he is onto something. I now believe is that there is a higher power, and that higher power is good. I now look to God for strength - to help me through the tough times. I do not look to him to intervene in my life because I know that, as much as he would like to, he cannot.

Thought Provoking Read. .......2007-07-26

Rabbi Kushner's writing style and brilliant ability to show contrast with real life situations creates an eagerness to read on and an insatiable need to learn more.

From the tone of this book it leads you to assume that Rabbi Kushner is just a lovable human being, rich in modesty and humility.

This is a very short book which will be of value for both religious and non religious people. Whether religious or not, Rabbi Kushner's book has the ability to put a new prayer or creed in your heart, and will also enlighten you to not lose sight of the meaning of life in your life.

People need not wait for some tragedy to come along to pick up this book. Personally, I am not currently dealing with a loss; however, after completing this book I feel more prepared to take on the burden of coping with any unfortunate occurrences, which the future may hold. I bought this book to enable me to pass on comforting words to people close to me which were going through some tough times in their life.

The majority of the readers of this book has mis-interpreted this book primarily from the misquoting of the title of the book. If you get the title wrong then this book will not serve its proper purpose to you.

If you seek a bridge to the New Testament read Melvin Tinker's "Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People". In Tinker's "Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People" you will find a more expanded interpretation of the Book of Job and other important passages in the New Testament that delivers what Kushner could not due to his commitment and belief in the Jewish faith. In my judgment, the two merged will give you a wider scope of learning.

When Good People Behave Badly (Harvard Business Review Management Dilemas)

Average customer rating:

When Good People Behave Badly (Harvard Business Review Management Dilemas)
Harvard Business Review
Manufacturer: Harvard Business School Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Human Resources & Personnel Management | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Business Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Deals | Blowout Books | Stores | Books

Business & Investing | Blowout Books | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

When People Are The Problem (Harvard Business Review Management Dilemas)
When Change Comes Undone (Harvard Business Review Management Dilemma Series)
Harvard Business Review on Teams That Succeed (Harvard Business Review Paperback Series)
Dealing With Difficult People (The Results Driven Manager Series)
When Marketing Becomes a Minefield (Harvard Business Review Management Dilemas)

ASIN: 1591395046

Book Description

How do you handle a star performer who is toxic to other workers? What do you do when your best manager has a meltdown?

Book Description

Incompetency is loss of the ability to make, and act on, your own decisions and with the aging of North America's population, it is increasingly widespread. It can happen to anyone and many people want to plan for its possibility in order to ensure their own care and protection. Incompetency can cause great, but often avoidable, suffering and emotional anguish to those afflicted by it, as well as the relatives and friends who care for them. People in health care, financial services, and law must deal with clients whose competency in some, or all, matters can be questioned. Addressing the needs of incompetent people, or planning for its possibility, requires knowledge about what incompetency is, how to recognize and react to it, and what kinds of professional advice to seek. This book is a practical, focused guide to thinking about incompetency, as useful to the layman as to those who perform, or refer clients to, competency assessments.

Addressing the needs of incompetent people, or planning for its possibility, requires knowledge about what incompetency is, how to recognize and react to it, and what kinds of professional advice to seek. This book is a practical, focused guide to thinking about incompetency, as useful to the layman as to those who perform, or refer clients to, competency assessments.

Michel Silberfeld, a doctor, and Arthur Fish, a lawyer, draw on their experience at a competency clinic, citing fictional but realistic case studies and offering many concrete examples. The clinic is multidisciplinary and founded on the principle that competency is not simply a medical or legal concept, but rather a complex phenomenon that has medical, social, legal, and ethical dimensions. Silberfeld and Fish follow the same principle in the advice they offer.

There are fundamental problems associated with incompetency and many similarities among the laws and social policies that apply to incompetent people in North America. This book is not a substitute for qualified professional help but it is a practical guide to thinking about incompetency, based on the premise that the best source of personal empowerment is knowledge and understanding.

Average customer rating:

The women in this book are ME

It's About Time

-What to Expect When You're Experiencing Infertility : How t

this book is definetly a must read

There are better choices out there.

What to Expect When You're Experiencing Infertility: How to Cope with the Emotional Crisis and Survive
Debby Peoples , and Harriette Rovner Ferguson
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Counseling | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Fertility | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Internal Medicine | Medicine | Subjects | Books | Cardiology | Critical Care | Endocrinology & Metabolism | Gastroenterology | General | Hematology | Hepatology | Infectious Disease | Nephrology | Neurology | Oncology | Pulmonary | Rheumatology | Urology
Similar Items:

Resolving Infertility

Unsung Lullabies: Understanding and Coping with Infertility

Conquering Infertility: Dr. Alice Domar's Mind/Body Guide to Enhancing Fertility and Coping with Infertility

Love & Infertility: Survival Strategies for Balancing Infertility, Marriage and Life

Infertility Survival Handbook

Accessories:

philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

ASIN: 0393041042

Book Description

An essential resource for those experiencing infertility--the emotional crisis and how to resolve it. One out of every six couples in America is experiencing infertility. Yet, little has been written about how the average couple is supposed to cope with the biggest emotional, medical, and financial crisis of their lives. Written in a question-and-answer format, this sympathetic and practical book will be the one couples turn to on the road to resolving their infertility. It offers practical advice on how to contend with the emotional ups and downs of this crisis: from learning how to communicate feelings more effectively to coping with the losses of failed treatments or miscarriages. Included are chapters on dealing with family and friends, managing the stresses at work while going through medical treatment, knowing when to stop medical treatment, secondary infertility, advice for selecting and consulting with doctors, and working through loss. In chapters on acceptance and resolution, the authors offer practical advice for couples who decide to live child-free or who are considering adoption. Also included is a chapter geared toward the professional, and an appendix with self-help exercises and resource guides.

Customer Reviews:

The women in this book are ME.......2003-01-07

I was browsing through the bookstore and this book caught my eye. I thumbed through it, and could not put it down. I bought it, and read the entire thing in one night.

I cried all night. I relate to the women in that book so much. Everything that was said, I have felt. I especially appreciated the section on Secondary Infertility, since that is what I am facing. Most books and other infertility resources don't even acknowledge that Secondary Infertility is a real problem-it makes those with Secondary Infertility feel so alone.

If you're looking for a book that helps you cope, helps you know that you are not alone in your struggle with infertility, and really helps you feel validated in your feelings, then I highly recommend this book.

It's About Time.......2002-10-18

It's about time a book on the topic of infertility explored the more emotional aspects of this situation. As men and women, when we are confronted with the possibility of infertility, we are thrown to the scientific wolves and sometimes end up feeling like "road kill." Doctors, labs, medicines and experimental procedures can make us feel like modern day Frankensteins. It was so theraputic for me to read this book. Not merely a scientific forum for informative medical information but more importantly, a bible that helped me move forward emotionally. A must read for anyone going through this experience. Well written and heartfelt. Bravo, Harriet and Debby--thank you so much for sharing your wealth of expertise.

-What to Expect When You're Experiencing Infertility : How t.......2002-07-01

As a professional working for more than 15 years w/ couples experiencing infertility, I have found that the insight offered within this book has greatly enhanced my clinical effectiveness. I have gained sensitivity to the emotional impact of infertitlity at a deeper and more meaningful level. Sadly I became aware that I had overlooked some of the day-to-day experiences of infertility. Experiences that I simply took for granted as a woman who biologically conceived without difficulty. These overlooked experiences were profoundly significant to couples working hard to resolve their infertility. Imagine my surprise when I read the review titled, "There are Better Choices Out There." It appeared that this reader was having a very personal & emotional response to this book, given his or her overly harsh reference to literary merit and the lack of professionalism of its authors. I feel this book was written in a "user-friendly" format seeking to reach all persons touched by infertility. I also happened to research the background of one of the authors, H. Rovner-Ferguson and found that she has a long and well-respected history as regards all aspects of infertility, including emotional and medical implications. I am bewildered by this persons harsh criticism and wonder if perhaps they are reviewing a different book.

this book is definetly a must read.......2002-06-29

This book is a must read for all infertility patients. It is well written and as far as I can tell, comes from the heart. I have been experiencing infertility for four long years. Everywhere I turned no one understood my jealousy and need to isolate myself from pregnant family, friends and coworkers.I felt alone and crazy. A woman in my doctors office suggested that I read this book and I am so glad I took her advice. It feels great to know that I am normal.I even gave the book to my husband and he actually read some of the questions and answers.That says it all. Thank you to the authors that truly "get" what I am going through.

There are better choices out there........2002-06-24

I did not learn anything from this book that I did not already know. Most of the information included comes under the definition of common sense. If you're looking for a book that will really give you practical strategies by which to deal with infertility issues, there are better ones out there. From a literary standpoint, this was not a well written piece.

From what I've been told, the authors don't have the best reputation for professionalism either.

When People Are The Problem (Harvard Business Review Management Dilemas)
Average customer rating:

An anthology of case studies by a variety of authors

When People Are The Problem (Harvard Business Review Management Dilemas)

Manufacturer: Harvard Business School Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Human Resources | Harvard Business School Press | By Publisher | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Management | Harvard Business School Press | By Publisher | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Human Resources & Personnel Management | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Leadership | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

When Good People Behave Badly (Harvard Business Review Management Dilemas)

When Your Strategy Stalls (Harvard Business Review Management Dilemas)

When Marketing Becomes a Minefield (Harvard Business Review Management Dilemas)

Harvard Business Review on What Makes a Leader

Harvard Business Review On Appraising Employee Performance (Harvard Business Review Paperback Series)

ASIN: 1591397138

Book Description

When facing a difficult management challenge, wouldn't it be great if you could turn to a panel of experts to help guide you to the right decision? Now you can, with books from the Management Dilemmas series. Drawn from the pages of Harvard Business Review, these interactive, solutions-oriented guides allow readers to access the wisdom of leading experts as they tackle familiar and perplexing business situations. These engagingly written books will help managers improve problem-solving skills and make better judgment calls under fire. Getting people with very different backgrounds and perspectives to work together productively is a huge challenge that every manager in our global workplace will face. This book places managers in the crosshairs of vexing situations ranging from gender and racial bias to a “mommy-track” backlash to culture wars in a newly merged company—and helps them find their way to a workable solution.

Customer Reviews:

An anthology of case studies by a variety of authors.......2005-04-06

When People Are The Problem, What Will You Do? is an anthology of case studies by a variety of experienced authors concerning different dilemmas in management. From when culture clash threatens a cross-border merger, to dealing with the distress of a star performer headed for a mental breakdown, to the awkward position of being sexually harassed by one of the company's most important clients, each situation presented unique management problems that had to be dealt with on financial, ethical, and personal levels. Greater lessons in how to keep things running smoothly interweave this recommended collection of instances when human misunderstandings and weaknesses are the integral part of a mess.

Divorce and Teens: When a Family Splits Apart (Teen Issues)

Average customer rating:

Divorce and Teens: When a Family Splits Apart (Teen Issues)
Elizabeth Price
Manufacturer: Enslow Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

Average customer rating:

When People Die (Choices and Decisions)
Pete Sanders , and Steve Myers
Manufacturer: Stargazer Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1596040769

When Your Problems Create Problems: Counseling for Survival

Average customer rating:

When Your Problems Create Problems: Counseling for Survival
Roz Klein , and Thelma R. Miller
Manufacturer: Charles Press Pubs
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Reference | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Mental Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Press fabrics: a troubleshooting guide: when something goes awry in your press fabrics operation, isolating the problem is half the battle.(Practical Solutions): ... Solutions - for People, Processes and Paper

Average customer rating:

Press fabrics: a troubleshooting guide: when something goes awry in your press fabrics operation, isolating the problem is half the battle.(Practical Solutions): ... Solutions - for People, Processes and Paper
Alan Rooks
Manufacturer: Paper Industry Management Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008E2QHI
Release Date: 2005-07-31

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Solutions - for People, Processes and Paper, published by Paper Industry Management Association on June 1, 2003. The length of the article is 1555 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Press fabrics: a troubleshooting guide: when something goes awry in your press fabrics operation, isolating the problem is half the battle.(Practical Solutions)
Author: Alan Rooks
Publication: Solutions - for People, Processes and Paper (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 1, 2003
Publisher: Paper Industry Management Association
Volume: 86 Issue: 6 Page: 54(2)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Troubleshooting: turning problems into opportunities: when bad things happen to good clothing, call the troubleshooters!(Machine Clothing): An article from: Solutions - for People, Processes and Paper

Average customer rating:

Troubleshooting: turning problems into opportunities: when bad things happen to good clothing, call the troubleshooters!(Machine Clothing): An article from: Solutions - for People, Processes and Paper
Alan Rooks
Manufacturer: Paper Industry Management Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008E2PPQ
Release Date: 2005-07-31

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Solutions - for People, Processes and Paper, published by Paper Industry Management Association on February 1, 2002. The length of the article is 1909 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Troubleshooting: turning problems into opportunities: when bad things happen to good clothing, call the troubleshooters!(Machine Clothing)
Author: Alan Rooks
Publication: Solutions - for People, Processes and Paper (Magazine/Journal)
Date: February 1, 2002
Publisher: Paper Industry Management Association
Volume: 85 Issue: 2 Page: 29(3)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books