Chapter 5 - Bad Things Happen to Good People: Another Look

In this week's chapter, we read of Rabbi Harold Kushner and his book, When Bad Things Happen to Good People. Rabbi Kushner's view of God and his sovereignty changed due to the events of his past; specifically, the news that his son had a disease that would likely lead to his death in his teen years. In wrestling with the implications of this news and his view of God, Rabbi Kushner concluded that he must 'sacrifice' God's sovereignty over all things in order to reconcile God's justice and his (Kushner's) own goodness.

While certainly not diminishing Kushner's suffering over the news of his son's disease and prognosis, we must call into serious question his conclusions about God, and we must do so based upon God's own words about himself.

In John chp. 9, we read of Jesus and the disciples coming upon a man who had been blind from birth. The disciples asked Jesus, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Christ's answer is profound and instructive: “It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him." Jesus then proceeded to heal the man of his physical blindness and--most importantly--his spiritual blindness. From Scripture, we see that not only has God planned all things from before the creation of the world, but also that he providentially directs the specific events that occur throughout time. This man born blind was precisely so because God had determined to show his power and display his mighty works in him.

It is indeed dangerous ground we tread if we put ourselves in the place of judging the nature of God. Instead, we must humbly, carefully, and prayerfully search and hold firm to the whole counsel of God as revealed in Scripture, especially when dealing with suffering and difficulties in our past. While Kushner may not recognize the New Testament as God's word, let us not forget what God declares about himself in Isaiah 46:

Remember this and stand firm,

recall it to mind, you transgressors,

remember the former things of old;

for I am God, and there is no other;

I am God, and there is none like me,

declaring the end from the beginning

and from ancient times things not yet done,

saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,

and I will accomplish all my purpose,’

calling a bird of prey from the east,

the man of my counsel from a far country.

I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;

I have purposed, and I will do it.

(Isaiah 46:8-11 ESV)

God is sovereign over all things. God is just. God works all things together for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose. Our view of his word will profoundly effect our approach to the past. There is no other source of truth outside of God's word to which we can turn and find true comfort and peace in the midst (and aftermath) of our struggles.

Rabbi Kushner let his own experiences shape who he considers God to be. Consider your view of God's word, and let his word shape your experiences.