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When Bad Things Happen to Good People | 
| Author: Harold S. Kushner
Publisher: Anchor
Category: Book
List Price: $10.95
Buy Used: $4.21
You Save: $6.74 (62%)
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Avg. Customer Rating:  121 reviews
Sales Rank: 2680
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 176
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.9 x 5.1 x 0.5
ISBN: 1400034728
Dewey Decimal Number: 296.311
EAN: 9781400034727
ASIN: 1400034728
Publication Date: August 24, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Condition: Earlier printing, good condition
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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?"
Product Description
When Harold Kushner’s three-year-old son was diagnosed with a degenerative disease and that he would only live until his early teens, he was faced with one of life’s most difficult questions: Why, God? Years later, Rabbi Kushner wrote this straightforward, elegant contemplation of the doubts and fears that arise when tragedy strikes. Kushner shares his wisdom as a rabbi, a parent, a reader, and a human being. Often imitated but never superseded, When Bad Things Happen to Good People is a classic that offers clear thinking and consolation in times of sorrow.
Since its original publication in 1981, When Bad Things Happen to Good People has brought solace and hope to millions of readers and its author has become a nationally known spiritual leader.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 116 more reviews...
 A very ecumenical view... June 29, 2008
Even though I am Methodist, I basically agree with Rabbi Kushner's philosophy. He takes a very ecumenical view. The book gives you a lot to think about, and is well written; although it may help if one has at least a little bit of Biblical literacy. Kushner references Genesis and the story of King David. He uses the book of Job as the central Bible lesson that connects to the theme of the book.
Over all, though, I would say that it is fairlt easy reading (much easier than theological complexities by someone like Albert Schweitzer, who holds a similar view).
The book gives one an explanation to a most profound and perplexing question. I appreciate that the author shares his personal experience and his heart with the reader. I too, have experienced the loss of a child and have also seen some things that were quite terrible working in the fields of nursing and inner-city high school teacher.
I only wonder about something the author writes towards the end of the book:
"'[W]hat good is God? Who needs religion, if these [bad things] happen to good people and bad people alike?'...I would say that God may not prevent the calamity, but he gives us the strength and perseverance to overcome it."
My issue is that many people do not overcome calamity. Millions who died in wars, famines, genocides, natural disasters. They did not overcome anything-they just died and in many cases, the whole family died with them. Other people who experience calamity just go nuts; they face finacial ruin; they lose their jobs and families; they become so depressed that they are forever dead inside. Some people commit suicide, or eat, drink and smoke themselves to death.
to an extent, I overcame calamities but I'm not the same person I was. I am more forgiving, more tolerant, and more philosophical; but I am also more melancholy and less idealistic.
While I can be thankful to still have enough mental health to maintain work and family life; I know a whole of other people who lost their mental health, work and family life. What about them? Why didn't God give them the strength to overcome? Am I to believe that some people are favored by God by being blessed with a higher constitution?
No, I think, rather, that some people overcome because they are LUCKY. Rabbi Kushner and I are indeed the lucky ones who can now talk rationally and philosophically about the deaths of our sons. I believe that God wants us lucky ones to turn around and help the others who weren't so lucky in any way we can. Obviously, that's why Kushner wrote the book.
Still, a great book, though.
why human suffering? April 28, 2008
This might be the best theological attempt to deal with human suffering I know of. No facile answers, but an honest searching of ideas relating human suffering to God. Highly recommended.
 bad doctrine April 22, 2008
0 out of 3 found this review helpful
I was going through a horrible time in my life and really hoped this book would comfort and bring light. I was wrong. The basic message is that bad things happen because God is not ABLE to do anything to help you. (like he can't keep up or something) I know that God never left me, and the things that happened (though uncomfortable as the thought was at the time) did happen for a reason. Read Job - God will restore double, he will never leave you. This man should not call himself a Rabbi and spout this nonsense which seems a comfort only for a moment till you fall into deep darkness. I didnt want to give it a star but had to to continue.
Get and provide comfort for grief April 15, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book carried me through a very emotionally exhausting time. I had 2 people I love most in the world suddenly leave me within a month. One from death, one by choice. The book helped me view God and beliefs in a different way that helped me make sense of things. While grieving, some people mean well, but their words and actions can hurt more than help. Buy this book to help comfort others experiencing grief.
It made me question my faith April 7, 2008
5 out of 8 found this review helpful
My son and his wife had lost their twins, and I was very upset, since I and everyone else had prayed so hard and so long for a miracle. God did not give us that miracle. I hated God. I was told to get this book and read it. I regret that very much. It lets God off the hook, saying He has no control over what happens on Earth, and He is just as sad about the twins dying as we are. Prayer changes nothing it says, just helps us deal with it as humans helping humans. It takes away the "miracles" possibilities and makes God more human than devine. If He is the ultimate power in the universe, then why can't he perform miracles? Why were we taught that it only takes the faith of a mustard seed for God to move a mountain. This book was very disheartening. According to this book God is not as powerful as we are led to believe. I have not been to church but twice since I read it. Only because it was a funeral or wedding. I listen to the Word of God and think it is all phoney now. I hate this book, it took away my faith in a kind loving all powerful God.
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