Gerald Peterman - Between Pain and Grace: A Biblical Theology of Suffering

Peterman and Schmutzer have produced an insightful biblical theology of suffering that is impressive in its scope, depth, and fidelity to the biblical text. Every assertion is backed up with solid biblical evidence filtered through a well-designed hermeneutical-theological lens. Kudos to the authors for giving us such a relevant study.

ROBERT B. CHISHOLM JR., chair and senior professor of Old Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary

Between Pain and Grace is a thorough and effective treatment of a very difficult, but also very common, occurrence. It fills an important niche by providing a clear and nuanced presentation of what Scripture says about pain and suffering. Extremely helpful are their discussions on Gods suffering and sexual abuse, topics that are often avoided, rather than addressed.

PAUL D. WEGNER, director and professor of Old Testament, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary

Between Pain and Grace is a remarkable book! The authors have laid a biblical foundation for a theology of suffering that is scholarly, yet engaging and easily understandable for a layperson. Particularly compelling is the distinction they make between pain and suffering, as well as godly and ungodly suffering. None of us are immune to pain, and all of us suffer to some extent, therefore the content is personally applicable to all readers.

HEATHER DAVEDIUK GINGRICH, professor of Counseling, Denver Seminary

The Bible teaches and experience confirms the reality that everyone suffers. Even so, when we suffer, it often surprises and staggers us. What does the Bible say about suffering? Between Pain and Grace is an incisive and profound exploration of the biblical theology of suffering. If you want fresh biblical insight on suffering, read this compelling and intelligent book.

TREMPER LONGMAN III, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College

Between Pain and Grace is certain to be of help to anyone who wants to understand more fully the impact of living in a fallen world that is filled with so much suffering. If you are walking through life with someone who is experiencing particularly difficult suffering, you will find the necessary guidance in the chapters of this book to become a more effective agent of the healing process in others and maybe yourself.

DAVID TALLEY, professor/chairman of Old Testament, Biola University/Talbot School of Theology

For the church that is discovering anew the power and relevance of lament, this book offers a fresh study of the biblical dimensions of suffering that drive us to that expression of worship and the grace that draws us there. The reader will profit from a well-balanced presentation of theory and practice.

HASSELL BULLOCK, pastor of Warren Park Presbyterian Church, Cicero, IL

Our churches are full of Jobs comforters, subtly telling us that we must deserve what we got. But our suffering, like the story of Job, is ultimately about the heavy, awesome reality of God, who does not often give us tidy answers or a bookend closure. Serious followers of Jesus need tools like this to bring holy perspective to the grief, pain, and tragedy we encounter and have experienced.

RAUL MOCK, editor at PneumaReview.com

Between Pain and Grace is a remarkable resource by an Old Testament scholar (Schmutzer) and a New Testament scholar (Peterman). It is Scripture-rich, thought provoking, and remarkably practical. Honestly, each chapter is worth the price of the book.

STEVEN D. MATHEWSON, senior pastor of CrossLife Evangelical Free Church in Libertyville, IL and author of Risen: 50 Reasons Why the Resurrection Changed Everything

Suffering pulls apart and tears the tapestry of human experience. Between Pain and Grace displays the colors of hope as Peterman and Schmutzer spread out the surprises of Scriptures message in the midst of our broken confusion. Between Pain and Grace is a book for the journey, not for the shelf.

GENE L. GREEN, professor of New Testament, Wheaton College and Graduate School

Between Pain and Grace is a wonderful integration of sweeping biblical analysis and emotional compassion, a theology of sin, suffering, and grace blended with knowledgeable understanding of how people really hurt. Schmutzer and Peterson show us a theology in which Gods heart is very near to our suffering.

CLARK BARSHINGER, psychologist

Peterman and Schmutzer have given the Christian world a treasure in Between Pain and Grace. Examining suffering through a scriptural grid citing biblical narratives and references, they give hope to the hopeless and answers for those who are processing their own suffering. The book will be helpful for everyone from the professional addressing mental illness and family systems, the pastor ministering to a congregant, to the layperson looking for biblical answers.

MURRAY TILLES, founder and director, Light of Messiah Ministries

One of the few experiences shared by the entire human race is suffering. Hence, we need articulate guidance to help us understand and respond to the pain we have and will experience. This book is such a guide. It represents biblical theology at its finestit is well researched, well applied, and bold. The chapter Josephs Tears: Suffering from Family Toxins is worth the price of the book.

STEVEN R. TRACY, professor of Theology and Ethics, Phoenix Seminary, founder and president, Mending the Soul Ministries

What a powerful book! Peterman and Schmutzer have accomplished the rare feat of writing a book on suffering that is rich with biblical and experiential insight yet overflowing with pastoral sensitivity and relevance. The result is a potentially life-changing resource for pastors, students, and laypeople alike. If you live anywhere between pain and grace, youll want to get your hands on this book! Better yet, youll want to thoroughly digest its content and revel in its truth.

TODD WILSON, senior pastor, Calvary Memorial Church, Oak Park, IL

2016
GERALD W. PETERMAN and ANDREW J. SCHMUTZER

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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