Part of the Jewish Encounter series From one of our most trusted spiritual advisers, a thoughtful, illuminating guide to that most fascinating of biblical texts, the book of Job, and what it can teach us about living in a troubled world. The story of Job is one of unjust things happening to a good man. Yet after losing everything, Job—though confused, angry, and questioning God—refuses to reject his faith, although he challenges some central aspects of it. Rabbi Harold S. Kushner examines the questions raised by Job’s experience, questions that have challenged wisdom seekers and worshippers for centuries. What kind of God permits such bad things to happen to good people? Why does God test loyal followers? Can a truly good God be all-powerful? Rooted in the text, the critical tradition that surrounds it, and the author’s own profoundly moral thinking, Kushner’s study gives us the book of Job as a touchstone for our time. Taking lessons from historical and personal tragedy, Kushner teaches us about what can and cannot be controlled, about the power of faith when all seems dark, and about our ability to find God. Rigorous and insightful yet deeply affecting, The Book of Job is balm for a distressed age—and Rabbi Kushner’s most important book since When Bad Things Happen to Good People.
Download and start listening now!
"So interesting to read the analysis of the Book of Job, and to think about God and religion. Thoughts on why Ina world of a loving and just god do bad things happen to good people. Rabbi Kushner wrote about this topic in 1981, and revisits the topic with new insights."
— Jill (4 out of 5 stars)
" The book of Job freshly interpreted by Rabbi Kushner. "
— Helen, 11/13/2013" A book I read right after my Grandmother died, helped out a lot to understand things. Gives a history of how others view God and his own view of God as self-limiting in our Universe. "
— Trey, 8/14/2013" An excellent study of the book of Job by a brilliant Jewish theologian. Wish I could read this with a study group. Analytical but readable and loaded with thought provoking content. "
— Linda, 4/25/2013" An insightful look into an age old question. "
— Kevin, 4/20/2013" I enjoyed the discussion of this; Kushner thinks very critically about Job and the impulses that drive him and the bigger mythical implications surrounding human origin. "
— Laura, 1/6/2013" Great insights into one of the most difficult stories of the Bible. Gave me quite a few things to think about. "
— Néstor, 12/10/2012" Theodicy for the layman...well argued if ultimately unconvincing... "
— Frederic, 10/1/2012Harold S. Kushner is the author of several bestselling books on coping with life’s challenges. He has been honored by the Christophers as one of the fifty people who have made the world a better place. He is Rabbi Laureate of Temple Isreal in Natick, Massachusetts.