LOVE, SUFFERING, PROVIDENCE

This small volume is a treatise -- inspirational, rather than philosophical or theological -- on the meaning of human suffering. In introductory chapters, Father Vieujean discusses the concept of suffering as an evil, as a ""disorder"" in nature, and analyzes the various ways in which man has been wont to view human suffering: with stoicism, optimism, despair, resignation, etc. In the main part of the book, he discusses first the specifically Christian approach and then the meaning of the Christian obligation to accept suffering -- an acceptance which is a manifestation of love. Subsequent chapters reconcile suffering with God's omnipotence, goodness, and providence, and clarify the relation between human suffering and human happiness. Vieujean's material contains nothing really new; his position is a traditional one which goes back to the patristic period. What he brings to this ancient problem, however, is a freshness of approach, a simplicity of expression, and a talent for discovering practical applications in the complexities of a troublesome dilemma. These qualities should make Love, Suffering, Providence, a spiritual work of great value, ideal for meditation or spiritual reading, and, in time, possibly a little classic of the genre.