Offers an inspirational and compassionate approach to understanding the problems of life, and argues that we should continue to believe in God's fairness.

The #1 bestselling inspirational classic from the internationally known spiritual leader; a source of solace and hope for over 4 million readers. Since its original publication in 1981, When Bad Things Happen to Good People has brought solace and hope to millions. In the preface to this edition, Rabbi Kushner relates the heartwarming responses he has received over the years from people who have found inspiration and comfort within these pages. When Harold Kushner’s three-year-old son was diagnosed with a degenerative disease that meant the boy 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. In these pages, 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 Often imitated but never superseded, When Bad Things Happen to Good People is a classic that offers clear thinking and consolation in times of sorrow.

There is only one question which really matters: why do bad things happen to good people?' Out of a faith-shaking and senseless waste of a life comes this remarkable and caring book, which will help many. It has sensible and unorthodox and mind-opening things to say about God - and about ourselves. Its author has wisdom and no bitterness. We can learn from him, about acceptance and guilt and despair and the helplessness we all feel when 'none of it makes sense' when we say 'why them?' or worse 'why us?'. We owe him our thanks' David Kossoff 'Rabbi Kushner writes from a wealth of Jewish wisdom and pastoral devotion, but his theology is, I find, is wholly in keeping with contemporary Christian thought. So far as there is an answer to the conflict between the goodness of God and the bitterness of suffering, this is it' Gerald Priestland 'It will bring new meaning, strength and hope to many' Dame Cicely Saunders, DBE, FRCP

If God is good, why does He allow suffering? Popular author Dave Earley provides solid biblical answers in 21 Reasons Bad Things Happen to Good People. Why does God allow bad things to happen to "good" people? Popular author Dave Earley provides twenty-one key reasons, carefully drawn from scripture and accompanied by contemporary, real-life stories. Written in Earley's casual, readable style, 21 Reasons Bad Things Happen to Good People promises hope and encouragement through the pain.

This simple, comprehensive tool teaches readers that the suffering, distress, and frustration they've encountered are not outside the assistance of God's grace.

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.

When Good Things Happen to Bad People offers an irreverent, fast-paced, fact-filled compendium of fifty case studies of notorious villains from Attila the Hun to Dick Cheney who triumphed in life despite, or because of, their dastardly deeds. This book is the perfect foil to Harold Kushner's international bestseller When Bad Things Happen to Good People. So why do good things happen to bad people? Maybe a certain number of baddies are simply going to get their share of good luck. Maybe "the devil" is running the universe and he or she likes pleasing his or her favorites. Maybe God is playing a joke on bad people by rewarding them on earth and then punishing them in an afterlife. Or maybe Edmund Burke was on the right track when he said, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." For evil to triumph less, it follows that good people need to do something-like exposing wickedness when they are confronted with it. As the saying goes: "Sunshine is the best disinfectant."