Seriously, God?
Making Sense of Life Not Making Sense
by Michael White and Tom Corcoran
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Pub Date 17 Sep 2021 | Archive Date 21 Oct 2021
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Description
A friend’s child dies; a parent gets a cancer diagnosis; your spouse loses their job. Sometimes life and God’s plan don’t make sense and we end up feeling hurt and angry.
In Seriously, God?, Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran explore the denial, doubt, and betrayal we experience when we face hardship, pain, and grief, and they encourage us to lean into our feelings and to take each circumstance as a chance to learn more about God.
Drawing on personal anecdotes and stories from their parish, White and Corcoran—authors of the bestselling and award-winning book, Rebuilt—share important lessons, including:
· Even the heroes of the Bible—such as Abraham, Moses, David, and the apostles—experienced situations that caused them to misunderstand God.
· There is joy in knowing we will forever be getting to know God.
· Even though life often doesn’t make sense, we shouldn’t assume God doesn’t make sense.
For anyone who has battled suffering, walked away from faith under the pressure of crushing doubt, never felt safe giving faith a chance, or cared about someone who struggles with these realities, this book treats the problems of suffering and evil not as an argument to be overcome but as an invitation to a deeper faith.
Each chapter relies on biblical stories that provide a wonderful introduction to scripture to those who are not familiar with the Bible and a fresh perspective to those who are. Each chapter also includes questions for self-reflection and discussion. A free parish small-group guide and videos from the authors are available online.
This is a perfect book to give as a gift to friends or family members who are grieving, those struggling with doubts about their faith, or those who are new to faith.
A Note From the Publisher
During their time at Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland, the parish has tripled in weekend attendance while developing a strong online presence, reaching thousands more people each week. The growth of the parish also is evident in increased giving and service.
Since the publication of Rebuilt, White and Corcoran have spoken at national and international conferences and regularly appeared on Catholic radio and television, including EWTNand CatholicTV. Together they launched the Rebuilt Parish Association, directly helping other parishes with their renewal efforts.
Corcoran is the pastoral associate at Church of the Nativity. He completed undergraduate studies at Loyola University Maryland and graduate studies in theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville.
White, the pastor of Church of the Nativity, earned a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Maryland and graduate degrees in sacred theology and ecclesiology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He served as priest-secretary to the archbishop of Baltimore and directed the papal visit of Pope John Paul II to Baltimore.
Advance Praise
“This book brims with hope and inspiration for a world desperately lacking both. These authors and parish leaders dive into life’s toughest questions with a down-to-earth writing style that makes deep mysteries accessible to anyone. Whether you’re away from God or in love with him, if you’re on the mountaintop or in the valley, this book will meet you where you are and inspire you with images and stories that stick. More, please!”
Chris Stefanick Founder and president of Real Life Catholic
“What you’ll find in White and Corcoran’s book is an honest and direct reflection on the age-old challenge of reconciling two seemingly opposed realties: faith in an all-powerful, all-loving God, and living in a world where suffering and sadness prevail all too often. A worthwhile read for those wrestling with this paradox.” Curtis Martin Founder of FOCUS
“Have you ever questioned God? I know I have many times and I have not always been satisfied with the answers or seeming lack thereof. In Seriously God?, Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran dive deep into examining the whys we all ask in hard times, and they remind us that our stories are still being written with only God knowing how they end. This book will challenge you to seek the Lord in every joyful or sorrow-filled chapter of your beautiful life.” Mary Lenaburg Author of Be Brave in the Scared
“Grief is often compounded by the complex decisions and questions one faces in the aftermath of loss. The bereaved can look to Seriously God? as a tool, a resource, and most importantly, a companion as they navigate the messy struggle of the spirituality of suffering." Jeannie Ewing Author of From Grief to Grace
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781646800841 |
| PRICE | US$16.95 (USD) |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Maria G, Reviewer
Seriously, God? by Michael White and Tom Corcoran is just the right book for the "doubting Thomas" times in which we live.
The authors deftly answer the doubts people often voice about God and His goodness in the midst of tragedy, trauma, and heartache.
Numerous Biblical stories illuminate the idea that, despite the difficulties we experience in life, God loves us and truly wants what is best for us.
White and Corcoran also offer words of consolation for those who may feel angry at God because of the trials and tribulations of life:
"When questions and confusion, frustration and anger arise about where God is and what he's doing, we have nothing to fear. We don't have to run from those thoughts and emotions. We can lean into them. God is big enough to handle all that."
White and Corcoran deal wisely with what has been called "the problem of evil" as it relates to the all-loving and all-powerful nature of God. In reading Seriously, God? we can grow in not only our knowledge of Him, but in our personal relationship with Him.
Lisa S, Reviewer
Have you lost your faith, or are you feeling angry with God, or in despair? This book will help. Fr Michael White and Tom Corcoran share parables and stories from the Bible, and stories from personal experiences so that you can see things differently. They study the common questions of why we experience pain and misery, loss of faith, our feelings that our prayers are not answered, and many other concerns. Handling grief and wondering why someone we loved died for seemingly no reason also plays a big part in this helpful book.
I had forgotten some of the parables and stories from the Bible, so it was good to read them again, and to read the author's interpretations, and how they can help us with our own experiences of life. For example, reading about Joseph's sufferings, and his decision to forgive his brothers, can also assist us with our own pain, and sturggles to forgive.
The part that I found especially moving, however, was the chapter on Revelation and the idea of heaven. Revelation is an especially difficult book to understand, but I found the author's explanation of it beautifully written, and very inspiring. I'd like to read more of their books.
I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
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