Outler, A. C. God's providence and the world's anguish.--Hick, J. A world without suffering.--McKenzie, J. L. The Son of Man must suffer.--Blenkinsopp, J. We rejoice in our sufferings.--Mooney, C. F. Teilhard de Chardin on the problem of suffering.--Lepargneur, F.-H. Sickness in a Christian anthropology.--Nogar, R. J. The Lord of the absurd.--Johnston, L. The death of Jesus.--Dyer, G. J. Recent developments in the theology of death.--Ochs, R. J. Death as act: an interpretation of Karl Rahner.--Boros, L. Death: a theological reflection.--Troisfontaines, R. The mystery of death.--Moltmann, J. Resurrection as hope.--McDonnell, K. Death and cosmic resurrection.--Boros, L. Heaven: the essence of our future.--Selected bibliography (p. [197]-199)

There is one common problem which has haunted and preoccupied mankind from time immemorial–the mystery of suffering and death. Why are the innocent seemingly the most oppressed? How can a truly provident God appear so indifferent to the cruelty and injustice in the world? To the Christian such questions are not merely academic. He too experiences the torment and anxiety that such questions arouse in the core of man's being. But as a believer he adds another dimension, another perspective to the problem–that of faith. He believes that Christ by his suffering, death and resurrection gives meaning to life and death. Because of Christ's resurrection there is no longer any room for despair or hopelessness. Death is no longer seen merely as the end of earthly, as the beginning of eternal life. Today many Christian theologians are re-thinking the problem of suffering and death. In this book Michael J. Taylor has brought together a collection of the writings of several major theologians such as Borors, Troisfontaines and Moltmann who discuss the mystery of suffering and death with seriousness and depth. In their critical reflections these scholars incorporate many creative insights from modern science, contemporary philosophy and psychology and a revitalized theology which are invaluable in overcoming some of the inadequacies of traditional approaches to the problem. The wisdom and message of hope contained in this book will encourage readers who are searching for ways of making sense out of life despite the presence of evil and suffering and maintaining hope in eternal life in the face of human mortality.