The Promise: God's Purpose and Plan for When Life Hurts
| The Promise: God's Purpose and Plan for When Life Hurts | |
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| Author(s) | Morris, Father Jonathan |
| Country | USA |
| Language | English |
| Subject(s) | Religion |
| Genre(s) | Non-Fiction |
| Publisher | HarperOne |
| Publication date | 2008 |
| Media type | Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle Edition |
| Pages | 230 |
| ISBN | 978-0-06-135341-3 |
| OCLC Number | 202537034 |
| Dewey Decimal | 248.8/6 22 |
| LC Classification | BV4909 .M667 2008 |
The Promise: God's Purpose and Plan for When Life Hurts (2008) is a non-fiction self-help book written by Fr. Jonathan Morris, a Catholic priest, professor and news contributor and analyst for the Fox News Channel. The book is published by HarperOne. Using his counseling and ministerial background as a priest, and his experiences in traveling to areas of unrest and persecution as a journalist, Morris provides biblical insight and practical guidance to people going through difficult, painful or challenging life situations.
Contents |
[edit] Background
In an interview, Morris said the idea behind his book came partly from a question posed to him by Neil Cavuto: 'With all the suffering in the world, is God just really ticked off?' [1] As a news contributor and blogger who often covers issues relating to society, ethics and culture, Morris was often asked to consider writing a book on social issues or the state of politics. However, he felt that the widely asked question - why an all-loving, all powerful God would allow suffering - was the question to help address for readers, and that the topic of suffering was an issue that mattered the most for everyone.[2]
[edit] Content
In discussing his focus behind the book in the introduction, Morris writes, "My goal is to provide something to know and something to live - to address both your mind and your heart. I have not written a textbook answer to the philosophical question of suffering and evil; rather, this is a guidebook of spiritual principles and practical ideas - examples and techniques, rooted in the teachings and the person of Jesus of Nazareth - that aim to better your life." [3]
The book is broken down into three areas:
- Part I: God on Trial
- Part II: Emotional and Spiritual Healing
- Part III: Principles for Freedom-Living
In Part I: God on Trial, Morris addresses the major questions, doubts and preconceived notions that many people have about the nature of God and faith. He also writes about the suffering of the Jesus Christ as related in the Gospel accounts, as well as the challenge of reconciling the existence of suffering together with the existence of a merciful God. In Part II: Emotional and Spiritual Healing, the author highlights the complexity of suffering by examining the different kinds - physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual - as well as some of the various sources of suffering. Part III: Principles for Freedom-Living is written to provide readers with insight on how to live with a sense of holiness and awareness of their particular calling, or vocation, in life. Morris offers a five-step process, outlined as 'principles of freedom living,' to help the reader achieve spiritual goals and develop the strength to withstand future life trials and obstacles. Throughout the book, Morris provides brief excerpts entitled 'Letters from My In-Box,' which are snippets of e-mails he has received as a blogger for Fox News.com, and the end of each chapter includes two brief questions for use as personal reflection for the reader, or in a group discussion.
[edit] Critical Reception
Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., the Archbishop of Denver, wrote of the book and its author, "...Pope John Paul II spoke often and eloquently about the meaning of suffering. Father Morris has written a wonderful sequel to the Holy Father's thoughts, but from a very different perspective: that of a young priest; a man of energy, insight, world experience and engaging popular style."[4] One critic (writing for catholic.net) wrote, "This is the first book of a young priest who is already fulfilling a big mission as an effective communicator of the Gospel to the American people."[5]
[edit] Sales History
On the first week of its release, The Promise was a #1 bestseller among the 'Christian Living' and 'Catholic-Inspirational' books on Amazon.com[6], and was a religion bestseller for HarperOne. [7]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ "Father Jonathan Discusses His New Book, 'The Promise'" Retrieved December 22, 2008
- ^ "'The Promise: How God Can Bring Good Out of Pain" Retrieved December 22, 2008
- ^ The Promise: God's Purpose and Plan for When Life Hurts, page 3
- ^ Book Reviews of 'The Promise' Retrieved December 22, 2008
- ^ Making Sense of Suffering Retrieved December 22, 2008
- ^ Mahalo.com: The Promise Retrieved December 22, 2008
- ^ Two HarperOne titles on PW's religion bestseller list this week! Retrieved December 22, 2008
