Why All People Suffer: How a Loving God Uses Suffering to Perfect Us

Why All People Suffer is a beautiful modern synthesis of the Catholic Theology of Suffering. It poignantly and courageously describes the meaning of God’s call to accept and transcend suffering, dives into the nature of the journey itself, and affirms the power of redemptive love in the process. As an ecumenical counselor working in the field of grief and end of life care, I have found Why All People Suffer to be a valuable resource and a gift of truth, beautifully presented, clearly articulated, and ripe for deep exploration.

I am delighted to have encountered a work that so clearly and methodically addresses one of the knottiest issues a faithful Catholic can face: the problem of suffering. In my experience, the problem of suffering is among the biggest reasons why a person may turn away from the Catholic faith or hesitate from embracing it in the first place. The idea that a good God, who has power over every occurrence in the world, will allow terrible tragedy is a puzzling one. It seems to undermine the core Catholic notion that God was good and loving enough to take on a human nature and become our Savior. Add to that the fact that “the problem of suffering” is rarely theoretical, and it is very easy to see why one would allow suffering to get in the way of one’s relationship with God. The thing is, the Catholic Church has an answer to the “problem of suffering”. Why All People Suffer by Doctor Paul Chaloux is the most comprehensive, well-sourced account of this answer that I have yet come across. Drawing from such seminal theologians as Benedict XVI and St. Thomas Aquinas, Chaloux presents some of the Church’s most compelling arguments as to why suffering is an important element of our lives and how it in fact calls us to a deeper relationship with a God who also suffered on the cross. Why All People Suffer isn’t all summery of Church teaching and past theologians’ positions, however. Chaloux also presents some fascinating original concepts. For example, one that I found to be particularly insightful was the idea that it is a categorical error to consider suffering to be intrinsically problematic. Chaloux broaches this idea immediately, during a discussion of Epicurus’ declaration that the presence of suffering indicates a deficient God. Epicurus, Chaloux points out, didn’t consider that suffering might exist to bring about good. This idea colours the rest of the book as we are invited to reconsider the nature of suffering, and view the effects of suffering in a way we never have before. A book that recategorizes suffering, proposing it as something that can bring about good, is not just for Catholics. The idea that suffering is not meaningless ought to bring hope to anybody of any or no faith. Chaloux backs his proposition with logic and clarity that extends beyond the teachings of the Catholic Church and that can appeal to anyone with an open mind. The methods by which one can “put suffering to use” can bring fulfillment and hope to the lives of anyone. I heartily recommend this book!

I highly recommend you buy Why All People Suffer. No one goes through life without a moment or period of great pain and suffering. Yes, the degree may vary from person to person, but suffering is an unavoidable part of all of our lives. Imagine feeling blessed instead of cursed. Imagine feeling God's love instead of his wrath. Paul makes the infallible argument God's love for us is even more evident in our suffering. You'll be inspired never to feel self-pity and victimized again after reading his book.