The Wonder of the Cross: Why God Uses Evil to End Suffering

In this review of The Wonder of the Cross the reviewer finds a careful, theological investigation aimed at readers seeking a fresh way to wrestle with the problem of evil. The book reframes the usual question by proposing that the Cross reveals a noncoercive method God uses to redeem suffering, and it argues that evil and suffering can be instruments God uses to destroy themselves. This review recommends the book for thoughtful Christians and pastors who want a biblically rooted, pastoral exploration rather than quick answers.

Key Features

• Reframed question: The book shifts the traditional challenge about evil into a more constructive inquiry about how God is destroying evil and suffering, which helps readers approach the problem with fresh eyes.
• Focus on the Cross: It centers the noncoercive power of the Cross as the decisive theological lens, offering a consistent Christ-centered explanation rather than appeals to divine coercion.
• Theological investigation: The authors walk through biblical and pastoral considerations that help clergy and lay readers connect doctrine to the real experience of suffering.
• Pastoral tone: The writing treats suffering as a serious pastoral concern, suggesting practical implications for how communities live with and respond to pain.
• Accessible argument: The book presents a complex idea in language suitable for informed lay readers, making theological reflection usable in sermon preparation or small groups.

Who It's For

The Wonder of the Cross is best for pastors, church leaders, seminary students, and thoughtful lay Christians who want a theological explanation of suffering that remains rooted in Scripture and the doctrine of the Cross. Readers who appreciate careful argument rather than quick consolation will find its reframing of the problem of evil especially rewarding.

Those seeking a short devotional fix, a scientific treatment of suffering, or a simple apologetic that promises immediate answers should look elsewhere; this book is an intellectual and pastoral exploration rather than a quick how-to manual.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Offers a clear alternative framing of the problem of evil that centers the Cross and avoids simplistic appeals to divine coercion.
• Provides pastoral sensitivity, making theological claims that are mindful of lived suffering.
• Accessible prose allows nonacademics to engage with a significant doctrinal argument.
• Useful for sermon development and small group discussion because it connects doctrine to pastoral practice.

Cons

• The book is primarily theological and pastoral, so readers wanting scientific or historical analysis of suffering may find it limited.

Specifications

Title	The Wonder of the Cross: The God Who Uses Evil and Suffering to Destroy Evil and Suffering
Authors	Richard A Shenk, Simon Oliver LLB
Subject	Christian theology of suffering and the Cross
Approach	Theological and pastoral investigation
Primary focus	Noncoercive power of the Cross to reform the question of evil
Intended audience	Pastors, church leaders, thoughtful lay Christians

Our Verdict

The Wonder of the Cross is a thoughtful, well-argued resource for readers who want a biblically grounded, pastoral account of how God engages evil and suffering. It is good value for pastors and serious lay readers because it reframes the debate around the Cross and offers sustained theological reflection useful for preaching and pastoral care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book argue that God causes suffering?
Answer. The book does not claim God arbitrarily causes suffering but explores how God may use evil and suffering within the noncoercive work of the Cross to defeat evil.

Who benefits most from reading this book?
Answer. Pastors, seminary students, and thoughtful lay Christians wrestling with theodicy and pastoral response will gain the most from its theological and pastoral focus.

Is this a devotional or an academic text?
Answer. It sits between pastoral and academic writing: accessible in tone but focused on theological argument rather than devotional snippets or scientific analysis.