Kelly M. Kapic meditates on how our suffering—particularly our physical suffering—relates to the Christian faith. This is not a theodicy or a book of easy answers. It is an invitation to reshape our understanding of suffering into the image of Jesus. What we discover is that in Christ and through his church, God displays his deep love and provision for his people.
God doesn't need you to meet all the needs, know all the answers, or to be superhuman. As Christians, we too often confuse our creaturely limits with sin, sadly distorting most aspects of our lives. God just desires you to be a faithful human creature whose finitude fosters freedom, joy, growth, and community.
Whenever we read, think, hear or say anything about God, we are doing theology. Yet theology isn't just a matter of what we think. It affects who we are. In the tradition of Helmut Thielicke's A Little Exercise for Young Theologians, Kelly Kapic offers a concise introduction to the study of theology for newcomers to the field. He highlights the value and importance of theological study and explains its unique nature as a serious discipline. Not only concerned with content and method, Kapic explores the skills, attitudes and spiritual practices needed by those who take up the discipline. This brief, clear and lively primer draws out the relevance of theology for Christian life, worship, mission, witness and more. "Theology is about life," writes Kapic. "It is not a conversation our souls can afford to avoid."
A compelling vision of Christian faith and life, The God Who Gives calls readers to discover that the whole Christian story is founded upon the Triune God's self-giving and our belonging to God. Fully embracing this truth changes how we view God, ourselves, and the world, freeing us to truly experience life.