The Hardest Problem

Rupert Shortt is clear and incisive in this new work of theodicy -- Iain McGilchrist 'One of the most cogent writers of our day' -- Peter Sedgwick 'Beguiling' -- Julia Neuberger 'Deep theological knowledge and spiritual discernment' -- John Barton 'Wise, informed and immensely thoughtful' -- Alister McGrath A stunning challenge to the casual atheism of our age -- Angela Tilby His arguments are powerful -- Bishop Erik Varden The book succeeds in presenting a reasoned case for holding fast to the reality of God, as Christianity understands it, and not shirking from the troubling existence of suffering. -- Mark Vernon intelligent and lucid -- Melanie McDonagh a profoundly helpful book -- Timothy Radcliffe Unlike most participants in this lively debate, Rupert Shortt hasn't decided the answer before asking the question . . . After all, evil and suffering are not a problem to be fixed but a mystery to be entered. -- Sam Wells Shortt has an admirable gift for making the obscure lucid, for chasing away confusions, and for saying a great deal in a small space without sacrifice of substance or profundity -- David Bentley Hart Rupert Shortt gets to grips with this philosophical, theological, pastoral and human conundrum incisively but sensitively -- Fr Alban McCoy The Hardest Problem contains hard thought, emotional honesty and keen awareness of the issues. * TLS * This is an immensely attractive exposition of Christian faith, accessible to a wide readership, and ideal for discussion groups on these topics. * Church Times *