When we’re struck by unexpected suffering, we ask question after question attempting to find meaning in the midst of our pain. We wonder why this diagnosis, disaster, or death had to happen to us or someone we love. We wonder if God is really good. We wonder if it’s possible to live within our reality and still have hope, joy, and peace. Though these questions are important, our human nature lends itself toward the comfort of ignorance and flimsy optimism. What are the cultural scripts that dictate our understanding of pain and suffering? How can we come alongside one another through both the highs and lows?

Chris and Eddie are joined by Kate Bowler, author of No Cure for Being Human, professor at Duke Divinity School and host of the podcast, Everything Happens. After receiving an unexpected cancer diagnosis at the age of 35, Kate began to observe that the world does not offer a safe space for people in pain. Her move from crisis to chronic has led her to asking deeper questions about faith, God, and human suffering. She talks to Eddie and Chris about the gift of presence, the absurdity of life, a robustly Christian account of time, and the many ways we try to make meaning out of everything.

Resources

Follow Kate Bowler on the web:

https://katebowler.com

Order No Cure for Being Human here:

https://katebowler.com/no-cure-for-being-human/

Order Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved here:

https://katebowler.com/everything-happens-for-a-reason-2/

Listen to Kate Bowler’s podcast Everything Happens here:

https://katebowler.com/podcasts/

Follow Kate Bowler on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/katecbowler

https://www.instagram.com/katecbowler/