Restoring Hope
Living in the Face of Suffering and Evil
2004 · Self-published (revised 2019)
A substantial theological work addressing the problem of pain, suffering, and evil. Graham argues that suffering arises from sin — not from God's direct action — and challenges popular Christian teaching that attributes adversity to divine intention. Includes a study of Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning.
Available Formats
- Publisher
- Self-published (revised 2019)
- Year
- 2004
- ISBN
- 0-646-43322-9
- Category
- Theology / theodicy
Why read this book
Why does a good God allow suffering? It's the oldest question in theology and the most personal. Graham tackles it without flinching — challenging the popular Christian notion that 'God has a plan for your pain' and arguing instead that suffering flows from sin and a broken creation, not from divine intention. Drawing on Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning and decades of pastoral experience, this book gives honest answers to the question that keeps people awake at night.
From the book
Our brokenness and our dysfunction is a marker of our fundamental separation from God. It is mostly our own fault, not God's.— Graham Leo, Restoring Hope
Jesus learned obedience through suffering. He lived the perfect human life that humans were created to live. We failed and Jesus succeeded.— Graham Leo, Restoring Hope
Christianity is most assuredly not a leap in the dark — it is, in fact, a well-grounded leap into the light!— Graham Leo, Restoring Hope
Frequently asked questions
Who is this book for?+
Anyone wrestling with the problem of suffering and evil — whether personally, pastorally, or intellectually. Theologians, ministers, study groups, and honest doubters will all find substance here.
Does Graham blame God for suffering?+
Quite the opposite. He argues that attributing suffering to God's direct intention is bad theology with harmful pastoral consequences. Suffering arises from sin and a broken creation — and God's response is redemption, not punishment.
How does Viktor Frankl fit in?+
Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning — written from inside a Nazi concentration camp — provides a powerful case study for how humans find hope in the worst circumstances. Graham integrates Frankl's insights with Christian theology.
How does this relate to Finding Hope?+
Restoring Hope is the theological foundation — why suffering exists and what God's response is. Finding Hope is the pastoral companion — practical help for when you're in the middle of it.
