Introduction : the rumble of panic beneath everything -- PART I : UNDERSTANDING THE FURNACE -- The cultures of suffering -- The victory of Christianity -- The challenge to the secular -- The problem of evil. PART II : FACING THE FURNACE -- The challenge to faith -- The sovereignty of God -- The suffering of God -- The reason for suffering -- Learning to walk -- The varieties of suffering. PART III : WALKING WITH GOD IN THE FURNACE -- Walking -- Weeping -- Trusting -- Praying -- Thinking, thanking, loving -- Hoping

The problem of pain is a perennial one; and for those who undergo particular sufferings it can often be the largest obstacle for trusting in a good and loving God. If such a God exists, why is there so much suffering in the world? And how do we deal with it when it comes into our lives? In his fullest and most passionately argued book since 2008's bestseller The Reason For God, New York pastor and church planter Tim Keller brings his authoritative teaching, sensitivity to contemporary culture and pastoral heart to this pressing question, offering no easy answers but giving guidance, encouragement and inspiration