The Light Shines on in the Darkness: Transforming Suffering through Faith

by Robert J. Spitzer

Publisher:

Ignatius

, 2017

Overview

Why would an all-loving God allow suffering? Are not suffering and love opposed to one another? Does suffering have any meaning or benefit? Is there any objective evidence for God, for a soul that will survive bodily death, for the resurrection of Jesus? Who is God anyway – benevolent and loving, or angry and retributive?

Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J., gives a comprehensive response to these questions and many others, explaining the contemporary evidence for God, the soul, and the resurrection. He discusses how God uses suffering to lead us to compassion for others and eternal life. He also shows how the Holy Spirit guides us through times of suffering toward our salvation, explaining the signs and the interior movements that reveal the Spirit’s actions.

Fr. Spitzer not only addresses the perplexing questions associated with suffering but teaches us how to suffer well. He points out some of the most common mistakes people make when trying to interpret God’s motives for allowing or alleviating suffering. He demonstrates why suffering – in combination with love – is one of the most powerful motivating agents for personal, cultural, and societal development.

Contents

• Explains the contemporary evidence for God, the soul, and the resurrection
• Discusses how God uses suffering to lead us to compassion and eternal life
• Teaches how to suffer well and avoid common interpretive mistakes

Praise for The Light Shines on in the Darkness

• Acknowledgments
• Introduction
• Phase One: Theological Preparation for Suffering Foundations 1–3
• Chapter One: In the Twinkling of an Eye
• First Foundation: Conviction about the Resurrection (Eternal Life and Love)
• Chapter Two: Who God Is—and Is Not
• Second Foundation: Affirming the Unconditional Love of God
• Chapter Three: I Am with You Always
• Third Foundation: Recognizing God’s Presence in Our Suffering
• Phase Two: Contending with Suffering in the Short-Term Foundations 4–5
• Chapter Four: “Take This Cup Away from Me”
• Fourth Foundation: Spontaneous Prayers in Times of Suffering
• Chapter Five: Fear Is Useless
• Fifth Foundation: Mitigating Fear and Choosing Consolation
• from Suffering in the Long-Term Foundations 6–9
• Chapter Six: Love One Another as I Have Loved You
• Sixth Foundation: The Unity of Suffering and Love in Self-Sacrifice
• Chapter Seven: Finding Light in the Darkness
• Seventh Foundation: Interior and Exterior Opportunities of Suffering
• Chapter Eight: Mystical Self-Offering
• Eighth Foundation: Offering Suffering as a Loving Self-Sacrifice
• A Vexing Question and a Synopsis of the Relationship among Suffering, Freedom, Love, and God
• Chapter Ten: Why the All-Loving God Allows Suffering
• Conclusion
• Bibliography
• Name Index
• Subject Index

Product Details

• Title: The Light Shines on in the Darkness: Transforming Suffering through Faith
• Author: Robert J. Spitzer
• Publisher: Ignatius
• Print Publication Date: 2017
• Pages: 544
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• ISBNs: 9781586179571, 1586179578
• Resource ID: LLS:LGHTSHNSSFFRFTH
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-03-19T15:33:26Z

About Robert J. Spitzer

Robert J. Spitzer, SJ, former president of Gonzaga University, is founder and president of the Magis Center of Reason and Faith, Irvine, California. His books include Healing the Culture, The Spirit of Leadership, and Five Pillars of the Spiritual Life.