Books Addressing Advanced Western Religion Concepts in Compassion
January, 2008
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Some books speak to advanced concepts in compassion or are written in an academic style not easily readable by the general public. Below is an listing of topic headings under which these books are grouped.
There are books, and articles, that can be downloaded from this site that address advanced concepts in compassion development.
Click on the buttons at the top of the page: healing, support, mystic or ultimate (these are the first 4 advanced books listed on this site).
Click on the buttons at the top of the page: healing, support, mystic or ultimate (these are the first 4 advanced books listed on this site).
If you are looking for introductory papers and books about compassion then click here -> ->
This site is under construction - return for updates
For introductory compassion information click here ->
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Title: Raging with Compassion: Pastoral response to the problem of evil
Author: John Swinton
Publisher/Year: William Eardman's Pub. Co., 2007
Summary: This book is a theological position about how pastors should help Christians to face evil, as well as some counter theological arguments against other positions. The position is logical and well presented. It is simply that we need not try to explain why evil exists but instead focus on using our encounters with evil to strengthen our faith, build resistance and experience transformation. This happens following certain meaning filled Christain practices "informed by scripture and tradition and inspired by the Holy Spirit": lamentation, forgiveness, thoughtfulness and hospitality (or church support). Lamentation is tied directly to the book's title and described as follows: "a repeated cry of pain, rage, sorrow or grief that emerges in the midst of suffering... It gives a voice to suffering and releases rage in a content of faith and compassion." The author adds that it "is first and foremost a mode of communication with God; it is a form of prayer. It is not 'mere rage' or 'therapeutic catharsis'. Lament has a purpose, an endpoint beyond the simple expression of pain: reconciliation with a deeper love of God." The author then shows the importantance of linking lamentation hand-in-had with forgiveness and then supporting both with thoughtfulness and hospitality.
Comments: Although the word compassion is in the title, the book's aim is to pursuade the audience of the argument's validity, which is connected to compassion but the author spends little time doing so. None of the 8 basic assumptions of compassion are really addressed with the focus toward a particular Christian way of living that offferes as a way to face evil, the source of suffering. In that sense the book speaks to compassion, but it is up to the reader to make the links. It might be a good read for people in a position of Christain leadership, or for those simply interested in theology. I would strongly caution putting the words "rage" and "compassion" together as is may give support to religious zealots to let out their rage on others supposedly in the name of compassion. A different title might have been "Helping Others Let Go and Let God: Pastoral compassionate response to the problem of evil", and then speak to the importance of a sacred compassionate presence.
Reviewer: Dr. W. David Hoisington
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Web page author W. David Hoisington, Ph.D.