Why do we need an explanation about ‘why’ things happen?

How often have you asked your self why, particularly if something tragic happens? Understanding why a child has died instead of the parent, or why a cyclone hits a town, is difficult to comprehend.
By: Donna Munro
 
Sept. 22, 2010 - PRLog -- Now author and Anglican priest Ray Barraclough tries to give some explanation on the tragic experiences of life and he succeeds. With an insight few people have, Barraclough’s thoughtful answers fill his book ‘Why?’, published by Zeus Publications.
If you are struggling with grief and trying to cope with a tragedy seek your answers in this book. It doesn’t offer quick relief but it will make you ponder and consider the answers that are plausible, with or without faith.
The Rev’d Les Forster of All Saints’ Anglican Church Nelson Bay said of the book and its author, “He combines his pastoral sensitivity as a Christian priest with his historical and biblical skill to give us an impressive and sweeping survey of a wide variety of attempts to provide a justification of God…”
In the Tasmanian Anglican, Kees Wegman points out, “‘Who’ explanations are those attributed to God, supernatural beings or persons, whilst ‘What’ explanations describe the impersonal scientific cause of the event.” This aptly puts the book into perspective as an overview of tragic events, why they happen and how we cope with them.
Barraclough says of the theme and essence of his book, “All over the world people seek explanations for why events occur. This is particularly so when tragic events intrude into people’s lives. A study of history shows that explanations vary down the ages. Even in the present time…depending on their belief system, their knowledge of science and of the causation of events. Many Christians assume that an appeal to the Bible solves the issue but, as this book demonstrates, explanations for tragic events that are offered in the Bible too often complicate, rather than resolve, the issue.
Throughout the book he uses quotes from five notable books, offers reflections and thoughtful theology for those in need of an answer and those helping care for those seeking the answer, such as clergy, theology students, counsellors, pastoral carers and even funeral directors.
A review in The Anglican Guardian recently said of the book, “‘Why’ is a challenging read, but a good read for any thoughtful person in ministry as the question under discussion is weighty.”
This is indeed a subject that is in the news weekly even daily – tragedy, grief, sadness, and loss of life. People need answers and Barraclough does try to provide them in a kind and insightful manner.
The final question is, “Why does Ray Barraclough have the qualifications to write ‘Why’?”
The fact that he has these initials after his name B.A.,B.D., Ph.D and Diploma of Education and has been an Anglican priest speaks for itself. He has often dealt with the grief of people faced with tragic situations, particularly the loss of loved ones. He was even a member of Concerned Christians during the 1980s.
An interesting fact is that while he was working in the Middle East he was one of only three visitors permitted to visit Israeli prisoner Mordecai Vanunu in Ashkelon Prison, Israel between 1990 and 1991.
Barraclough confesses to being a keen golfer and by his own admission the question ‘Why?’ about his erratic movement of the golf ball is answered with, “My lack of skill.”
‘Why?’ can be purchased through Zeus Publications at: http://www.zeus-publications.com/why.htm. The author can be contacted for interview by calling Donna on (07) 55 755 141.

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Zeus Publications published 'Why' by Ray Barraclough in 2010.
Zeus is an Australian book publisher established for over 12 years.
They have over 500 titles and publish most genres.
Go to their online bookstore at: www.zeus-publications.com
End
Source:Donna Munro
Email:***@zeus-publications.com Email Verified
Zip:4218
Tags:Why, Ray Barraclough, Tradgedy, Grief, Religion, God, Coping, Priest, Theology
Industry:Religion, Society, Publishing
Location:Gold Coast - Queensland - Australia
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Page Updated Last on: Oct 17, 2010
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