Author: Sue Horton
Inspire Publications, New Plymouth

“There were times when (I was) intensely angry with God”

Life dishes up a lot of difficult experiences. Some people seem to face these more deeply or more often than others. These experiences can be hard to understand for anyone, but perhaps this is even more so for Christians who seek to walk in relationship with the God who loves us all.

Living in the Real World is a book full of true stories of Kiwi Christians who have faced the most difficult of times and asked the hard questions of God.

In this book, Sue Horton doesn’t try too hard to answer the difficult questions – she gives biblical reflections and thoughts that allow the reader to grapple with the reality for themselves.

But the book is full of hope, however, as it intertwines the reader’s thinking with glimpses of the wrestling of the people whose stories are told.

Her language is real, even a little stark. She challenges the shallow answers so often given in the midst of the Christian community. She questions the frameworks of theology that we preach and practice.

She writes from a heart of compassion and concern: ”My goal in writing this book is to comfort and encourage struggling Christians who are experiencing difficult trials and wondering if God hears their prayers or even cares about their predicament,” she writes.

The book draws you in quickly and is easily read. It would make a great resource for pastors and leaders to have as they seek to care for those facing such times.

– Lindsay Jones

• Living in the Real World is available from Inspire Publications, 4 Wallace Place, Westown, New Plymouth 4310.
Phone or fax (06) 758 2217; www.inspirepublications.co.nz.