Seriously, God?: Making Sense of Life Not Making Sense

by Michael White, Tom Corcoran

Overview

Winner of a third-place award in the grief and bereavement category from the Catholic Media Association.

A friend’s child dies; a parent gets a cancer diagnosis; your spouse loses their job. Sometimes life and God’s plan don’t make sense and we end up feeling hurt and angry.

In Seriously, God?, Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran explore the denial, doubt, and betrayal we experience when we face hardship, pain, and grief, and they encourage us to lean into our feelings and to take each circumstance as a chance to learn more about God.

Drawing on personal anecdotes and stories from their parish, White and Corcoran—authors of the bestselling and award-winning book, Rebuilt—share important lessons, including:

• Even the heroes of the Bible—such as Abraham, Moses, David, and the apostles—experienced situations that caused them to misunderstand God.
• There is joy in knowing we will forever be getting to know God.
• Even though life often doesn’t make sense, we shouldn’t assume God doesn’t make sense.

For anyone who has battled suffering, walked away from faith under the pressure of crushing doubt, never felt safe giving faith a chance, or cared about someone who struggles with these realities, this book treats the problems of suffering and evil not as an argument to be overcome but as an invitation to a deeper faith.

Each chapter relies on biblical stories that provide a wonderful introduction to scripture to those who are not familiar with the Bible and a fresh perspective to those who are. Each chapter also includes questions for self-reflection and discussion. A free parish small-group guide and videos from the authors are available online.

This is a perfect book to give as a gift to friends or family members who are grieving, those struggling with doubts about their faith, or those who are new to faith.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781646800858
Publisher:	Ave Maria Press
Publication date:	10/08/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	192
File size:	5 MB

About the Author

Fr. Michael White is a priest of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, pastor of Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland, and cofounder of Rebuilt—an organization designed to rebuild parishes for growth and health.

White is the coauthor of the best-selling  book Rebuilt—which narrates the story of Nativity’s rebirth—Tools for Rebuilding, Rebuilding Your Message, The Rebuilt Field Guide, and ChurchMoney. He is also coauthor of Seriously, God?; Rebuilt Faith; and the best-selling Messages series for Advent and Lent.

During White’s tenure as pastor at Church of the Nativity, the church has almost tripled in weekend attendance. More importantly, commitment to the mission of the Church has grown, demonstrated by the significant increase in giving, service in ministry, and much evidence of genuine spiritual renewal.

White earned his bachelor’s degree from Loyola University Maryland and his graduate degrees in sacred theology and ecclesiology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

In 2023, White and his lay associate, Tom Corcoran, were honored by Pope Francis with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award for outstanding service to Church and Pope.

Tom Corcoran has served Church of the Nativity in Timonium, Maryland, in a variety of roles that give him a unique perspective on parish ministry and leadership. First hired as a youth minister, Corcoran has also served as coordinator of children’s ministry and director of small groups. He is lay associate to the pastor and is responsible for weekend message development, strategic planning, and staff development. Corcoran also is the president of Rebuilt—an organization designed to rebuild parishes for growth and health.

Corcoran is the coauthor of best-selling book Rebuilt—which narrates the story of Nativity’s rebirth—Tools for Rebuilding, Rebuilding Your Message, The Rebuilt Field Guide, and ChurchMoney. He is also coauthor of Seriously, God?; Rebuilt Faith; and the best-selling Messages series for Advent and Lent.

In 2023, Corcoran and Fr. Michael White were honored by Pope Francis with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award for outstanding service to Church and Pope.

Table of Contents

Preface xi

Introduction: It Makes Sense That God Doesn't Make Sense xvii

1 Seriously, No? 1

2 Seriously, You Let Me Down! 25

3 Seriously, Those People Are in Charge? 51

4 Seriously, You're in My Way 73

5 Seriously, Pain Is a Problem 95

6 Seriously, Why Did He Have to Die? 119

Conclusion: The Middle of a Larger Story 143

In Memoriam 153

References & Resources 155

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“This book brims with hope and inspiration for a world desperately lacking both. These authors and parish leaders dive into life’s toughest questions with a down-to-earth writing style that makes deep mysteries accessible to anyone. Whether you’re away from God or in love with him, if you’re on the mountaintop or in the valley, this book will meet you where you are and inspire you with images and stories that stick. More, please!” —Chris Stefanick, founder and president of Real Life Catholic

“What you’ll find in White and Corcoran’s book is an honest and direct reflection on the age-old challenge of reconciling two seemingly opposed realties: faith in an all-powerful, all-loving God, and living in a world where suffering and sadness prevail all too often. A worthwhile read for those wrestling with this paradox.” —Curtis Martin, founder of FOCUS

“Have you ever questioned God? I know I have many times and I have not always been satisfied with the answers or seeming lack thereof. In Seriously God?, Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran dive deep into examining the whys we all ask in hard times, and they remind us that our stories are still being written with only God knowing how they end. This book will challenge you to seek the Lord in every joyful or sorrow-filled chapter of your beautiful life.” —Mary Lenaburg, author of Be Brave in the Scared

“Grief is often compounded by the complex decisions and questions one faces in the aftermath of loss. The bereaved can look to Seriously God? as a tool, a resource, and most importantly, a companion as they navigate the messy struggle of the spirituality of suffering." —Jeannie Ewing, author of From Grief to Grace