In Oceans Deep: Redemptive Suffering and the Crucified God

When the author’s 2 year-old granddaughter Penelope Grace died within 36 hours of being diagnosed with a virulent strain of meningitis, her family questioned how to stand in her absence. As a Professor of Theology, and Penny’s grandfather, answers came “as from oceans deep.”

This book is written from the perspective of a grandfather who suffered the death of a beloved granddaughter. In dealing with his suffering, he addresses these questions: What reasons does he have for trusting God’s love, goodness, and providence—even when prayers go unanswered? Why does he grieve, but not without hope? Is perplexed, but not in despair? Why is he justified in trusting the Word of God as a reliable source of knowledge? Experiencing suffering and evil is like being up to one’s neck in deep water, in oceans deep as it were. Yet, God’s grace abounds in deepest waters by virtue of the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who “brings redemption not only to my suffering but also meaning to my death.” This book holds the conviction that “There is not a single aspect of the Christian message that is not in part an answer to the question of evil” (Catechism of the Catholic Church §309).