36 pages 1 hour read

Harold S. Kushner

When Bad Things Happen to Good People

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1981

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Summary and Study Guide

Overview

Distraught by the loss of his son to a crippling disease, Rabbi Harold Kushner wrote When Bad Things Happen to Good People in an effort to share what he learned from the tragedy and to help others find their way through loss and suffering. Published in 1981, the book was for many months a New York Times bestseller. The 1981 edition is the basis for this guide.

Rabbi Kushner’s main idea is that God cannot, or will not, intervene to protect people from tragedies, nor will He punish or reward them for their actions, preferring that humans use their free will without interference. Thus, bad things can happen to good people by accident or from malicious people, and in remedy God offers only His support and love. People must find meaning and purpose from their own strength and resolve in overcoming adversity.

As the centerpiece of his argument, the author recounts the book of Job from the Bible. Job is a good and pious man whose faith is tested when God burdens him with multiple disasters until, naked, ill, and with only three friends, Job finally demands an accounting. God visits him and makes it clear that His purpose is not to satisfy human needs. Job, recognizing God’s majesty, relents, and God rewards him with health, wealth, and children. Kushner believes everyone, including good people, must contend with tragedy without expecting God’s intercession. Many who suffer conclude that God is cruel or uncaring, but Kushner makes the radical counterargument that God does care yet simply can’t prevent our misfortunes.

Pain and suffering aren’t entirely useless, since they teach us to avoid actions that injure us. As for malicious damage caused by evil people, such as Hitler’s Holocaust, God shares our anger but will not intercede because this would abrogate human free will and discourage us from doing the good works that, over time, greatly exceed the bad deeds. Though God does not step in to prevent bad things from happening, He does offer love and strength to those who ask for His aid. In praying, not for exemption from suffering but for the fortitude to overcome it, people often find they have more than enough power to prevail over disaster.

Kushner describes how his son, Aaron, suffering from the symptoms of progeria—hair loss, failure to thrive, and premature aging—sometimes fell victim to cruel or callous children who mocked or teased him. Aaron possessed a quiet strength that helped him live a full, if shortened, life among family and friends who loved and supported him with many kindnesses. At school, students and teachers were inspired by Aaron’s courage and determination.

In coping with great loss, people often blame themselves, believing they have done something wrong to deserve such a fate. Others, angry at sudden misfortune, cast about for someone to blame, including God Himself. These efforts only harden the suffering heart and slow the process of grieving and recovery. Those who are willing to continue with prayer and participation in their religious community can find their way back to the simple joys of participation. They heal by accepting their group’s love and support and by supporting others, forgiving bad deeds, and recovering in their hearts a love for people and for God—who, despite His imperfections, always loves them back.

Kushner thus counsels his readers to accept tragedy as a part of life and, in partnership with God and their community, summon the strength to rise up and rebuild a life of love and participation.