In this book, Christopher Southgate proposes a new way of understanding the glory of God in Christian theology, based on glory as sign. Working from the roots of the concept in the Hebrew Bible, Theology in a Suffering World: Glory and Longing shows that 'glory' is not necessarily about beauty or radiance, but is better understood as a sign of the unknowable depths of God. Southgate goes on to show how John and Paul transform the concept of glory in the light of the cross. He then explores where glory may be discerned in the natural world, including in situations of pain and suffering. In turn glory is explored in the poetry of R. S. Thomas and the writings of the Jewish mystic Etty Hillesum. Finally, the book considers what it might mean for Christians to be 'transformed from one degree of glory to another': that might mean becoming a sign of the great sign of God that is Christ, and conforming their longing to God's longing for the Kingdom to come.

‘What Southgate has attempted here is nothing less than courageous; whether he has succeeded will be up to the reader. I would recommend Theology in a Suffering World to all those who are interested in theodicy, suffering and impassibility, and the vexing question of natural and moral evil in the Christian life. Southgate’s work should be commended as an honest look at difficult issues and indeed is an engaging contribution to theological studies concerning glory and suffering; it can be approached by theologians and ministers alike.’

Brent McCulley Source: International Journal of Systematic Theology