When Bad Things Happen To Good People

In this presentation, I will consider the book entitled When Bad Things Happen To Good People. This is a book written by Rabbi Harold Kushner after the death of his son who suffered from progeria which is a condition in which aging is accelerated, but growth is stunted. It is a terminal condition and death occurs before reaching adulthood. Also, please go to “The Word Is…” on my website for an audio presentation on “Belief in a Just World.”

In the book, Rabbi Kushner presents some of the reasons people give to the question “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Some people believe that the person afflicted with a disease, loss, or other tragedy deserved it because the person suffering is really “bad” and is being punished by God. Some people believe that there is a greater purpose; that it is “God’s plan” for which we cannot comprehend. Others may believe that there is a lesson to be learned. The lesson may be to slow down and appreciate life or to be a model of strength and courage for others. And others may believe that there is no reason; the universe is random and chaotic. To the question of “Why do bad things happen to good people?” I humbly respond, “I don’t know.” But, a more important question which was raised by the author and one with which I agree is “Now that this has happened to me, what am I going to do about it?”

Rabbi Kushner mentions a book entitled Elementary Forms of The Religious Life written in the early 1900’s by a French sociologist named Emile Durkheim. Based on his research into the religions of the native people of the South Pacific, Durkheim found that these religions were not focused on the relationship of human beings with God, but rather on the relationship of human beings with each other. The purpose of the rites of these religions was to increase human bonds. Related to that research is the admonition of Rabbi Kushner that the response to those suffering is to be a source of support and comfort instead of focusing on answering “Why do bad things happen to good people?” It is in such a milieu that people who have suffered can get beyond tragedy. They can process the myriad of emotions that accompany tragedy, such as anger and feelings of guilt, and then go on to make new meaning in their lives.

Rabbi Kushner chose the title of his book with the intent to move people beyond tragedy instead of remaining mired in it by questioning why tragedies occur in the first place. I don’t know if all people suffer from a personal tragedy. But, I have seen how debilitating it can be for people if not able to move beyond it. If you cannot get beyond a tragedy in your own life, seek a source of support and comfort and take action to process your feelings and make new meaning in your life.

Thank you. May this book be influential in your life on your own road to success. Please contact me if there is a particular book that you would like me to read and review.