Episode 005: Paul Johnson - How to Stay Christian Through Suffering

Village Talks

In this episode, Pastor Mark interviews Paul Johnson who lost his first wife to cancer and then his son to murder. Paul discusses how he tried to cope as a single parent and then eventually in a blended family context. He makes a list of the things not to say to someone who is suffering and how difficult it was for him as a pastor to walk through such difficult times while also leading a church. Then Paul calls the prosperity gospel dangerous theology that creates guilt in the sufferer and shares about how his theology of suffering means that God is refining his character. Paul describes the way God built up his strength and faith over years to prepare him to be able to meet face to face with his son's killer. The interview finishes with questions about whether God is a monster for allowing such tragedy to take place and with Paul's own personal advice to anyone facing difficulty in their own life.