Lament for a Son

In the final pages of the book, Wolterstorff delves into the relationship between human and divine suffering. He posits that God and humanity are inextricably linked in the world’s history of suffering. The author suggests that every evil act and moment of anguish causes God to weep, creating a shared experience of pain. Wolterstorff frames human struggles for justice and joy as attempts to relieve God’s sorrow, implying a reciprocal relationship between divine and human experiences.

The author reflects on the significance of Christ’s wounds, which he says remained after the resurrection. He interprets these wounds as central to Christ’s identity, noting that they were visible and tangible even after Christ rose from the dead. Wolterstorff connects this to his own experience, suggesting that believing in Christ’s resurrection challenges individuals to rise from their own “dark graves of suffering love” (92). He ponders whether personal suffering can lead to expanded sympathy, love, gratitude, insight, and commitment. If these positive outcomes don’t emerge from the experience of death, Wolterstorff argues, then death has truly won.

Grappling with the meaning of his son’s death, Wolterstorff questions whether his suffering can be redemptive or bring peace.