A Sun and Shield

Review of Thomas B. Warren's 1963 book on Suffering, Evil, and God.

In September of 1968 Larry and Jean gave a book (“with all our love”) to Annie Lou Elliott, and even inscribed her name on the cover! I knew sister Elliott in her later years as she lived with her daughter and son-in-law, Harry and Ann Lane in Moss Point, Mississippi. She was a delightful woman of God and I’m blessed to have met her. She passed on her faith to her children and grandchildren, and further generations as well. Sometime after she went to be with Jesus, a few of her books were passed along to me. I have a note on the inside cover that Harry and Ann gave me this book on September 16, 2001. I confess that although it took me over twenty years to get to it, I did read it. In one sitting. Tonight.

I’m not sure that in 2001 I could have appreciated the importance of it. But over the years we have had several losses, led several grief support groups, sat at the side of many a hurting friend, and have spoken about grief at several churches. But this afternoon I needed some information I thought perhaps was contained in this little book, so I took it off of my bookshelf and read it. Harry is with the Lord now, so I can only thank sister Ann and let her know that her gift was not in vain.

There probably have been no greater minds among the teachers and preachers of the American Restoration Movement among Churches of Christ than Thomas B. Warren. I have always known him as someone who was a logician and of immense intelligence.

This is a book about suffering, God, evil, and man. The questions are complex. As Warren suggests, people sometimes come to one of two conclusions. Either God is good but too weak to do anything about the suffering in the world or God is strong but not benevolent. Warren gives other alternatives to consider throughout this book. His appeal is to Scripture. There are no testimonials or emotional stories here. He reasons from Scripture, helping those who are devoted to God see through the fog of hurts and struggles. I would consider this book a guide or a handbook for those who are experiencing troubles.

For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. - Psalm 84:11,12 KJV

His title comes from Psalm 84:11, 12. He writes, "This wonderful passage pictures God as being the very things which man needs: (1) light, to dispel the darkness, and (2) a shield, to protect against dangers." From there Warren examines various themes related to suffering as exposed in the Scriptures. Some chapters include:

-Causes and Sources of Suffering

-Jesus is the Friend the Sufferer Needs

-How to Prepare for Suffering

-How to Endure Suffering with Patience

I find that this will be a great reference point for thinking about suffering - something that every human being will experience. He consistently points to Jesus as a source of strength and comfort.

In a complex society where, at times, it is difficult to understand even oneself, each person needs a friend who will at least try to understand what one feels and thinks. In a world where there are so many failures and apparent grounds for despondency, each person needs a friend who will reach down a hand by which to give a lift from the depths of despair. For man, Jesus is all of these things and more. … What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! Jesus truly is the friend the sufferer needs. - Thomas B. Warren

Thomas B. Warren died in the year 2000, at 80 years old. He is remembered as a writer, preacher, and professor. Also for a debate in 1976 with the famous atheist, Anthony Flew. (Which I just found on YouTube HERE. There are three videos.)

This is not a comforting book, in the sense of telling some warm stories that calm the soul. There are many of those books out there. This book is a guide pointing to the Scriptures ... and beyond that, to a God who loves, a Savior who understands, and a Spirit that strengthens. Keep your Bible nearby. Warren repeatedly points away from himself and toward the Lord, where true comfort can be found.

More about Thomas B. Warren HERE. The kinds of debates at which Warren excelled do not happen much any longer. It was interesting to watch the video and see civil discourse such as we do not see in social media. There was respect without the ad hominem attacks we see so often today. I believe one of my instructors in Bible college, David Lipe, was a student of Dr. Warren. I remember him speaking highly of him and embracing a love for logic and applying the principles of logic to the study of Scripture. This made quite an impression on me as a young preacher student. Though I do not arrive at the same conclusions Dr. Warren did on some church polity issues, I would probably not have attempted to try to persuade him. As a famous movie detective states, “A man’s got to know his limitations.”

I wondered if this book was still available, as my copy is from 1963. But I see a Kindle edition, which is good to know. Used editions can be found also, I'm sure, in all the usual markets. I’m glad I finally made my way through this resource, and feel stronger in faith because of it. And as an extra blessing, to revisit the memory of people who have been a part of my faith journey across the years.

Thomas B. Warren at Wikipedia

Warren Christian Apologetics Center