Play the Ball Where the Monkey Drops It: Why We Suffer and How We Can Hope

By Gregory K. Jones

Book Overview

During colonial times the British living in India tried to play golf, only to be frustrated by monkeys who disrupted the game by chasing the golf balls and creating chaos. The British tried erecting fences and posting guards to keep the monkeys back, but eventually decided to play the ball where the monkey dropped it -- as we often must do in life, to live as best we can with forces that are beyond our control. Why must we suffer? Gregory Knox Jones tackles this enduring issue of life with clarity and intelligence, offering hope to anyone who is struggling with the pain and confusion of unjust suffering. Dr. Jones recounts the life stories he has seen in his work as a pastor: parents losing their child in a car accident, a runner coping with the amputation of his leg. Every day good people suffer, raising the question: Why is this so, if there is a just and all-powerful God? The response that God works in mysterious ways that are beyond human understanding simply isn't adequate in the face of such profound suffering. Dr. Jones, who has more than twenty years' experience in the parish, found that he had to rethink his ideas as he ministered to people in pain and grief. The wisdom that he gained enabled him to lead people through the most difficult circumstances to healing and new hope. Now, in Play the Ball Where the Monkey Drops It, Jones gently guides us through the inadequacies of the traditional solutions to the problem of evil, offering practical and compassionate answers to the deepest questions rooted in the experience of everyday life. Notable for its relevant real-life examples and its clarity, this book offers guidance and solace to anyone who has ever wondered, "Why me?"

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0688171427
• ISBN13: 9780688171421
• Release Date: August 2001
• Publisher: HarperOne
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.63 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.1" x 0.7" x 5.0"

Customer Reviews

I experienced tears and laughter

"I experienced tears and laughter while reading Play the BallWhere The Monkey Drops It, which tells me this book trulyspeaks of the nature of life...It can save you a lot of hardfought learning and move you up several classes with itswisdom." Bernie Siegel, M.D., author of Love, Medicine and Miracles

A wonderful exploration

"This is a wonderful exploration of how we are to understandand respond to suffering, misfortune and death, especiallywhen the tragedy seems unjust or undeserved. The book isfilled with wonderful stories and personal experiences fromGreg Jones' life and ministry. He clarifies what we should andshould not expect of God in such crises. Those who heed thewisdom of this book will grow in the face of adversity." Edward A. White, Senior Consultant, The Alban Institute

This book is a MUST READ

Dr. Jones' book does a wonderful job explaining "Why me Lord". It is a must read for those who recently had to deal with tragedy. It is also helpful to others in gaining an understanding of life's up and downs and how faith and God works in your life through challenging times. It is well written, easy to read, and truly insightful.

Healing and coping from a tragedy

I began reading this book [recently]. The world was asking "where was God" on that day. Dr. Jones discusses that very question and his insight was comforting. This book brought a new dimension to my faith and my trust in God's love and power in our daily lives. The book is easy to read and understand and very helpful for anyone that has lost a loved one or is dealing with a personal "why me, Lord" situation. I highly recommend it.

This is a book of hope

I have to mention that I am a member of Greg's current Church. This book does a wonderful job of describing God, and how to make God a part your life - everyday. It doesn't take long to read (it took me about two hours). For those having a crisis of faith, I would call it a "must read." ...I would hope many who ask "why" would read this book. It is written in common, easy to read language. As you read it you KNOW what is written is TRUTH.