Theology of the Pain of God

"The theology of Kitamori is the first attempt to make suffering an attribute of God in contrast to the orthodox idea of the happiness of God, which is rather an idea of Platonic philosophy than of the New Testament gospel."

-- Emil Brunner

Author of Christianity and Civilization



"Kitamori has discerned 'suffering' the common term that links God, the Christian faith, and Japanese existence. Motifs from Luther's theology of the cross and Buddhist sensitivities bring to light elements in the Christian faith often coated over by Reformed, Western, and Old Testament emphases."

-- Carl Michalson

Author of The Rationality of Faith



"The two-way conversation between the older churches of the West and the younger churches in Asia is strengthended by the appearance of Dr. Kitamori's book."

-- J. Harry Haines

World Council of Churches



"This book presents the first significant communication of authentic, first-rate Japanese theology to the West. It should be pounced on, with keen attention, by anyone looking for 'fresh word' from the East."



-- Terrence N. Tice

World Presbyterian Alliance