Featured New Author: Glenn Pemberton

I'd like to bring your attention today to a soon to be released book...

Hurting with God: Learning to Lament with the Psalms

by Dr. Glenn Pemberton.

Glenn is a high school classmate of mine, and has, through his own personal journey, dealt with seeking answers to one of the questions with which mankind has struggled since the dawn of time.  He draws from the Psalms and Lamentation writings in Scripture to help himself, as well as the rest of us, become more aware of things that are greater than we can realize. 



Here's the link to his facebook page...

Hurting with God: Learning to Lament with the Psalms


Rather than review the book myself, I'd like to take this time to let you see some of the endorsements Dr. Pemberton has received from scholars much more learned in the subject than I am.

Many writers have considered the question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Pemberton, however, sets this philosophical issue aside to consider the practical. How do believers live out faith in prolonged seasons of pain and loss? How can we live with God when it hurts – and continues to hurt? Drawing from his own daily struggle with chronic pain and years of reading and teaching the Psalms, Pemberton leads readers on a quest to recover a lost ancient resource for people of faith—the language of lament. Through the exploration and study of imagery and language, Pemberton revitalizes this forgotten tool to rejuvenate those who seek to connect with God in times of struggle.

Endorsement from W. Brueggemann:

Glenn Pemberton has written a masterful study of the Lament Psalms that is sure to be a rich resource for the practice of faith. The book is well informed about scholarship and brings to it the heart and humor of a pastor. The book is accessible without cutting corners and so invites the reader into this rich prayer. The book is reliable, as Pemberton has read and digested an entire legacy of scholarship. Beyond all of that he understands the pain present in our contemporary world, the pain of loss, and the reluctance of the church to bring such pain and loss to candid speech. I have no doubt that the book will become primer for many people, and a reference point for more advanced study. In the end, Pemberton enhances and enriches the depth of faith and the passion of honest prayer.

Walter Brueggemann
Columbia Theological Seminary
March 14, 2012


From Mike Cope:

This book is honest—it’s honest about God, about faith, about suffering, about disappointments. It’s also profound, encouraging, and pastoral. A remarkable Old Testament scholar, Glenn Pemberton writes as one who has known his share of suffering and who understands that lament flows not from an absence of faith but from an abundance of faith. For its biblical insight, this book will sit proudly on my shelf next to Brueggemann’s works on Psalms; for its pastoral care, I’ll be handing out copies to many friends who seek to trust God in a world that hasn’t yet been set completely right and to church leaders who will be encouraged to return to this deep expression of faith-amid-loss called lament.

Abilene Christian University Press & Leafwood Publishers

There's already plenty of buzz surrounding Hurting with God: Learning to Lament with the Psalms written by Dr. Glenn Pemberton, esteemed professor at ACU. Be sure to join the 181 people who already "Like" the book which releases early May!

Endorsement from David Petersen, former President of the Society of Biblical Literature, Franklin N. Parker Professor of Old Testament, Candler School of Theology

Pemberton offers profound biblical-theological reflection about the importance of lament psalms, reflection informed by his own experience with deep physical pain and by insightful reading of the Psalter. This book will help Christians as they “live in the midst of the storm—to hurt with God instead of without God.” As well, this book offers concrete proposals for ways in which churches can include psalms of lament in their worship services. A deeply moving and insightful volume.

Endorsement from David Petersen, former President of the Society of Biblical Literature, Franklin N. Parker Professor of Old Testament, Candler School of Theology

Pemberton offers profound biblical-theological reflection about the importance of lament psalms, reflection informed by his own experience with deep physical pain and by insightful reading of the Psalter. This book will help Christians as they “live in the midst of the storm—to hurt with God instead of without God.” As well, this book offers concrete proposals for ways in which churches can include psalms of lament in their worship services. A deeply moving and insightful volume.

I wish Dr. Glenn Pemberton every success with the publication of his book.  If you've ever tried to understand why sometimes life just doesn't seem "fair" (and who hasn't?), I encourage you to read "Hurting with God: Learning to Lament with the Psalms."  Plus, I know he's had at least a couple of Basset Hounds in his day, so even if I hadn't gone to CHS with him, I'd still know he's obviously a cool guy.

Alan Andrews

Basso for Hire