The Drama of Job dives into the vigorous theological debate about the problem of suffering and the requirements of faith in the book of Job. Several intriguing responses or answers are voiced by the characters, but none is fully satisfying. The value and the inadequacy of each answer are examined. The emphasis is upon Job’s and Elihu’s attempts to get at the truth. Elihu stresses God’s mercy, speaking of God’s varied and energetic attempts to rescue people. The appendix provides a daring stageplay, highlighting the significance of Elihu. "Finlan's The Drama of Job is a meaningful contribution to the conversation surrounding suffering, its source, and what it might require of us. In Elihu's speech, a figure both revered and dismissed, he finds a living concept of mercy. Building on Elihu's admonitions, Finlan describes the active awareness required both to discern the causes of suffering and to effectively react to the suffering of ourselves and others." --Victoria Adams, author of Redefining Job and the Conundrum of Suffering "As in his other widely admired works, Stephen Finlan's The Drama of Job once again puts on display his erudition, rigor, and creativity in biblical studies. He rewards the reader with a succinct yet thorough analysis of the Job text while offering an original interpretation of the story embedded in a rich historical and theological context. Finlan also adds a personal touch and a wealth of more universal insights that make this book a pleasure to read." --Byron Belitsos, author of Truths about Evil, Sin, and the Demoni c Stephen Finlan is the pastor at The First Church, West Bridgewater, MA. He is the author of eight academic books, including Problems with Atonement (2005), The Family Metaphor in Jesus' Teaching (2013), Bullying in the Churches (2015), and Salvation Not Purchased (2020). He has taught at Drew University, Fordham University, and other institutions. Check out my interview on Cosmic Citizen, ''Church Bullies & What To Do About Them''