For Elizabeth A. Johnson, working through a Biblical response to physical affliction was not merely an abstract theological question to be dealt with at random. For her, the questions presented themselves in the form of chronic illness that interrupted the life she thought she would have, years before many feel forced to search for such deep answers. In Touching the Hem: A Biblical Response to Physical Suffering, works through a theology of a Biblical response to physical suffering by working through five main related studies: God’s character, God’s works, our circumstances, our response, and God’s response. Elizabeth is a gifted writer, and her study and personal devotion to this topic shine through the book. While this is definitely not a fluffy women’s book, it is an easy, well-organized read. It is both academic and accessible while blending in Elizabeth’s personal experience with the subject matter. Although I am not currently enduring a time of chronic physical affliction (and the book certainly deals with far more than chronic health issues), I still found the book devotionally and spiritually valuable. I have suffered from minor health issues in the past, and know that, unless I die suddenly and soon, I will face them again, though the severity and longevity remain presently unknown. At the same time, I think that if I read this book while in the midst of intense physical affliction, it would lend even greater value. Elizabeth’s audience will be primarily those who hold to a (classical) Cessationist theology, as is evidenced by her chapter dealing with faith healing. This is also evidenced in the following statement:  “When people find themselves healed today, while it may feel like a miracle to one who has suffered so intently for so long, it generally can be explained by God’s working through natural means to heal them. The healing is still of God, when it comes, but it is not usually an actual miracle. True healing occurs on God’s terms alone: according to His perfect will and timing. It is never solely by the hands or words of a man.” With room for beliefs between Cessationism and charismaticism, I appreciate her open ended statement that leaves room for the possibility for God to heal through miracles, though such occurrences be rare or unseen to many. Elizabeth does an excellent job of connecting physical health and spiritual health and showing Scriptural support of how these are linked together. Seeing this link…