Kate Bowler on how to accompany those who are suffering

About this episode

Kate Bowler discusses how to support those who are suffering, emphasizing God's presence in their pain rather than lessons learned from suffering.

American culture often tries to emphasize “learning lessons” in the middle of suffering. For example, “Everything happens for a reason.” But Kate Bowler doesn’t think those “lessons” are coming from God; rather, God draws close to the brokenhearted and accompanies them. On this episode of “The Spiritual Life” podcast host James Martin, S.J. is joined by scholar of American religion history, Kate Bowler, who is also the creator of the popular podcast “Everything Happens” and the author of bestselling books including Everything Happens for a Reason (and Other Lies I’ve Loved) and No Cure for Being Human. Her latest book is Joyful, Anyway! Timecodes: 0:00 God’s grace is not like math 1:05 Who is Kate Bowler? 5:22 How getting diagnosed with stage 4 cancer changed Kate’s faith 11:55 What not to say to someone who is suffering 19:38 How to accompany those who suffer 26:37 The problem with happiness and “good vibes only” 31:32 The paradox and practice of joy 44:10 Kate’s spiritual practices of honesty and service 47:35 Why its so hard to suffer in America 50:00 Audience Question: How do we believe in a just and loving God in the midst of an unjust and unloving world? 56:30 Kate’s…

People in this episode

Host: James Martin, S.J.

Guest: Kate Bowler

Topics covered

• suffering
• faith
• spirituality
• accompaniment
• joy
• American culture

Keywords

• suffering
• faith
• spiritual practices
• joy
• American culture
• accompaniment
• happiness

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Everything Happens

Books & works: Everything Happens for a Reason (and Other Lies I’ve Loved), No Cure for Being Human, Joyful, Anyway!

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• Actor Martin Sheen on the heroes that shaped his spirituality and activism · May 19, 2026 · 50 min
• Liza Colón-Zayas of "The Bear" speaks honestly about her struggles with faith · May 12, 2026 · 45 min
• Filipino Cardinal “Ambo” David on hearing God's voice in the Bible · May 5, 2026 · 41 min