Crucibles: The Social Science of Redemptive Suffering

Crucibles: The Social Science of Redemptive Suffering explores how we navigate the trials of life. In contrast to the many works that address similar topics from either the perspective of faith or science, Crucibles employs both faith and science as pillars of evidence. Specifically, the book provides reflections on Pope Saint John Paul II's apostolic letter Salvifici Doloris through the lens of related social science from psychology, communication studies, and related disciplines. Key topics come to life through stories and examples ranging from the horrors of the Holocaust to military prisoners of war in Vietnam and beyond, providing a novel take on universal topics in a way that will appeal to both secular audiences and people of faith alike.Status: Writing is complete. Publishing contract with Scepter Publishers signed Aug. 27, 2025.