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If God Is Good: Faith In The Midst Of Suffering And Evil (2009)

by Randy Alcorn(Favorite Author)

4.3 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

160142132X (ISBN13: 9781601421326)

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

Multnomah Books

review 1: Best-selling author Randy Alcorn, in his book If God is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil analyzes a subject that has vexed philosophers, theologians, and likely anyone who has been alive for any length of time, that of what is the purpose of suffering and who a loving and omnipotent God would allow suffering and evil to seemingly dominate life. Some philosophers and liberal theologians and certainly atheists continually point to the existence of evil and suffering as proof there is no God. After all, if there was a God who is supposed to be a being that loves and is omnipotent as the Bible claims, would He not love His creation enough to rid the world of evil and suffering? The fancy philosophical and theological term for answering the question of why ther... moree is evil in the world is called theodicy. A theodicy is defined by Webster’s dictionary as “Argument for the justification of God, concerned with reconciling God's goodness and justice with the observable facts of evil and suffering in the world.” Answering the question of why there is evil and suffering in the world is what Randy Alcorn has decided to tackle in his latest effort. If God is Good is not the typical approach to answering this difficult question. While other books on this subject approach the discussion from a more philosophical angle such as works by Alvin Plantinga, John Feinberg, or even William Lane Craig, Alcorn formulates his discussion directly from Scripture, starting with an overview of why evil exists in the first place. If God is Good is divided into eleven sections, each addressing a different yet related issue ranging from a basic understanding of what evil and suffering is, a discussion of how evil is rooted in our sin nature, issues that non-believers must respond to, possible solution to developing a sound theodicy, how evil and suffering are a part of the drama of redemption in Scripture, the issue of divine sovereignty, heaven and hell, why God allows suffering to take place, concluding with a practical discussion of living in a world where evil and suffering are a reality.Each chapter is further divided into sub-sections identified by a bolded statement or question. These statements/questions are not the typical headings that can be skipped over as they frame the overall discussion and issues Alcorn addresses within that chapter. For such a massive book (approximately 500 pages in length), If God is Good is something that will not cause the reader to be overly bogged down. Each chapter is relatively short and very focused so the reader will be able to work through 2 or 3 chapters at a given setting without feeling as if they have been hit by an avalanche of information. Alcorn writes in a scholarly yet accessible style that will meet the needs of those who enjoy works of an academic nature as well as those who are not that familiar with theologically intense topics. Some highlights from this book include the well-researched manner in which Alcorn presents the topics he discusses. It is clear he is fully aware this is a difficult topic that many learned scholars have addressed for centuries and he acknowledges that a complete answer may not be possible. With that said, his approach is rooted in Scripture even though he engages other scholars and their writings on this issue. Thus, in typical Alcorn style, this book is a great balance between theology and practicality. Alcorn does not become so engrossed in answering the question of evil and suffering that he ignores the fact there is no real answer to the question of evil and suffering. His purpose is not to find an answer, but conversely to help the reader understand where evil comes from, namely our sin nature. Understanding that, as well as the sovereignty of God, positions the individual to properly understand why evil exists and when they encounter evil, to properly look to God as being in full control of world events. Alcorn rightly notes “God says that through final judgment for evil doesn’t come here and now, he keeps track of all evil. One day he will judge it decisively. Therefore, no one gets away with anything. Eternal punishment will come. No one beats the system, not Charles Manson or anyone else. Justice delayed is not justice denied.” We can have confidence that in the end, all accounts will be settled and debts will be paid. Satan, sin, death, and the grave will be cast into the Lake of Fire for all eternity and there will one day be no more sorry and no more pain. Understanding that should be at the root of any theodicy. God is fully in control and even though what we see happening across the globe, hurricanes, the slaughter of millions of people for seemingly no valid reason, wars, rumors of wars, tornadoes, earthquakes, cancer, car accidents, and on and on and on, we can have confidence this will one day end. For many, this is a difficult pill to swallow. Those who are having difficulty with understanding evil and suffering in the world will find If God is Good to be a valuable resource. Alcorn does not sugarcoat the fact this is a difficult subject. He does not hide behind philosophical arguments nor does he try to explain away the fact that evil and suffering is an issue for believers to respond to. With that said, his responses to these and many other questions are rooted in Scripture and in the acknowledgement that God knows what He is doing. We can find comfort in the sovereignty of God as did the Psalmist. Suffering can often draw us closer to God where we can find shelter from the storms of life. I highly recommend this book for pastors and layman alike.I received this for free from Multnomah Publications for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
review 2: This book was sent to me as a gift by someone I knew many years ago. His wife is Mr. Alcorn's editor. It is a lengthy book but worth every page. It explains the reasons, that may not be known to us at present, why there is suffering in this world. All things work for good in the will and plan of God. I highly suggest this book to all Christians and to those that may be in the midst of suffering and wondering "why?" less

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