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Customer Reviews for Bethany House If God, Why Evil?: A New Way to Think about the Question
Bethany House If God, Why Evil?: A New Way to Think about the Question
Why does God allow evil to exist? Good question, says Geisler. Addressing metaphysical, moral, and physical complexities, he surveys evil's nature, origin, persistence, and purpose; offers a biblical discussion of why a loving God allows some people to experience hell; and shares personal stories of believers who found real-life solutions to the conundrum of pain and suffering. 176 pages, softcover from Bethany.
Average Customer Rating:
(10 Reviews) 10
Rating Snapshot (10 reviews)
5 stars
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10 out of 10100%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for If God, Why Evil?: A New Way to Think about the Question
Review 1 for If God, Why Evil?: A New Way to Think about the Question
Overall Rating:
If One Apologetics Resource Among Others, Why Not?
Date:May 25, 2012
Steven B Sherman
Location:Virginia Beach, VA
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
Author Norman Geisler introduces his readers to the most frequently asked difficult question he has been asked in more than 50 years of study: "If God exists, then why is there so much evil in the world?" Responding to this question in a "short, simple, readable, and comprehensive book" is Geisler's stated objected and primary focus in the book's 10 chapters and three appendices. Seven chapters cover topics related to the following aspects of evil: nature, origin, persistence, purpose, avoidability, physical, and eternality. Other chapters include discussions on three views of evil, miracles and evil, and the unevangelized. The appendices include subject areas of animal death before Adam, evidence for God's existence, and (rather unexpectedly) a critique of the book, The Shack. A five-page bibliography is included; unfortunately, the book is not indexed.
Overall, If God, Why Evil? offers readers a fairly straightforward evangelical evidentialist and rationalist approach to the problem of evil. Geisler's preferred method incorporates regular use of logical syllogisms, which appear in virtually every chapter. Alongside acknowledging the general quality of the author's syllogistic work, several of his assumptions or "control beliefs" (pace N. Wolterstorff) show underlying precommitments that some (if not most) other evangelical scholars disavow (e.g., Geisler disallows legitimacy to a theistic evolutionary view of creation, apparently viewing those holding such a position simply as unbelievers--in effect, illegitimatizing the views and work of a sizeable percentage of Christian scholars and scientists). His presuppositions on various issues appear more constricted than many of his evangelical (non-fundamentalist) counterparts, resulting in limiting or effectively eliminating potentially legitimate views held by not a few Christian thinkers (e.g., inclusivism or post-mortem evangelism). Furthermore, rather than arguing that his perspective is superior, Geisler sometimes immediately dismisses or simply disregards alternatively maintained positions (for instance, non-natural law views).
Geisler's exegetical and hermeneutical approach to Scripture often prefers a literalist reading, even over against certain text's clearly literary rather than literal purpose (e.g., "weeping and gnashing of teeth" in hell based on Matt. 8:12, or the appearance of "God the Father" ["Papa"] as a `large beaming African-American woman" in the fictional book The Shack). The author's use of a Bible reference to "discipline" and equating it with "evil" appears to fail (50), as well as his implying that in all cases (of evil events) God purposes something good as in Joseph's (rather particular and unusual narrative) case. This seems a stretch, especially pertaining to horrible evils like abortion, pornography, human trafficking, and many other apparently gratuitous evils that demonstrate God's will (moral, at least) not being fully accomplished on earth presently (while God does continually does work to bring good despite evil).
Notwithstanding its aforementioned shortcomings, Geisler's book succeeds overall in providing some good rationale and evidentialist arguments on various topics related to the problem of evil and theodicy. Many of the syllogisms he employs offer readers helpful outlines and/or guidance on difficult issues. My cautious is against "placing all of one's apologetical eggs in this basket"--the basket simply is not strong enough to hold all of the weight it wants to support. However, as a primer, taken in conjunction with some still "weightier baskets" (e.g., Alvin Plantinga's "Free Will Defense" and several other important arguments and relevant publications), Geisler's manual can serve as part of a "cumulative case" approach to this perennially pertinent subject. Like all authors and scholars, his work is a product of particular historical and social contexts, which powerfully influence one's thought and articulation. Thus, Geisler's work ought to be read with the previously noted limitations in mind, including its strengths (logical reasoning) and weaknesses (hermeneutical/contextual confines). Clearly, he continues to be a force for Christian apologetics (particularly in the evidentialist and rationalist streams), providing important arguments in defense of Christianity. While several other legitimate Christian apologetical, theological, and philosophical approaches to the problem of evil exist and ought to be incorporated into a holistic, cumulative case method (e.g., relational, social, and creedally-informed aspects), we also may applaud Norman L. Geisler's sustained efforts to follow I Peter 3:15-16 devotedly.
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Review 2 for If God, Why Evil?: A New Way to Think about the Question
Overall Rating:
This product is a good read.
Date:February 2, 2012
Agape
Location:Huntley, IL
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The book is everything I thought it would be. It is good to get these thoughts so I can share with others who might have a problem with God.
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+1point
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Review 3 for If God, Why Evil?: A New Way to Think about the Question
Overall Rating:
Helpful book on the problem of evil
Date:June 11, 2011
Liam Moran
Location:Kenosha, WI
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
If God, Why Evil? is the new publication by Bethany House (2011, 173 pages) authored by Norm Geisler.
Dr. Norman Geisler has taught at the university level and seminary levels for more than fifty years and has spoken and debated all over the world. He holds an M.A. from Wheaton, and Ph.D. in philosophy from Loyola University, and is presently Provost and Distinguished Professor of Apologetics at Veritas Evangelical Seminary in Murrieta, California. He is the author or coauthor of more than seventy books. Geisler is considered to be one the premier apologists and scholars in the world.
I. INTRODUCTION
Geisler points out how the question of, "If God exists, then why is there so much evil in the world?" is the most asked question in all his years of studying difficult questions of the Christian faith.
This is a question not only frequently asked by non-believers, a cornerstone argument for atheists but also a question that believers have as well. Why does a good, loving and sovereign God allow so much evil to go on when He could easily prevent it? And why does God allow harm and evil to fall on godly believers? There are a lot of people hungering for comforting answers to these types of questions.
Geisler states his purpose for writing, "First this work attempts to be clear about the various dilemmas and the proposed solutions. The problem is clearly stated first and then an answer is offered in basic terms (p.10)." Geisler then points out how this book is concise, comprehensive, correct and finally comforting as it addresses the problem of evil in the world.
II. SOME POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
Throughout the book, Geisler interacts with all the popular responses that opponents of the Christian faith have given over the years to address the dilemma. Geisler interacts with the notion, presupposition and conclusions postulated by many atheists that "God is neither good or loving and does not exist." Geisler's skill as an apologist and theologian were seen throughout the book, especially as he interacted with all the various philosophical arguments against Christianity.
Geisler philosophically and biblically points out that God is still a.) sovereign and b.) all loving despite evil. Geisler systematically refuted every major philosophical argument made against God's existence.
Conclusion
If God, Why Evil? was an excellent and helpful book on theodicy. It is not as lengthy or as extensive as some of the other works on the topic but that was not the purpose. This is a book that both believers and non-believers can easily read and understand with clariy. Geisler does an excellent job in pointing out how God did not design or create evil but that it is a necessary result of free will in a fallen world. Not one single person is immune from the effects of sin. And as believers, we will never fully understand why we encounter certain tragedies and sicknesses in this life. Geisler offers some great insights into these matters while at the same time recognizing that God in His sovereignty may supernaturally heal those suffering with physical infirmities while with others He may not. Sometimes He may divinely intervene in a crisis, tragedy or prevent a car accident from happening, others times He may not. We do not have all the answers but God is still on the throne and is still sovereign throughout eternity.
Disclaimer: special thanks to Bethany House for this free review copy.
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Review 4 for If God, Why Evil?: A New Way to Think about the Question
Overall Rating:
Not for the "layman"
Date:April 29, 2011
Sweet Diva
Location:USA
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
How many times have those of us in the Christian faith been confronted with these types of questions? My typical answer is that while we may not understand now, we will see it all clearly when we reach Eternity. God's ways are not our ways, and our human intellect can not always see the reasons why ~ that's when our faith is tested and when we put what we say we believe into practice. There is always a bigger picture and our faith is what gets us through, trusting that He indeed works all things for good.
I do, however, understand that while faith comes so easily for me, for many others it doesn not. As a Bethany House book reviewer, I jumped at the chance to receive this book. I was hoping for new insights, hoping to be armed with helpful, Biblical responses to those struggling with belief in God as well as those faltering in their faith during tragic times.
This book is described as being written with the layman in mind, but I have to disagree with that description. While the book is very thorough and scripturally sound, and I like to think I'm a fairly intelligent person, I found it difficult to follow and would often have to read each point several times to try to wrap my brain around what the author was saying. It often made me think of what is was like sitting in a difficult professor's college class. =)
There were several times that I set the book aside, thinking I had read all that I could handle. I persevered, however, and managed to get through....in part due to determination, and in part due to pride! I like to think that I'm a pretty smart cookie and refused to let this book get the best of me! It is theologically and scripturally on point, but I also think it's a book that someone like myself would have to read again and again to ever get all of the concepts presented.
As a homeschooling mom, I've learned all about personality types and learning styles, and this book was definitely not written for mine.....or, I think, the "layman", as suggested. This book is extremely intellictually and theologically deep ~ very deep. It would most definitely be a worthwhile read for one to whom this type of writing appeals to. I kept thinking as I was reading, "I bet my husband would like this book".
Maybe he can read it and explain it to me. ;)
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Review 5 for If God, Why Evil?: A New Way to Think about the Question
Overall Rating:
Good Resource
Date:April 17, 2011
Charles Savelle
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Theodicy is like the elephant in the room for those involved in Christian ministry. We often try to ignore it, but are rarely ever able to avoid it. A helpful resource for those who struggle with the issue is Norm Geisler’s new (2011) book If God, Why Evil? While my bread and butter discipline is more related to the biblical text, I found Geisler’s work to be interesting at a philosophical level.
In general, Geisler’s book is helpful in at least two ways. First, it identifies the major issues and/or problems. This can be of immense value because of the breadth of the questions involved. Second, If God, Why Evil? provides a clear and specific explanation of the issues. In many cases, the issue or problem is laid out in logical form (with premises and a conclusion). The writing is succinct and contains a number of scriptural references (it is too bad that there is no scriptural index).
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3of 4voted this as helpful.
Review 6 for If God, Why Evil?: A New Way to Think about the Question
Overall Rating:
Good, but taxing
Date:April 6, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
I really liked how the author breaks down the critical arguments against God about evil. While I did TRY to enjoy it, it is not really a book meant to 'enjoy' but rather one from which to gain insight. I found it taxing to read for any length of time simply due to the subject matter. I imagine it would be very insightful for any theologian to consider or anyone interested in the God vs. Evil issue. For example, after 9/11, I heard a Catholic priest on national tv being very critical of God. I think the book is a 'must read' for him. Really, anyone bent on blaming God for the bad in their lives would benefit themselves to read this book. Just plan for it to take a while. I am a very fast reader of fiction, but this non-fiction work slowed my pace CONSIDERABLY simply to absorb it.
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my review.
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Review 7 for If God, Why Evil?: A New Way to Think about the Question
Overall Rating:
Good Reference Book
Date:March 16, 2011
Vanessa of HHCreations
Location:Pennsylvania
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
Many Christians and non-Christians alike have often pondered the question, “If God exists, how can He be an all-loving God and still allow so much pain, suffering, death, etc. in the world?” Author Norman L. Geisler looks to answer this question, among many similar and related ones, in his book titled “If God, Why Evil? – A New Way to Think About the Question“.
I found this book to be a lot easier to read in comparison to other books that focus on tough questions and theistic topics. For me, it read less like a text book and more like a one-on-one conversation with the author himself. I think Geisler did a nice job keeping to the point as he gave his reasons and arguments for or against a topic related to the “If God, Why Evil?” question. Not only did he use Biblical references to support the fact that God exists, he also gave scientific, philosophical and historical examples as to why evil exists.
In each chapter of the book, Geisler begins by giving three views on each topic related to the questions of evil: Pantheism’s affirmation of God and denying of evil; Atheism’s affirmation of evil and denying God; and Theism’s affirmation of both God and evil (found in Chapter 1). Geisler then goes on in the remaining chapters to tackle the reasoning for and behind such questions as the origin, the persistence and the purpose of evil, physical evil, eternal evil (Hell), as well as the question of what happens to those individuals who do not have a means of learning about God or Jesus Christ (through churches, priests, missionaries, etc.). Even though I think he was a bit philosophical at times in his explanations, I think Geisler did a good job in finding the Biblical and scholarly references to support his reasonings and answers to the questions and topics about evil.
I don’t normally read books like this one for pleasure or on a regular basis, but I did find it interesting at times. If I had to recommend this book to anyone, I would suggest it to a minister or someone in such a profession or position who is faced with having to answer such difficult questions for friends, family members, and congregation members. I think it would make a good reference book for him or her with its easy-to-read topic layout, Bible verse references, and to-the-point topic discussions.
Thank you to Bethany House for providing this book for 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
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Review 8 for If God, Why Evil?: A New Way to Think about the Question
Overall Rating:
An Excellent Apologetic Resource
Date:March 15, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
As a pastor’s wife I have often encountered people who have asked the question “If there is such a loving God, why are so many bad things allowed to happen?” It has been difficult to answer without seeming to give pat answers or weak arguments. If God, Why Evil?: A New Way to Think About the Question by Norman L. Geisler is an excellent resource for both the layperson and ministry leader to use in identifying the many questions and finding answers to address this common concern.
Geisler tackles topics such as the nature, origin, persistence and purpose of evil; why evil is unavoidable; the problems of physical and eternal evil; miracles and evil; and what about those who have never heard the gospel. Each chapter is considered from the three views in regard to evil:
Pantheism affirms God and denies evil.
Atheism affirms evil and denies God.
Theism affirms both God and evil.
Atheism affirms evil and denies God.
Theism affirms both God and evil.
Each chapter then tackles the topic from all three viewpoints, giving the Christian a solid basis in which to answer and shows how God is ultimately in control.
“...God is the ‘author’ of everything that happens in the indirect and ultimate sense; He is not the immediate cause of evil actions. He neither promotes them nor produces them; He permits them and controls the course of history so that it accomplishes His ultimate purposes.” page 24.
The book includes three appendices: animal death before Adam, evidence for the existence for God, and a critique of The Shack. I was interested to see how the author would tackle the arguments for the existence for God and was pleased to see the wide range of theories and objections presented and the logical, systematic answers to them.
While the book seemed a bit too philosophical at times, it is an excellent apologetic resource for every believer and one that will be referred to many times.
I give this book 4 stars out of 5.
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Review 9 for If God, Why Evil?: A New Way to Think about the Question
Overall Rating:
The Analysis of Evil
Date:March 15, 2011
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
I must say that this is a very analytical approach to evil, examining the cause, nature, purpose and persistence of evil. The author uses a cause and effect approach and then analyzes those statement to determine their validity. Though, I tend to be an analytical thinker, I found myself having to reread portions of the book to grasp an understanding of the material. The subtitle of the book is "A New Way to Think About the Question." This book was full of new ways of thinking. It discussed aspects of evil that I had never even considered. It includes an appendix on the Evidence for the Existence of God, which follows the same format as the entire book and it includes a critique of the contemporary Christian novel, The Shack. The author of this book presents many fallacies of the novel and in his opinion, the novel presents many unrealistic and unbiblical concepts. If you want to think and really examine all you want to know about evil, this would be a good book to read, however, I will say that I found it very taxing to my mind.
I received a free copy of this book for review from Bethany House. I was not obligated to provide a positive review. The opinions and writings in this review are my own.
I received a free copy of this book for review from Bethany House. I was not obligated to provide a positive review. The opinions and writings in this review are my own.
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2of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 10 for If God, Why Evil?: A New Way to Think about the Question
Overall Rating:
Pretty Good
Date:February 8, 2011
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
This is one of the best treatments of the topic of evil I've read. It has one major draw back though. This book was dealing with a theological issue in an almost entirely philosophical way. It's therefore incomplete because it totally neglects the Genesis record except briefly in an appendix. The appendix is thoroughly unbiblical at that favoring the heresy recently invented by William Dembksi that God created the world flawed, corrupt, fallen and under the curse because he knew Adam would eventually sin. So things are not bad as a result of sin but because a perfect God created imperfection to punish sin that hadn't taken place yet. That's bad theology and bad philosophy. Other than this it really was a good book.
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-2points
1of 4voted this as helpful.