In-depth look at a thorny subject...

This is a review of Randy Alcorn's book, f God Is Good. It's a look at one of the great philosophical questions: if God is good, why is there evil and suffering in the world? It's a question that doesn't lend itself to easy answers. In fact, many people have turned completely away from belief in God solely because they couldn't reconcile His existence with the existence of evil.

Alcorn, as usual for him, doesn't go for the easy answers that don't really satisfy. He delves into the subject confidently, with a firm conviction that we can find answers, while still trusting in a God who is good, kind and loving.

There is, of course, a difference between evil and suffering. Much of the suffering in the world comes as a result of human evil. Suffering also comes form living in a fallen world that is plagued by genetic defects and natural disasters. the question then becomes: why doesn't God stop the suffering in this world?

Alcorn doesn't try to give easily digestible, pat answers. Instead, he points out the good that often comes out of evil. God uses evil and suffering to bring about wisdom, patience and faith in His people. Thus, evil and suffering can have a redemptive good. Alcorn also points out that evil and suffering can whet our appetite for the next world, in which there is no suffering.

Overall, If God Is Good is an honest, in-depth treatment of a subject that every serious Christian must wrestle with at some point. It's written in Alcorn's distinctive, clear, straightforward style. It's deep, but at the same time easy to understand. I recommend it highly.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. They in no way affected my thoughts on the book itself...