Why Does God Allow Evil? , livre ebook

Endorsements
Insightful and engaging-here s a masterful treatment of a difficult and controversial issue by my friend Clay Jones. Readers will benefit greatly from his thoughtful analysis of a topic that has troubled many through the centuries.
Lee Strobel, Professor of Christian Thought, Houston Baptist University
I have read a number of books on the problem of evil, but this is one of the very best yet produced. Professor Clay Jones fearlessly and deftly addresses all the hard questions head-on with rational responses to them. There is no ducking of issues. Moreover, Jones skillfully weaves theology, biblical studies, and philosophy into a coherent, well-integrated book that is suited for both the scholar and the layperson. I highly recommend it.
J.P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University; author of The Soul: How We Know It s Real and Why It Matters
Dr. Clay Jones doesn t shy away from tough subjects. Instead, he tackles them with honesty, diligence, and resolve. In Why Does God Allow Evil? he engages one of the most difficult questions facing believers and skeptics alike. His treatment is God-honoring, straightforward, and accessible. If you re looking for a resource that acknowledges the severity of evil and the gravity of sin while taking the justice and grace of God seriously, get this book !
J. Warner Wallace, senior fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, Adjunct Professor of Apologetics at Biola, author of Cold-Case Christianity
If you are looking for one book to make sense of the problem of evil, this book is for you. Clay Jones brings a lifetime of reflection to this difficult issue. He speaks with honesty and realism, and yet offers genuine hope. Both believers and skeptics will benefit from Why Does God Allow Evil?
Sean McDowell, PhD, Biola University professor, speaker, author
In this book, Clay Jones actually answers the question, Why does God allow evil? So many books on the topic don t give an answer. Hence, this is a breath of fresh air. There is a bonus too. In his answer, Jones gives a full-arc presentation of the gospel. I ve seen even seasoned Christians awaken to the depths of the gospel for the first time in response to Jones s material. I cannot recommend it more highly. Read it for yourself, then read with a church group. Don t be surprised if you detect palpable spiritual growth in everyone involved in studying this important book.
Craig J. Hazen, PhD, founder and director MA in Christian Apologetics, Biola University; editor of Philosophia Christi , author of Five Sacred Crossings
It s hard to imagine there could be a new much-needed book on the problem of evil when so much has already been written, but that s what this is. Clay strikes a rare balance of theological depth and accessibility on this difficult subject, making it an ideal resource for anyone seeking to better understand how evil and suffering can co-exist with a perfectly good and loving God. He answers questions you ve always had, questions you re embarrassed to ask, and questions you didn t think to ask but should have all in an engaging style that makes you not want to put it down.
Natasha Crain, author of Keeping Your Kids on God s Side
Clay Jones has a novel and compelling approach to the problem of evil. In the search for answers, people frequently wonder if God is to blame. You ll find Clay s perspective on this matter eye-opening and even shocking.
William Lane Craig, Research Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, Professor of Philosophy at Houston Baptist University
Clay Jones offers a robust and comprehensive resource for addressing the problem of evil. Like the lectures he gives at Biola and around the world, Why Does God Allow Evil? is well-organized, engaging, and accessible. It s an important addition to the growing body of resources for twenty-first-century Christian apologetics.
Barry H. Corey, president of Biola University, author of Love Kindness: Discover the Power of a Forgotten Christian Virtue
This book unashamedly provides biblical and theological answers to a significant challenge to the Christian worldview. My suspicion is that most readers will find things in this book that they immediately recognize are right-and that they are grateful to Jones for stating so forthrightly. I also suspect that most readers will find ideas they disagree with, and still others that they will need to consider at greater length. Truly important books are always this way. This is an insightful and courageous work-I cannot recommend it too highly.
Robert B. Stewart, Professor of Philosophy and Theology, Greer-Heard Professor of Faith and Culture, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
HARVEST HOUSE PUBLISHERS
EUGENE, OREGON
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Cover by Bryce Williamson, Eugene, OR
Cover Image Sabphoto / Shutterstock
WHY DOES GOD ALLOW EVIL?
Copyright 2017 Clay Jones
Published by Harvest House Publishers
Eugene, Oregon 97402
www.harvesthousepublishers.com
ISBN 978-0-7369-7044-0 (pbk.)
ISBN 978-0-7369-7045-7 (eBook)
All rights reserved. No part of this electronic publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means-electronic, mechanical, digital, photocopy, recording, or any other-without the prior written permission of the publisher. The authorized purchaser has been granted a nontransferable, nonexclusive, and noncommercial right to access and view this electronic publication, and purchaser agrees to do so only in accordance with the terms of use under which it was purchased or transmitted. Participation in or encouragement of piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of author s and publisher s rights is strictly prohibited.
Dedication
To the Lord God
Who is all-good and all-powerful.
Thank You that You so loved the world!
To Jean E.
My best friend, my lover, my faithful critic,
my constant encourager, my skilled helper,
my precious companion.
I look forward to enjoying eternity with you.
I thank God for you!
Contents
Endorsements
Dedication
Preface
Introduction: In Search of Answers About God and Evil
1. Why Do We Suffer for Adam s Sin?
2. Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?
3. Are There No Good People?
4. What Is the Destiny of the Unevangelized?
5. How Can Eternal Punishment Be Fair?
6. Is Free Will Worth It?
7. Wasn t There Another Way?
8. Will We Have Free Will in Heaven?
9. Will Eternity Be Boring?
10. How Does Eternity Relate to Our Suffering Now?
11. How Does Suffering Relate to Our Eternal Occupation?
Epilogue: The Short Answer on Why God Allows Evil
Appendix: Satan s Rebellion and God s Response
Notes
Preface
I n 1994 I started writing a book on the problem of evil, and now, only 23 years later, that book has come to fruition. Although I had hoped to publish this book many years earlier, the Lord-who is all-good, all-knowing, and all-powerful-knew that I still had much to learn from theologians and philosophers, from students, from suffering, and, of course, from the Lord Himself.
Audience
This book is written primarily to explain to reflective Christians some of the most difficult theological concepts regarding evil and to encourage them in God s grand plan for their eternities. I spend too much time on the wonders of heaven for this to be directed to the skeptic. This is not to say that the principles aren t applicable to skeptics-they certainly are. It s just that I present them with the Christian in mind. I will say, however, that I have found information contained herein very helpful in my witness to non-Christians and my interactions with skeptics.
Related to the above, it s important to note that when presenting theodicy-that is, the justification of the ways of God to men-we are attempting to explain God s true reasons for allowing evil. We are trying to explain why God is good in spite of the evil in the world. That the skeptic might reply I wouldn t worship a God like that matters not. Our goal is to present a theodicy that is biblically based and coherent. If we succeed in that, the fact the skeptic doesn t like our answer is irrelevant. We are not trying to defend a god that the skeptic would worship. After all, a god that the skeptic would worship doesn t exist. We are explaining what the Bible says about the Lord s reasons for allowing evil.
Style
I have returned to the tradition of capitalizing the personal pronouns when they refer to God. I want to give Him all the honor I can possibly muster in a world that slanders Him.
Structure
I begin this book with an introduction that defines key terms, explains why many Christians think theodicy impossible, and examines false attempts to explain why God allows evil. In the first chapter I explain why Adam sinned, why we suffer for Adam s sin, and how natural evil entered our world. The second and third chapters examine the depth of human evil and whether there are any good humans. These two chapters may temporarily depress you, but I encourage you to keep reading and I conclude them with twelve reasons why such a study results in a positive transformation.
The fourth and