If God is Good… Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil by Randy Alcorn
This is a book that should be read before you experience great suffering in your life if you have the opportunity. This is a read that will prepare you to suffer when inevitably you face some trials that all of us do. Randy Alcorn has provided a helpful book that will speak to a wide audience. In one sense it speaks to all because almost everyone will experience some leveling of suffering and this book deals with that issue, but those who will be most interested are Christians and those who are doubting there is a God because of evil and suffering in the world. A great help in the book is that Alcorn does the service of both answering the skeptic and growing the Christian comforting or preparing him for suffering.
The book has some very difficult concepts in it but is written in a way that any motivated reader can understand. The book has many stories of the authors own life and many others who have suffered, these stories mixed in with biblical teaching really allow one to keep a steady pace in reading this nearly 500 page book. At many times the stories may bring you to tears. Although I haven’t ready any Randy Alcon novels you can tell he is a talented writer in that style as well. While the stories make for a good read the real help of the book is in my opinion the strong emphasis on understanding suffering and evil through the gospel of Jesus Christ and the sovereignty of God. Although you may not agree with every nuance of Alcorn’s view of sovereignty of God and free will, his approach is balanced and helpful for understanding the issue of suffering. Knowing that God is in control even over our suffering is key to coming to grips with it.
One difficulty with the book may be its length for some. Although this is hard to change considering the subject being covered. Also I’m sure as I did some will have some minor differences of views with some of his thought especially in regard to God’s sovereignty and man’s free will. Overall this is a very helpful resource that many would benefit from, but don’t wait until you suffer to read this prepare yourself for what will happen in your life whatever it may be.
Publisher: WaterBrook Multnomah
Year: 2010
Pages: 512
Boards: Hardback
Binding: Smyth Sewn
Dust Cover: Yes
Scripture Index: Yes
Topical Index: Yes
Bibliography: No
(This book was given to me by WaterBrook Multnohma Publishing for review, I was not required to give a positive review)
