Wrestling with evil

By R. Wayne Hagerman and ChristianWeek | June 6, 2011

Norman Geisler has taught at the graduate level for more than 50 years, and holds a PhD in philosophy, so when one opens this book, it becomes very clear that he is no lightweight thinker or contributor in the theological arena. This is, as Lee Strobel says, "classic Geisler."

An author or co-author of more than 70 books on topics related to the Bible and in particular, biblical apologetics, Geisler is a preeminent defender of the Christian faith on all fronts. This book exists to answer a pervasive question that has haunted humanity for a very long time: if God exists, then why is there so much evil in the world? Geisler says this is at the top of questions about the Christian faith, which is the reason for writing this book.

Beginning with an examination of "The three views of Evil," followed by its nature and origin, purpose and persistence, Geisler wades deep into this topic, and never looks back. He utilizes good philosophical arguments backed up by biblical references, which are not simply proof-texts to back up his opinions, to present reasonable and unarguable conclusions to these questions. He has written this book not to "defend God and explain evil away," but rather to help the reader understand that evil is real, and far too often it hurts deeply. He also seeks to bring hope and comfort to those who have experienced its ravages.

If God, Why Evil is a tremendous book, and it accomplishes everything that Geisler sets out to achieve. Geisler does this by holding the reader's attention with his masterful reasoning. The book also includes several appendices, one in particular that critiques the very popular novel, The Shack. This critique is worth the price of the book alone.

This book would be a great tool for every pastor looking for good, solid, biblical answers about God and evil and for those who are struggling with the reality of evil as it manifests itself personally and publicly. I highly recommend it.