Why Does God Allow Evil?: Compelling Answers for Life's Toughest Questions

by Clay Jones

Overview

"If you are looking for one book to make sense of the problem of evil, this book is for you."
Sean McDowell

Grasping This Truth Will
Change Your View of God Forever

If God is good and all-powerful, why doesn't He put a stop to the evil in this world? Christians and non-Christians alike struggle with the concept of a loving God who allows widespread suffering in this life and never-ending punishment in hell. We wrestle with questions such as...

• Why do bad things happen to good people?
• Why should we have to pay for Adam's sin?
• How can eternal judgment be fair?

But what if the real problem doesn't start with God...but with us?

Clay Jones, a professor of Christian apologetics at Biola University, examines what Scripture truly says about the nature of evil and why God allows it. Along the way, he'll help you discover the contrasting abundance of God's grace, the overwhelming joy of heaven, and the extraordinary destiny of believers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780736970457
Publisher:	Harvest House Publishers
Publication date:	08/01/2017
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	565,635
File size:	563 KB

About the Author

Clay Jones (DMin) is an associate professor of Christian apologetics at Biola University and the chairman of the board for Ratio Christi, an international university apologetics ministry. Previously he hosted the nationally syndicated talk radio program Contend for Truth and served on the pastoral staff of two large churches. Clay and his wife, Jean E., live in Southern California.

Table of Contents

Preface 11

Introduction: In Search of Answers About God and Evil 15

1 Why Do We Suffer for Adam's Sin? 29

2 Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People? 47

3 Are There No Good People? 65

4 What Is the Destiny of the Unevangelized? 79

5 How Can Eternal Punishment Be Fair? 93

6 Is Free Will Worth It? 109

7 Wasn't There Another Way? 125

8 Will We Have Free Will in Heaven? 145

9 Will Eternity Be Boring? 159

10 How Does Eternity Relate to Our Suffering Now? 177

11 How Does Suffering Relate to Our Eternal Occupation? 189

Epilogue: The Short Answer on Why God Allows Evil 207

Appendix: Satan's Rebellion and God's Response 209

Index 217

Notes 219

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"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. Read it with a pen in hand to underline the nuggets of wisdom!" 
—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

Editorial Reviews

"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. Read it with a pen in hand to underline the nuggets of wisdom!" 
—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

From the Publisher