Is Your God Good?: Searching for Why We Suffer

Endorsements byTheologians, Pastors, Philosophers, TherapistsIs Your God Good?takes on perhaps the greatest single obstacle to faith in the Christian God—the widespread occurrence of seemingly unfair and senseless suffering. Dave Jackson does not downplay the seriousness of the problem or offer simplistic solutions. Nor does he dodge the difficulty of certain biblical texts that portray God as the agent of evils but emphatically urges readers to consider Jesus Christ as the definitive revelation of God that corrects these all-too-human ancient, albeit “biblical” misconceptions of God’s moral character.—John R. Schneider, Professor Emeritus of Theology, Calvin UniversityHow can we believe that God is perfectly good when so many prayers go unanswered, when so much pain and evil is allowed to take place, and when Scripture sometimes depicts him as a violent nationalistic warrior deity? InIs Your God Good?, Jackson boldly addresses these and other objections to the goodness of God, providing insightful and informed responses at every turn. Everyone who is concerned with the character of God and the problem of evil would benefit from this work.—Greg Boyd, author, theologian, Teaching PastorWoodland Hills Church, Maplewood, MinnesotaWe often subscribe to theological ideas and ways of reading Scripture that deliver spoiled products when we suffer. Jackson names these and offers better alternatives. By owning his own experience, Jackson makes it safe for readers to explore how their own suffering has been excused, denied, ignored, or even justified in the name of God.—Gregory A. Clark, Professor of Philosophy, North Park UniversityIn this present, disorienting political moment, where $60 Bibles incorporate the U.S. Constitution and “God Bless America,” Jackson’s book,Is Your God Good?could not be more timely. While the Word of God has always had a history of being misused, today’s Christ-followers (particularly the emerging generations) are disillusioned by the present American-brand of Christianity that has propagated a