Why?: Reflections on the Problem of Evil

Nothing so baffles the mind or staggers the soul than the reality and sheer intensity of human suffering. How can we explain such widespread malevolence in a world ruled by a benevolent God? What is the proper response to such pain and puzzlement? Skeptics and believers alike are compelled to ask Why? Some have advocated an overly confident and simplistic theodicy while others have retreated to a place of doubt or even unbelief. But neither of these options will do. Carmen DiCello urges that we reject both unwarranted confidence and outright skepticism favoring an approach in which human knowledge and human ignorance are held in tension. Providing a helpful framework for thinking through these issues DiCello balances what we can know with what we cant showing that there is reason enough to believe along with ample cause to rest our hearts and minds in a good sovereign but also mystifying God. Why? provides spiritual and intellectual guidance for all who are willing to venture into these troubling waters and who desire to emerge with a realistic faith and a sustaining hope. Perhaps the most difficult question that anyone asks is Why would an all-powerful God allow evil and suffering in the world? However this isnt merely an intellectual abstraction. In lifes most painful experiences this is also one of our most heartfelt questions. Evil and suffering leave none of us unscathed. In this book Dr. DiCello wisely navigates the complex waters of the problem of evil. He helps us to understand the main Christian responses to this problem while providing a well-balanced critique of them. This book will be an intellectual and emotional balm to those who have suffered and asked why? -John Smulo Founding Director School of Apologetics Morling College Sydney Australia Once again Dr. DiCello has shown his unique ability to engage our contemporary world with Christian reflections that are neither old fashioned trite nor condescending. Since the tragedy of 9/11 and its aftermath there has been a renewed interest in the nature and cause of human suffering and evil. This book addresses these issues head on in a highly engaging way. Be prepared to think and to be challenged! -Steve Gunderson Educator In recent years there has been a renewed interest in the philosophical issues surrounding the problem of evil which has plagued the minds of philosophers theologians and common folk alike. How can this happen to me? And why? How can God be all-powerful and all-loving and yet allow evil to occur? These are among the many complex questions that have been raised throughout the centuries. Dr. DiCello provides a fresh look at the problem of evil in a postmodern era approaching the subject from a solidly biblical-theological perspective. Furthermore he challenges his readers to do the same. DiCello does not answer all the questions that arise when considering the problem of evil but he does encourage his readers to search the Scriptures and to seek the face of God for solutions. -Jason Crowder Founder and Director Know Him Ministries Carmen C. DiCello has served as an associate and senior pastor in various churches since 1992 and he is currently both a public school teacher and adjunct professor at Columbia Evangelical Seminary in Longview Washington.