Why?
Looking at God, Evil & Personal Suffering
Published on 21. October 2021
Book
Paperback/Softback
176 pages
978-1-78974-354-8 (ISBN)
Description
Why do bad things happen in our world? Why does God allow suffering? If he exists, why doesn't he do something?
Of all the hurdles to faith, suffering must be the greatest. But how do we answer the question of 'Why?' in a credible, satisfying way?
In this revised and updated edition of an award-winning book that has helped thousands in their journey of faith, scientist Sharon Dirckx explores some of the most agonizing and bewildering questions we all ask. With compassionate warmth and insight, she offers advice to help us cope with suffering and difficulties. Alongside, she interweaves her own experiences and the personal stories of individuals who have faced some of life's toughest challenges, showing us that it is possible to believe in a powerful loving God and acknowledge the reality of evil and suffering.
Why? is a book for anyone who has questioned how suffering and a compassionate God can coexist. It will help you better understand the nature of God in Christianity, and will equip you to answer the question of 'Why?' with confidence and clarity. It is also an ideal apologetics book to give to friends and family just beginning on their faith journey or who are struggling and looking for answers.
If you have ever asked or wondered why God allows suffering, Sharon Dirckx's gentle wisdom in Why? will help you see life from a new perspective - one that makes more, not less, sense of our hurting world.
Of all the hurdles to faith, suffering must be the greatest. But how do we answer the question of 'Why?' in a credible, satisfying way?
In this revised and updated edition of an award-winning book that has helped thousands in their journey of faith, scientist Sharon Dirckx explores some of the most agonizing and bewildering questions we all ask. With compassionate warmth and insight, she offers advice to help us cope with suffering and difficulties. Alongside, she interweaves her own experiences and the personal stories of individuals who have faced some of life's toughest challenges, showing us that it is possible to believe in a powerful loving God and acknowledge the reality of evil and suffering.
Why? is a book for anyone who has questioned how suffering and a compassionate God can coexist. It will help you better understand the nature of God in Christianity, and will equip you to answer the question of 'Why?' with confidence and clarity. It is also an ideal apologetics book to give to friends and family just beginning on their faith journey or who are struggling and looking for answers.
If you have ever asked or wondered why God allows suffering, Sharon Dirckx's gentle wisdom in Why? will help you see life from a new perspective - one that makes more, not less, sense of our hurting world.
Reviews / Votes
Written with the heart of a mother as well as the mind of a scientist, Why? is not only profound, but tender and comforting as well. -- Os Guinness * Author of Unspeakable: Facing Up to the Challenge of Evil * I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone asking the deep questions of life. -- Dr Amy Orr Ewing * Author of Why Trust the Bible? and President of OCCA The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics * Puts words and reason to what I instinctively knew in my heart the day I became an amputee: God loves me, God is good, God is all-powerful, and he was mourning the loss of my leg alongside me. I flipped between anger, and thankfulness that my life had been spared, but the experience of God's peace was constant. -- Stef Reid * British Paralympic medalist and professional athlete * I love the way Sharon wrestles with the truth. She turns it inside out and inspects its seams... Both moving and challenging. -- Jennifer Kennedy Dean * Author of Live a Praying Life *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Nottingham
United Kingdom
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight
230 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-78974-354-8 (9781789743548)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
10/2021
1st Edition
Inter-Varsity Press
€11.49
Available for download
Previous edition
Book
01/2013
Inter-Varsity Press
€32.39
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Person
Dr Sharon Dirckx lectures at OCCA The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics and speaks internationally. She has a PhD in brain imaging and has held research positions in the UK and USA. The first edition of Why? won the Speaking Volumes Christian Book Award in 2014. She is also the author of Am I Just My Brain? (Good Book Company).
Content
Introduction
Frances's story
1 If God exists, then why is there so much evil and suffering in the world?
2 If God knew that the world would be a place of suffering, then why did he create it?
Will's story
3 If God is so powerful, then why doesn't he stop evil before it happens?
4 Surely religion is the cause of so much suffering?
Grace's story
5 If God exists, then does he care about my suffering?
6 Am I responsible for anyone else's suffering?
Charles's story
7 Why does God allow natural disasters and diseases?
Rachel's story
8 Can a broken story be fixed?
9 How do I move forward from here?
Frances's story
1 If God exists, then why is there so much evil and suffering in the world?
2 If God knew that the world would be a place of suffering, then why did he create it?
Will's story
3 If God is so powerful, then why doesn't he stop evil before it happens?
4 Surely religion is the cause of so much suffering?
Grace's story
5 If God exists, then does he care about my suffering?
6 Am I responsible for anyone else's suffering?
Charles's story
7 Why does God allow natural disasters and diseases?
Rachel's story
8 Can a broken story be fixed?
9 How do I move forward from here?