Clay Jones - Why Does God Allow Evil?: Compelling Answers for Life’s Toughest Questions

Insightful and engagingheres 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.

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 Its Real and Why It Matters

Dr. Clay Jones doesnt 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 youre 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 dont 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. Ive seen even seasoned Christians awaken to the depths of the gospel for the first time in response to Joness material. I cannot recommend it more highly. Read it for yourself, then read with a church group. Dont 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

Its hard to imagine there could be a new much-needed book on the problem of evil when so much has already been written, but thats 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 youve always had, questions youre embarrassed to ask, and questions you didnt think to ask but should haveall in an engaging style that makes you not want to put it down.

Natasha Crain, author of Keeping Your Kids on Gods 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. Youll find Clays 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. Its 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 rightand 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 workI 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

HARVEST HOUSE PUBLISHERS

EUGENE, OREGON

Verses marked ESV are from The ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Verses marked NASB are taken from the New American Standard Bible, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org)

Verses marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Cover by Bryce Williamson, Eugene, OR

Cover Image Sabphoto / Shutterstock

WHY DOES GOD ALLOW EVIL?

Copyright 2017 Clay Jones

Published by Harvest House Publishers

Eugene, Oregon 97402

www.harvesthousepublishers.com

ISBN 978-0-7369-7044-0 (pbk.)

ISBN 978-0-7369-7045-7 (eBook)

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To the Lord God

Who is all-good and all-powerful.

Thank You that You so loved the world!

To Jean E.

My best friend, my lover, my faithful critic,

my constant encourager, my skilled helper,

my precious companion.

I look forward to enjoying eternity with you.

I thank God for you!

Contents

I n 1994 I started writing a book on the problem of evil, and now, only 23 years later, that book has come to fruition. Although I had hoped to publish this book many years earlier, the Lordwho is all-good, all-knowing, and all-powerfulknew that I still had much to learn from theologians and philosophers, from students, from suffering, and, of course, from the Lord Himself.

Audience

This book is written primarily to explain to reflective Christians some of the most difficult theological concepts regarding evil and to encourage them in Gods grand plan for their eternities. I spend too much time on the wonders of heaven for this to be directed to the skeptic. This is not to say that the principles arent applicable to skepticsthey certainly are. Its just that I present them with the Christian in mind. I will say, however, that I have found information contained herein very helpful in my witness to non-Christians and my interactions with skeptics.