First published 2009
Bart Ehrman tackles one of theology's most persistent questions: why does an omnipotent God permit human suffering? The bestselling biblical scholar examines how different parts of the Bible offer conflicting answers to this ancient dilemma. Ehrman analyzes various scriptural passages that attempt to explain suffering, revealing how these explanations often contradict each other. Some biblical texts suggest suffering comes as punishment for sin, while others present it as a test of faith or part of a divine plan beyond human understanding. The author demonstrates how these competing theological explanations create more problems than they solve. Ehrman guides readers through the Bible's internal tensions on this subject, showing how different authors across different time periods offered their own solutions to the problem of suffering in a world overseen by a loving, all powerful deity.
Genres: atheism, religion, non-fiction, christianity, theology, academic
Vibes: thought-provoking
Tropes: academic
304 pages · Kindle Edition · HarperOne