Review of Why God Allows Evil and Suffering
-
Moumita Islam
- Book of the Month Participant
- Posts: 7
- Joined: 07 Jun 2021, 01:41
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 6
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-moumita-islam.html
- Latest Review: Why God Allows Evil and Suffering by Sine Nomine
Review of Why God Allows Evil and Suffering
[Following is a volunteer review of "Why God Allows Evil and Suffering" by Sine Nomine.]
"Why God Allows Evil and Suffering" by the mysterious author "Sine Nomine" wrestles with the universal theological enigma: if God is omnipotent and benevolent, why does evil exist in the world? This treatise, firmly established in orthodox Christian doctrine and biblical analysis, presents a novel perspective on this age-old theory. Keeping aside all the prevalent Christian notions that pain acts as a crucible for character-building or is interlinked with the exercise of free will, the author believes that suffering finds its purpose in the ultimate assertion of love.
The book is narrated in two distinct parts. The initial section, "Redefining an Ancient Problem," thoroughly examines the fundamental attributes of the Christian God, emphasizing omnipotence, benevolence, justice, and wisdom. It artfully reassesses these attributes in light of pain, challenging common preconceptions. The subsequent section, "Creation, Fall, and Timeless Being," meticulously revisits the initial chapters of Genesis. Here, the author demonstrates how God's love intersects with the human experience (post-Eden), encompassing profound insights into the origins of suffering.
While skeptics may struggle with some of the book's conclusions, for example, the exhibition that human suffering emerges from the consequences of Adam and Eve's original sin, it is evident that the author's arguments are constructed comprehensively. Noteworthy is the book's equivocal treatment of atheists and religious skeptics, eschewing the temptation to generalize or caricature opposing viewpoints. The author preserves an authoritative grasp of classical Christian thinkers and philosophers like St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, René Descartes, and Søren Kierkegaard throughout the book. These luminaries work as touchstones in the growth of the book's "new solution”.
Spanning just over 100 pages, supplemented by over 200 endnotes, the book represents a scholarly endeavour drawing from diverse Christian traditions. However, it leans towards a Roman Catholic perspective. It thoroughly visits potentially sensitive topics with delicacy and wisdom. "Why God Allows Evil and Suffering" ultimately evolves as a nuanced and thought-provoking treatise from a traditionalist Christian vantage point, serving as a valuable contribution to the prevailing discourse surrounding theodicy. I would rate the book 5/5 because the author did a brilliant job of handling such a controversial issue delicately and deliberately.
******
Why God Allows Evil and Suffering
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
"Why God Allows Evil and Suffering" by the mysterious author "Sine Nomine" wrestles with the universal theological enigma: if God is omnipotent and benevolent, why does evil exist in the world? This treatise, firmly established in orthodox Christian doctrine and biblical analysis, presents a novel perspective on this age-old theory. Keeping aside all the prevalent Christian notions that pain acts as a crucible for character-building or is interlinked with the exercise of free will, the author believes that suffering finds its purpose in the ultimate assertion of love.
The book is narrated in two distinct parts. The initial section, "Redefining an Ancient Problem," thoroughly examines the fundamental attributes of the Christian God, emphasizing omnipotence, benevolence, justice, and wisdom. It artfully reassesses these attributes in light of pain, challenging common preconceptions. The subsequent section, "Creation, Fall, and Timeless Being," meticulously revisits the initial chapters of Genesis. Here, the author demonstrates how God's love intersects with the human experience (post-Eden), encompassing profound insights into the origins of suffering.
While skeptics may struggle with some of the book's conclusions, for example, the exhibition that human suffering emerges from the consequences of Adam and Eve's original sin, it is evident that the author's arguments are constructed comprehensively. Noteworthy is the book's equivocal treatment of atheists and religious skeptics, eschewing the temptation to generalize or caricature opposing viewpoints. The author preserves an authoritative grasp of classical Christian thinkers and philosophers like St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, René Descartes, and Søren Kierkegaard throughout the book. These luminaries work as touchstones in the growth of the book's "new solution”.
Spanning just over 100 pages, supplemented by over 200 endnotes, the book represents a scholarly endeavour drawing from diverse Christian traditions. However, it leans towards a Roman Catholic perspective. It thoroughly visits potentially sensitive topics with delicacy and wisdom. "Why God Allows Evil and Suffering" ultimately evolves as a nuanced and thought-provoking treatise from a traditionalist Christian vantage point, serving as a valuable contribution to the prevailing discourse surrounding theodicy. I would rate the book 5/5 because the author did a brilliant job of handling such a controversial issue delicately and deliberately.
******
Why God Allows Evil and Suffering
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Why God Allows Evil and Suffering by Sine Nomine
