Review of Why God Allows Evil and Suffering

[Creole]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Why God Allows Evil and Suffering" by Sine Nomine.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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What happens to infants when they die? Do heaven and hell exist? Is there repentance after death? These are some age-old questions that the author, Sine Nomine, seeks to answer in the book Why God Allows Evil and Suffering.

An appreciable amount of rhetorical exegesis revolves around the notion of a world in which evil and suffering abound despite being surveilled by the all-seeing eye of an all-powerful and all-loving God. Even Christians, while contending for their faith, are confronted with various perspectives on this topic, and in trying to come to terms with this enigma, waver in their belief as the literature seems to get more complicated instead of clarifying. What is clear, however, is that the writer of this book has done extensive research, which justifies the underlying presuppositions that form the basis for a persuasive argument.

The writer draws heavily from the Catechism of the Catholic Church as well as the works of philosophers and theologians like Epicurus, René Descartes, and Thomas Aquinas. Against this background, a series of arguments, evidenced by Scripture and Science, is developed. As the author predicates, the purpose of our existence is to experience love with God and each other. Faith is a prerequisite of love, and evil rears its ugly head when love is undermined via self-centred ends.

Several challenges that plague humanity are dealt with in this book. The fall of man, narrated in Genesis 1–3, is significant in delineating the topic. Man’s existence in a state of timelessness before his fall versus his now temporal existence is meticulously explored. An enthralling explanation of the ‘Trinity’, which undergirds the premise that faith is essential to love, is also included.

Though I do not necessarily agree with the author’s take on the Trinity, it is logical and arresting. The cover is another aspect of the book that does not appeal to me. Notwithstanding, the grey and black could symbolize the pain and suffering we all have to face.

Several techniques are employed to reach a powerful conclusion in Why God Allows Evil and Suffering. One of the author’s techniques is repetition, utilized with intention and precision for comprehension, continuity, and emphasis. The long sentences used in the explanation might deter some readers. However, the logic in this book flows beautifully, and one must read analytically to grasp the truths embedded in the rhetoric. The writer builds his compelling argument layer by layer, and readers will find it difficult to put this book down as it builds to an impressive finale.

I rate the book five out of five stars. If you want to learn more about the nature of the afterlife and why the innocent suffer, this is the book to read. It is well-written, captivating, and will answer many of your questions concerning God, evil and suffering. I recommend it for Christians who need to be strengthened in their faith and anyone who wants to learn more about the Christian God and His ways.

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Why God Allows Evil and Suffering
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[Gerry Steen]

Hi, Creole, I was brought up as a Catholic and I know that a book such as this is used to strengthen one's faith. When I was a child, my Grandmother always responded to hardship by saying "This is my Cross to bear." It is sad when a child suffers, but children often show amazing courage and strength while teaching us how to accept and persevere. Your review shows that this book has a lot of wisdom to offer Christians who want to strengthen their faith.

[Mari Thompson]

I have asked myself the very question of the book title too many times to count. This might be a good book for me. Thanks for the review and the recommendation.