An introductory discussion of the issue of theodicy in theology: is God to blame for the evil present in the world?

The author expounds upon themes present in other works he has written throughout; this volume is more accessible. He speaks of the difficulties which arise in theology when people presume that God has actively willed all the things that happen, including evil.

He speaks of the "blueprint model," a way of speaking of the Augustinian Calvinist synthesis informed by a Neoplatonic perspective on God (prevalent not only in Calvinism but in much of Protestantism). He analyzes this perspective and demonstrates where it is lacking. He advances and prefers the "warfare model," in which God has created both humans and spiritual beings with free will and allows those free will decisions to exist even when they would go against His purposes.

The book then sets forth the contrast between these two perspectives as they relate to the problem of evil, difficulties people encounter, and exploring the question why some prosper but others suffer. The author wisely recognizes that such questions are vanity, and encourages considering everything in light of God defeating sin and death in Jesus, and looking at everything in terms of seeing God in Jesus. In this way he seeks to dismiss the stronger claims of the "blueprint model" and provide people with a way of understanding God which affirms His sovereignty while making it clear that He is not responsible for the evil that takes place in the world.

On the whole it is persuasively argued, although at times the author falls into the same, albeit opposite, of the trap in which Augustine fell: certain presuppositions are not challenged. Since God loves us in Christ, it is imagined, God would not bring calamity. And yet Scripture speaks frequently of YHWH bringing calamity in judgment on those who continually resist His will...and Jesus Himself spoke condemnation on Jerusalem because they rejected their Christ. If one's view of God cannot see Him upholding justice in judgment and displaying love, grace, and mercy in Christ, it remains as warped as that against which one is arguing.

Nevertheless, on the whole, a good way of looking at the issue and getting away from the Neoplatonic God of the Augustinian tradition. ( )

Gregory Boyd tackles some difficult issues and does a nice job of taking on the current view within Christian culture that God controls everything and, therefore, whatever bad things come our way are there by God's design. This idea that everything is under God's control is what Boyd refers to as the "blueprint worldview."

Boyd successfully challenges this viewpoint and even goes so far as to point out the irrationality of the concept (why would God seek to fight evil with love through sacrificing himself on the cross if the evil int he world is part of his plan?). Instead, Boyd suggests that a "warfare world view" makes more sense and helps to explain a lot of the seemingly random nature of tragedy.

I love the way that Boyd challenges many of the viewpoints prevalent in contemporary christian culture. When someone suddenly loses a spouse or child or other tragedy strikes, telling the person that "God has his reasons" doesn't usually help. It only makes God seem cruel and tyrannical. Instead, if we view suffering individuals as casualties of a spiritual war, we stop excusing ourselves from helping people in need (whether emotional or physical).

This is a great book to read if you've suffered loss and are having trouble understanding why some people seem to be blessed while others appear to be cursed and it has nothing to do with their character or faith. ( )

I disagree significantly with the majority of Boyd's assertions and conclusions. In addition to this, I found his method of argument to be flawed. Instead of arguing against the strengths of opposing views, he consistently sets up straw men and attacks those instead. Most disturbing is his selective quoting of Scripture and strong assertions in favour of minority opinion translations. On the plus side, I thought that the chapter on the practical aspects of answered and unanswered prayer was pretty good. ( )

Theodicy is the ultimate problem for apologists, and any work like this that makes the reader think hard on the subject is worth having and reading. ( )