Why Does God Allow Evil? Compelling Answers for Life’s Toughest Questions

by Clay Jones

Grasping This Truth Will Change Your View of God Forever

If God is good and all-powerful, why doesn't He put a stop to the evil in this world? Christians and non-Christians alike struggle with the concept of a loving God who allows widespread suffering in this life and never-ending punishment in hell. We wrestle with questions such as...

-Why do bad things happen to good people?
-Why should we have to pay for Adam's sin?
-How can eternal judgment be fair?
-But what if the real problem doesn't start with God...but with us?

Clay Jones, a professor of Christian apologetics at Biola University, examines what Scripture truly says about the nature of evil and why God allows it. Along the way, he'll help you discover the contrasting abundance of God's grace, the overwhelming joy of heaven, and the extraordinary destiny of believers.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christianity, Religion, Nonfiction, Faith, Philosophy

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2017

About the author

Librarian Note: This profile contains more than one author. Those listed below have multiple books listed on GoodReads.

Clay Jones (2 spaces): political cartoonist
Clay Jones (3 spaces): gardening

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many books in print trying to explain why Christians believe in an all powerful good God yet find we have evil in the world. I have read many of them. I think this one stands out.

Jones writes that it took him over twenty years to write this book. It shows. There is a deepness of thought and presentation that I have not seen in other books on the topic. He has studied the subject well, reading many books as well as pursuing Scripture.

A few of his many teachings stood out to me. One was his questioning whether there were any “good” people. The question of why bad things happen to good people looses its meaning when we realize that there are not any good people. Jones uses history and Scripture to prove his point.

Another part of the book I particularly appreciated was his teaching on evil entering the world through Adam's sin. I understood his explanation of why we are punished for Adam's sin. We are born with a nature inclined to sin – related to why there are no good people. Even though I had studied this topic, I found new insights from Jones.

This is a book for Christians. It explains why a good God has good purposes for allowing evil. Jones writes about being prepared for eternity, comparing the suffering here with the experience there. Lest readers think he knows nothing of suffering, he shares his own experience with excruciating pain from bone cancer.

Jones does a great job of answering the arguments of critics, such as atheists. He points out the fallacy of their arguments clearly.

I highly recommend this book to Christians who want a biblically based and well reasoned explanation as to why an all powerful and good God allows evil. Jones wants our understanding to be shaped by what Scripture says and he presents that well.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Sharon Mariampillai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

This was an enjoyable read. It answered the questions that we have about the original sin caused by Adam and Eve, and why God allows evil. In my opinion, I thought that the book was very informative and interesting. It was thought-provoking and had good points. It gives me more insight into Christian living. I am glad that I read this book. Overall, a great read.

[Teegee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the best book I've ever read on the subject.

I learned a lot, disagreed a lot, confused a lot, thought a lot - basically everything you should get from a book on such an important and difficult topic.

Definitely assumes general acceptance of the gospel (which seems fair, only so much you can do at once :D)

[todo: more detail]

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had some valuable information. This style of book is harder for me to read-it feels like arguing. So, while it was a worthwhile read, I didn't personally enjoy it.

[Andy Rectenwald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Jones was one of my professors in my graduate studies at Biola University. This book encapsulates his class on the topic quite well.

I thought he provides a fresh take on possibly one of the most important questions in the minds of both people of faith and not.

The book was an easy read, which is impressive considering the difficulty of the topic.

The only part I wish was different is the length. I truly wish that the book was longer, so he could have delved into certain topic deeper than he did.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who has asked the question in the title.

[Blake Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author gives clear Biblical answers to the question, "Why does God allow evil?" He has been teaching a class on this subject for many years. The book shows that he has done his research and given deep thought to the question. Students are blessed to have him as their teacher.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this author through Lee strobel's newest writing. Many names aren't familiar for me, but seems their works was great in the apologetics field. So I try to read this book, and found that the arguments here was pretty good. This is one of the hardest topic, and apologist try to answer this question over the ages. The author's arguments wasn't new at all, but the style of the explanation was easy to understand, completed with the examples.

[Jacob O'connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jones has written a surprisingly good free-will theodicy.  It's pastoral in tone, but he doesn't slouch. 

[Christian Pilgrim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was helpful for a number of things, but Clays premise for his argument was that we have “free will” and it being Gods main reason for allowing evil. I do not believe that in and of itself is a very convincing reason to allow evil. Over all good book and helpful.

[Daniel Cossey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and found it quite helpful. It starts with a discussion of why we could be responsible/punished/affected by Adam's first sin and looks at various different theories/answers to this. It seems to me adequate to hold that God knows that any one of us would have acted the same way in the situation and considering we couldn't all be there, humanity is represented in Adam’s original choice to sin. The book then covers many aspects of the problem of evil. As Jones points out, his perspective revolves around two core themes, namely understanding the depths of human sin and the weight of eternal glory that God has prepared for us.
The point of understanding the depths of human sin was very helpful for me and added a lot to my understanding of the problem of evil. I think he draws together and make sense of the Christian understanding that humans are totally depraved with the way that the world is. So often people talk about good people and why bad things happen to good people. I have previously asserted that on reading the Bible we find that there are no good people. I think in conversation this seems to be a hard pill for non-Christians to swallow at first. They often think that surely so and so is good. Jones clearly articulates that we can show that there are no good people by looking through history. He gives many examples of the atrocities of genocide, but I think the key takeaway is that ordinary people become genocidal killers. This is the common without exception perspective of genocide survivors. You would expect people who survived a genocide to say the killers were crazy people, they were maniacs, but they don't, they say they were normal people. Because of the situation they were in they ended up becoming killers. I think when we take this perspective we see in our own lives or in the lives of those around us the points of the Bible that we are incredibly evil. For example, Jones discusses why people don't murder in our society. It's not because of the inherent goodness about us it's because of our own selfishness. We realized that even though we really want to kill this person we don't because of the consequences, such as going to prison that will happen to us. People often go through their whole life being un-righteously angry and committing murder in their minds (just as Christ says we do) and thinking that they are good people, when in fact they are just acting out of selfishness to put their own desires first. A particularly eye opening example is how he draws the link to abortion and how this is an example of genocide happening today. People give reasons to justify it, but there is always some proposed justification for the genocide. I think Jones really adequately shows how evil humans are. When we understand this then we get a new perspective on the problem of evil because so much of the evil and suffering in the world comes from our human sinfulness and the misuse of our free will to cause pain on others.
Jones also describes the weight of eternal glory and how it will totally outweigh all suffering now. This was a very interesting discussion as well because he tries to confront peoples misconceptions of heaven (i.e., that it will be boring and we will just be sitting around playing harps). Jones talks about the way that the Bible portrays heaven. I found this very interesting and helpful when we consider that any of us could be genocidal killers and yet God will still change us and find a way for us to come into relationship with him. Namely, by having his son punished in our place so then we can be made right and be changed to be glorious, righteous creatures who live forever with joy in his presence. This does seem to put the problem of evil in the right perspective.
Jones does address natural evil in saying that it teaches us the consequences of sin so we would not be inclined to misuse our free will in heaven. This is an important point because I think it's similar to Craig's arguments that if God had just made heaven with no suffering, we might have used our freewill to see what rebellion was like, just like the devil did and just like Adam and Eve did. In creating this world first where we can have some time of using our freewill to sin and seeing that sin results in the fall and all these natural evils, we will realize that it's just so stupid to sin. Jones gives the example of an adult stabbing himself in the eye with a pen, sure he could do that, but he never will because he knows it would be so stupid and result in so much suffering. In the same way we will see God's glory and we will remember the suffering resulting from sin and so we will never sin again, and we will only use our freewill to continue to follow God's good desires.
I think this is a very good point, but not quite drawn out enough in his book to make a rock-solid case. I think one area of objection would be why do we need natural evils, couldn't there just be non-natural evils like misuses of freewill (moral evils)? God cursing the earth and bringing natural evils seems arbitrary and not really a necessarily a result of sin. To answer this myself I would posit that the alternative world this objection wants would be one where people continue in sin and have moral suffering because of that, but no natural suffering. In this world these people would have to be separate from God because of their sin. However, they could come into relationship with God if they wanted. Maybe God knows that in such a world not many people come into relationship with him. Maybe he also knows that the maximum amount of Human joy comes from being in relationship with him rather than the boring existence with no natural evil, but only moral evils. So he instead creates this world with certain punishments (natural evil and hell) as a result of sin because he knows that in these situations the maximum number of people freely choose to follow him and not sin for eternity in heaven. He also knows that this situation is really the best one for us where we get the most joy.
Jones also has a very interesting speculative discussion on what made Satan fall, talking about pride and wanting to be like God. Overall a very good book that I would recommend. Even though I think he doesn't completely draw out a full answer to the problem of evil, the insights I gained from the book helped me to create what I think is an adequate theodicy.

[Lim Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review of Why does God allow evil – Clay Jones
____

The problem of evil or suffering has always been a fascinating issue, because it deals with the moral issues that are explicitly evident in our daily lives. Almost all our action can lead back to some level of moral consideration.

The case presented by Clay in his book “why does God allow evil?” mainly serves the Christian audience, as he reference all evil through the context of biblical understanding. His main argument revolves justifying evil through the concept of free-will.

Though he make a compelling case of the sinful inclination of human nature through the doctrine of original sin. I am rather reserve to consider the free will theodicy as an argument for evil. The immediate implication I struggle with is the act of disobedience, considering the situation of Adam’s sin can only be considered after the consumption of the fruit of good and evil not at the thought of disobedience, in such an instance, one can easily argue that sinful thought may not be a sin at all, which can be quite an implication towards moral considerations.
Although clay did mention that the point of evil is not at the fall of man but the fall of angelical being, which is justify by the appearance of the serpent in the garden of Eden. Nevertheless, this fail to adequately address the concern of sinful thought. However, the matter concerning is not about what consider sinful rather why God allowed evil and the freewill theodicy does its job through the biblical context.

In anyway, my biggest problem remains for this book is the justification for the need to considering going through the whole process of soul building via free-will.
To justify suffering through free will, clay has lay out the value of having freewill outweighs a world without suffering. Hence, one has to also agree that free will is needed in heaven, which begs the question, won’t we be capable of sinning as well, in defence of that clay bought out similar idea of soul building, but this doesn’t address the situation of insufficiently soul building, such as infancy death, etc. In addition, clay listed out various reasons why we can’t sin in heaven but these conditions can be easily achieved without the need for the time spent outside garden of Eden. Furthermore, some of his listed conditions appears to contradict his earlier notion on the defence on free-will, for instance, he claim that we will live with the sight of what hell looks so choosing to sin will be rather silly in heaven, but this argument against the earlier argument for feigning loyalty to God. He also attempted to use the contrast of quantity and quality in heaven to account the possibility of sinning.

I get the reasons that we need to know the knowledge of good and evil in order to go through the process of soul building via free will, which clay did quite a pleasant job explaining in the earlier chapters. But the insufficient of soul building from infant death etc. Seems like a problem that soul building argument can’t seem to address, clay then suggest the concept of judgement using simple mathematics solutions on the time needed to make sense of the education on the stupidity of sin, but this seems like a rather strange defence, it presupposes that by adding everyone judgement timing it will be a comprehensive education on sin, which doesn’t seems to me a persuasive argument.
Firstly if this is true then there is no need for anybody to continue going through the time on earth for soul building.
2ndly, there is no need for Christ death and resurrection, since there is this education system in placed.

Overall, I not suggesting that there is no freewill in heaven, rather it is indeed a real problem to justify insufficient soul building in the defence via free will for explaining the evil in this world.
As a Christian and an avid fan of apologetic, this book definitely not one that I will recommend to address the problem of evil, by introducing the free-will theodicy through the concept of original sin, one can agree that suffering can be accounted if there is free-will, at the same time another problem arise when free-will is present in heaven, the defence via soul building can’t address all accounts of free-will unless we adopt that is no free will in heaven or that cases where insufficient soul building is concern salvation is not available, the free will theodicy just doesn’t seems to adequately address the problems of evil.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his theodicy, Dr. Jones not only provide an explanation for “Why does God allow evil?” but he outlines why there is evil in the first place as the Christian narrative reveals in Genesis. He explains why the sin of one person, Adam the first man, not only affects all of Creation, but how all of humanity is implicated in Adam’s sin. Not only are we implicated, but we continually ratify his sin with the many evil acts we commit. Once we recognize how deprave we are, we might then ask—why did God allows us to be depraved? The answer is Free Will. It is only by Free Will that we would be able to choose evil, and it is only be Free Will that we can choose God. If we choose God, then we can de delivered from our own depravity. Yet, until Jesus comes, God uses the depravity that still exists to help us fall out of love with the world and to desire Him and our eternity in Heaven. It is by dwelling on this heavenly eternity, that we can persevere amongst present evil.
What makes Dr. Jones theodicy so powerful is that he reframes the argument to be not “Why does God allow evil?” but “Why does God allow humans?” for it is humans that are truly the evil ones, the depraved. In his survey of the atrocities humanity has executed, Jones proves: one, there are no good people; two, the eternal punishment of God is a just punishment for the truly depraved (who will be eternally unrepentant), three, we can only be good if we are good with God. This leads Jones to show how necessary our Free Will is. By accepting that it is only by Free Will that we can truly be humans (ability for great evil and great good and all), we can see why God allowed evil to happen—so we could have meaningful relationship with Him. More than Free Will, that is a gift we don’t deserve. Then Jones persuasively shows that God allows evil, suffering and hurt to continue in order to: refine our faith, to prepare us to judge alongside Christ at His revelation, and lastly to ensure in the eternal heaven to come (where eternity will outlive any of this world’s evil) that we will always and freely choose God. In the end, God allows evil so that he can have real relationship with us forever and ever without the fear that we would choose anything but Him ever again.

[Karen T · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Why Does God Allow Evil?: Compelling Answers for Life’s Toughest Questions” is an insightful and well-written book. Clay Jones, an associate professor of Christian apologetics at Biola University, examines what Scripture truly says about the nature of evil and why God allows it. He presents complex biblical concepts in a way that is both accessible and thought-provoking, making Scripture easier to understand.

Jones offers compelling arguments that challenge readers to reconsider their assumptions about suffering and God’s role in it, all while incorporating humor that makes the book an engaging read. There were several moments when I laughed out loud.

If God is good and all-powerful, why doesn’t He stop the evil in this world? Both Christians and non-Christians wrestle with the idea of a loving God who allows suffering. But what if the real problem isn’t with God, but with us—going all the way back to Adam and Eve? Jones explores this question with depth and clarity, making this book well worth the read.

[Griselda · Rating 1 out of 5]

its so sad that people are so desperate to be brainwashed into believing in god that they try and grasp at anything to make themselves less rational. This book reminds me of the gun lovers who talk nonsense trying to keep their gun rights, or pitbull owners glorifying their dogs. It's really sad that people cannot allow their children to be free thinkers. why should you read this book or believe this idiot that discusses heaven and hell with you as if they were real places. Has he been there? then what makes him an expert? Is he getting his information from somebody else who has been there? Hahaha! His book, called "why does God allow Evil" is hilarious. There is NO God, therefore, there is no one to allow evil. This crazy assumption of Clay Jones is just ludacris. Do you really think there is a superior being that is invisible? Please people. You scare me so.

[Angel García · Rating 1 out of 5]

Página 98: “¿Por qué deberíamos pensar que alguna vez se arrepentirán? ¿Qué podría ser más apropiado que castigar eternamente a los eternamente no arrepentidos? Aunque esto no está indisputablemente enseñado en las Escrituras, es compatible con todo lo que sabemos sobre los malvados y los habitantes del infierno.”

Esta fue la línea que me hizo decidir detener la lectura. El autor descarta por completo la gracia y misericordia de Dios. Responsabiliza la maldad sobre Adán y Eva. Sin contar que, salté el capítulo 1 debido a lo antes descrito. El escritor es extremadamente conservador y literalista. No tiene ningún punto de vista académico.

[David King · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jones is most effective in forcing the reader to recognize the overwhelming evidence of evil across cultures as he lists and briefly describes the mass killing and brutal treatment of peoples by nations around the world. He effectively traces too many recent and current day atrocities so we cannot cling to the belief that we have evolved past this. Far from being inhumane cruelty, torture, and mass murder is all too human.

Jones is much less effective in his free will defense of the presence of evil and his explanations of evil and eternity

[Gowdy Cannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

5-star book on the chapters that I think are relevant to the topic. It's a bit eclectic in what it talks about and a couple of chapters aren't quite as interesting to me. But there is some info in this book that I've never thought of or read about, and I have about 50 books on the suffering of the righteous. My brain was on fire at times. This book will be an invaluable resource for me as a pastor from now on.

[Mark Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book on evil

Academic Clay Jones has written a very easy to read and understand book on the topic of evil and original sin. He delves into sin explaining it as the counterpoint to free will. He explains how Adam and Eve sinned, and how this was applied to all mankind.

He discusses how Satan and a third of the angels sinned, and their eventual fate.

I heartily recommend this book to Christian’s and non Christians alike.

[Jon Topping · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books. Great insight, well researched, and yet clearly written so it's very accessible to non-scholars. Deals with a variety of issues, not just why God allows evil. Dives into the nature of spirituality, the human heart, angels and demons, and the ultimate purpose of humanity. I recommend this book to most people I meet nowadays.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book as it made me see things clearer and my understanding grew. Mind you, I'm pretty sure there are some concepts in here I would need another reread to fully grasp correctly. I had the opportunity to see this author speak once and am SO GLAD I picked up this book to read.

Highly suggest.

[William E. Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

My comments…

This treatise is well written, informative, and well supported by Bible passages. As such, while reading “Why Does God Allow Evil” I was compelled to answer fundamental questions regarding why one sins and the consequences of those actions. A very worthwhile read and study. Thank you Clay Jones.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so well thought out and explained. This is one of the hardest questions in faith, and I’ve seen a lot of people who couldn’t find answers leave the faith because of it. This book definitely has answers. It walks through the logic of free will and how it pertains to what happens in the world and how God can still be good. I highly recommend it.

[Cody Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best theology books I have read and has impacted my views greatly in my even greater hop of eternity. I would recommend this book to every believer and anyone who does profess Christianity as a challenge to their beliefs.

Dr. Clay Jones writes from many years of study, personal experience of suffering, and a littering of Biblical quotations that add a firm foundation to his claims.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book. Deep and thoughtful. I like that he did not shy away from the harshness of how bad people can be. But yet was encouraging throughout. Listening to the author read this book really helped me put things into perspective and oddly helped me through a tough period of grief over lost loved ones.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and the author offers some good arguments on why evil persists and why we are born into evil until we are born again through Jesus. Def worth a 2nd read later on for more in-depth reflection and review. Good read for anyone struggling with their Christianity or seeking to learn more.

[Paul Creasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Engaging and well written. A thorough answer to man's oldest question. For those struggling in their faith, or for those wishing to answer typical questions of non-believers, this is the book for you.

[Barbara Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written synopsis

This book hits all the points. Where evil started, how it developed, our part in perpetuating evil, how to turn from evil and the result of remaining faithful. Some parts of the chapter on free will was a little confusing but understandable

[Lee L · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've ever read. It really helped me in my Christian walk The presence of evil is very clearly explained, with lots of excellent footnotes. Easy to read & understand. I underlined a lot!

[Matthew Angle · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are multiple points that the author writes about that are biblically inaccurate and he doesn’t use scripture to validate his viewpoint. There are also thought provoking statements that cause the reader to pause and look in the Scriptures.

[Fred Fanning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why Does God Allow Evil is a wonderful book that explains how evil exists and occurs. The author provides a great deal of information, and I believe he is correct. This book is good for any Christian who wants to understand evil better. I listened to the book on Audible and the narration was good.