Why Is There Evil in the World (and So Much of It?)

by Greg Welty

Overview

Many people argue that the presence of evil in the world is proof that God cannot exist, or if He does exist, cannot be good or all–powerful.
Greg Welty uses biblical exegesis alongside his experience as a philosopher to present a different conclusion. God, the sovereign Creator and Sustainer of the world, really does work all things for good. A must–read for anyone struggling with this issue.


Chapter titles include:
1. What is the Problem of Evil?
2. The Greater–Good Theodicy: A Threefold Argument for Three Biblical Themes
3. Licensing the Greater–Good Theodicy: God’s Sovereignty over Evil
4. Limiting the Greater–Good Theodicy: The Inscrutability of God’s Purposes
5. Can Free Will or the Laws of Nature Solve the Problem of Evil?
6. Objections
Appendix: Going Beyond Job, Joseph and Jesus for the Greater–Good Theodicy

The Big Ten: Critical Questions Answered is a Christian apologetics series which addresses ten commonly asked questions about God, the Bible, and Christianity. Each book, while easy to read, is challenging and thought–provoking, dealing with subjects ranging from hell to science. A good read whatever your present opinions. The first two titles in the series are:

Why Should I Believe Christianity? by James N. Anderson

Does Christianity Really Work? by Williams Edgar

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781527101418
Publisher:	Christian Focus Publications
Publication date:	04/06/2018
Series:	The Big Ten
Edition description:	Revised
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	5.10(w) x 7.70(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Greg Welty is a Pastor at Grace Baptist Church of Wake Forest, North Carolina. He is also Professor of Philosophy and Program Coordinator for the MA in Apologetics and Christian Philosophy at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

Table of Contents

Preface 11

1 What is the Problem of Evil? 17

2 The Greater-Good Theodicy: A Threefold Argument for Three Biblical Themes 41

3 Licensing the Greater-Good Theodicy: God's Sovereignty over Evil 75

4 Limiting the Greater-Good Theodicy: The Inscrutability of God's Purposes 121

5 Can Free Will or the Laws of Nature Solve the Problem of Evil? 155

6 Objections 179

Appendix: Going Beyond Job, Joseph, and Jesus for the Greater-Good Theodicy 201

Suggested Further Reading 207

Editorial Reviews

Greg Welty has written the book I'd always wanted to read on the problem of evil. Faithful to the Biblical witness ... gentle and sensitive ... this book should be of interest and benefit to believer and atheist alike.

Daniel Hill(Senior Lecturer in Philosophy

Dr. Welty’s Why is There Evil? wrestles with one of the deep mysteries of our faith, recognizing our own limitations and calling us to bow down before our sovereign Lord. Reading this book will cause you to think deeply and to worship reverently.

James M. Renihan(Dean and Professor of Historical Theology

With clarity and concision, Greg Welty provides a penetrating look at the existence of good and evil in the world, the harsh reality of sin and suffering in our lives, and the role of our righteous, loving, and sovereign God over all. Whether you are a Christian or sceptic of Christianity, this book is sure to aid you.

Burk Parsons(Senior Pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel

Dr. Welty doesn't duck the hard questions, but answers them in a way that ordinary Christians can understand and then apply in their discussions with unbelievers.

Jim Newheiser(Director of the Christian Counseling Program and Associate Professor of Counseling an

This book is clear, even conversational in its style, but it is a deeply thoughtful, profound analysis. It can be of great philosophical and pastoral help to people who are concerned about this question.

John M. Frame(Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy

Welty tackles the question well with balance, biblical faithfulness, and helpful insights.... I was personally edified by this work and I am glad to commend it.

(President

The author does justice both to divine sovereignty and to the reality of human evil.

Paul Helm(Emeritus Professor of the History and Philosophy of Religion

This book will have to be taken seriously by all who see the problem of evil as a strangle-hold on Christian truth.

K. Scott Oliphint(Professor of Apologetics and Systematic Theology

With clarity and concision, Greg Welty provides a penetrating look at the existence of good and evil in the world, the harsh reality of sin and suffering in our lives, and the role of our righteous, loving, and sovereign God over all. Whether you are a Christian or sceptic of Christianity, this book is sure to aid you.

Burk Parsons(Senior Pastor of Saint Andrew's Chapel

Clear, logical, precise, and yet accessible ... Welty does not offer nonbiblical explanations for our world's pain and suffering. He gives Scripture's response.

Mark R. Talbot(Associate Professor of Philosophy

Welty tackles the question well with balance, biblical faithfulness, and helpful insights.... I was personally edified by this work and I am glad to commend it.

Daniel L. Akin(President

This is serious work and seriously outstanding. Highly recommended!

David Robertson(Well–known pastor and apologist)

With clarity and concision, Greg Welty provides a penetrating look at the existence of good and evil in the world, the harsh reality of sin and suffering in our lives, and the role of our righteous, loving, and sovereign God over all. Whether you are a Christian or sceptic of Christianity, this book is sure to aid you.

Burk Parsons(Senior Pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel

This book is clear, even conversational in its style, but it is a deeply thoughtful, profound analysis. It can be of great philosophical and pastoral help to people who are concerned about this question.

John M. Frame

Dr. Welty doesn't duck the hard questions, but answers them in a way that ordinary Christians can understand and then apply in their discussions with unbelievers.

Jim Newheiser

The author does justice both to divine sovereignty and to the reality of human evil.

Paul Helm

With clarity and concision, Greg Welty provides a penetrating look at the existence of good and evil in the world, the harsh reality of sin and suffering in our lives, and the role of our righteous, loving, and sovereign God over all. Whether you are a Christian or sceptic of Christianity, this book is sure to aid you.

Burk Parsons

This book will have to be taken seriously by all who see the problem of evil as a strangle-hold on Christian truth.

K. Scott Oliphint

Welty tackles the question well with balance, biblical faithfulness, and helpful insights.... I was personally edified by this work and I am glad to commend it.

Daniel L. Akin

This is serious work and seriously outstanding. Highly recommended!

David Robertson

Dr. Welty’s Why is There Evil? wrestles with one of the deep mysteries of our faith, recognizing our own limitations and calling us to bow down before our sovereign Lord. Reading this book will cause you to think deeply and to worship reverently.

James M. Renihan

Greg Welty has written the book I'd always wanted to read on the problem of evil. Faithful to the Biblical witness ... gentle and sensitive ... this book should be of interest and benefit to believer and atheist alike.

Daniel Hill

Deep enough for philosophers and accessible enough for the person in the pew, this volume provides reassurance that God really does work all things for good.

Michael J. Kruger

Clear, logical, precise, and yet accessible ... Welty does not offer nonbiblical explanations for our world's pain and suffering. He gives Scripture's response.

Mark R. Talbot

Deep enough for philosophers and accessible enough for the person in the pew, this volume provides reassurance that God really does work all things for good.

Michael J. Kruger - President and Professor of New Testament

Clear, logical, precise, and yet accessible ... Welty does not offer nonbiblical explanations for our world's pain and suffering. He gives Scripture's response.

Mark R. Talbot - Associate Professor of Philosophy

This book will have to be taken seriously by all who see the problem of evil as a strangle-hold on Christian truth.

K. Scott Oliphint - Professor of Apologetics and Systematic Theology

This book is clear, even conversational in its style, but it is a deeply thoughtful, profound analysis. It can be of great philosophical and pastoral help to people who are concerned about this question.

John M. Frame - Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy

Dr. Welty doesn't duck the hard questions, but answers them in a way that ordinary Christians can understand and then apply in their discussions with unbelievers.

Jim Newheiser - Director of the Christian Counseling Program and Associate Professor of Counsel

This is serious work and seriously outstanding. Highly recommended!

David Robertson - Pastor

Welty tackles the question well with balance, biblical faithfulness, and helpful insights.... I was personally edified by this work and I am glad to commend it.

Daniel L. Akin - President

Greg Welty has written the book I'd always wanted to read on the problem of evil. Faithful to the Biblical witness ... gentle and sensitive ... this book should be of interest and benefit to believer and atheist alike.

Daniel Hill - Senior Lecturer in Philosophy

Dr. Welty doesn't duck the hard questions, but answers them in a way that ordinary Christians can understand and then apply in their discussions with unbelievers.

Jim Newheiser ~ Director of the Christian Counseling Program and Associate Professor of Counsel