Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspectives Ministries, a Bible-believing, Christ-centered nonprofit organization with two goals: (1) to teach the principles of God’s Word, emphasizing an eternal viewpoint; (2) to reach the needy in Christ’s name.
If you buy this book, you won’t enrich Mr. Alcorn at all, as the book includes this note in the opening pages:
“One hundred percent of the royalties from this book will be given to promote good, oppose evil, and relieve suffering around the world.”
That’s not surprising for those of you who know of Randy Alcorn’s longstanding generosity. If you are not familiar with Mr. Alcorn, he is the author of a wide range of books, both fiction and non-fiction, some for adults and others for children. For a taste of his heartbeat and testimony, listen to these two messages from the 2004 Desiring God Conference on money, ministry, and the magnificence of Christ.
Andy Naselli has interviewed Randy Alcorn about his new book, If God Is Good: Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil
1. What do you think of the books currently in print on the topic of God, suffering and evil?
2. What distinct contributions does If God Is Good make to the existing body of books on this subject?
3. How would you briefly summarize If God Is Good?
Alcorn’s reply:
The book addresses what is arguably the greatest issue in human history: the problem of evil and suffering. The question is this: Why would an all-good and all-powerful (and all-knowing/all-wise) God create or permit a world with so much evil and suffering? This is not merely a problem, but the problem. Not only do atheists raise it, a poll of Christians revealed it is the question people would most like to ask God.
God promises to return and finalize his redemption of his once-good creation, to remove once and for all the evil and suffering under the Curse. In eternity he will reveal to us the riches of his grace in Christ, and we will see firsthand that the temporary evil and suffering will have yielded an eternal joy beyond what could otherwise have ever been known.
4. What are some factors that led you to write on suffering and evil?
5. What would you say is the most unusual chapter in the book?
6. You asked a variety of readers go through early drafts of your manuscript, critiquing you and suggesting changes. How helpful was this?
7. You interviewed many sufferers and tell many people’s stories in the book. Why was that important to you?
8. Many readers of this blog are familiar with John Piper’s resources on suffering. How does your view compare to his view theologically and pastorally?
9. What are some ways that you hope If God Is Good will serve people?
10. You quote a great deal of Scripture in the book and also cite many theologians. Why is this important to you?
As you might suspect, it is a fairly long interview. And it is followed by a few videos of Alcorn answering various questions. Thanks, Andy and Randy, for the great material!