What Good Is God?: In Search Of A Faith That Matters (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
Once again Yancey asks the hard questions in the midst of hard circumstances—the title reflects the universal question, one that “occurs in some form to every person who experiences pain or death or poverty or unfairness—in other words, to everyone.” What good is God in a world where terrorists attack tourist sites in Mumbai, where women and children are sold into sexual slavery, where a gunman kills 32 students and staff on a college campus, and where six million people in South Africa alone suffer with HIV/AIDS? Does faith really matter when you’re struggling with an addiction, when you’re laid off work and your home is in foreclosure, when chronic depression sets in, when a beloved dies unexpectedly, or a terminal illness is diagnosed? Yancey traveled the world seeking answers in the middle of most difficult situations: meeting with members of the underground church in China, with Dalits (the untouchables) in India, with prostitutes, alcoholics, and Bible college students in the US and with charismatic Christians in Johannesburg. As he revisits these ten memorable experiences, he relates the story behind the story as well as what he said at the time to the people he encountered. Faith does make a difference, even when belief is severely tested. God never promised a long, pain-free life—even Jesus wasn’t granted those favors. “The sufferings of Jesus show us that pain comes to us not as punishment but rather as a testing ground for faith that transcends pain. In truth, pain redeemed impresses me more than pain removed” (Yancey, 31). Romans 8 is God’s promise: "All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose." “Nothing irredeemable has happened or can happen to us on our way to our destiny in God’s full world.” Dallas Willard Yancey is a favorite author because he dares to ask the hard questions, the questions that I've hidden away--after all, I'm a believer in Christ, should I ask such questions? Yancey says YES! And helps readers walk through the halls of mystery, doubt, and majesty with his honest thinking. Most interesting reading. I agree with many other reviews that say he never actually answers this question of the title. I really liked the book at first, but about half way through the book I started to lose interest. Each chapter is about a different place he's traveled to and their issues with the church, religion, God, and also community, disease, crime, etc. Although it gives food for thought, I wasn't in love with it.
What do You think about What Good Is God?: In Search Of A Faith That Matters (2010)?
Quiet, thoughtful musings on the role of God's grace in daily (and not-so-daily) life.
—emmer
Profoundly inspiring stories. I love the way this man thinks!!!
—puddingfishcakes
This is excellent-- and the question is answered at the end.
—swetha
