"The problem of evil is widely considered the hardest of all theological conundrums: If God is omnipotent, sovereign, and good, why does evil exist? Where did it come from? Why does it persist, if a benevolent God has the power to eliminate it? Scripture is full of truths that shed light on those questions, and Scott Christensen skillfully brings them together in this helpful, insightful, and ultimately satisfying analysis. As a matter of fact, the ultimate biblical answer to the problem of evil is condensed and implied in this books title and subtitle: Defeating Evil: How God Glorifies Himself in a Dark World. I dont know of a better or more readable unfolding of that truth than Scotts excellent, well-written work." -John MacArthur, Pastor-Teacher, Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, California; Chancellor Emeritus, The Master's University and Seminary
"Scott Christensen has done it again! Following on the heels of his longer, groundbreaking book on the difficult challenge of the problem of evil, What about Evil?, Christensen has provided a more accessible version of it in Defeating Evil. What thrills me about the publication of this new book is that more people will be able to read it. Christensen provides some of the best biblical and theological thinking on why God has allowed sin and evil to exist in his good world; for those who may not have time to read the longer work, this shorter version is precisely what is needed. The only satisfying answer to the problem of evil from a biblical viewpoint is the 'greater-glory theodicy' viewed in terms of the glory of our triune God in the face of our Lord Jesus Christ. In a day when sound biblical and theological answers to the problem of evil are wanting, this book fills a huge need. I pray that it will have a wide readership so that the church will be grounded in the truth of God's Word and thus have faithful answers to one of the most difficult questions of Christian theology." -Stephen J. Wellum, Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; editor, Southern Baptist Journal of Theology
"As we experience pain and evil in our sin-cursed world, we are often tempted to cry with Asaph, 'But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked' (Ps. 73:23). How can we reconcile the biblical teaching that God is all-powerful and good with what appears to be increasingly growing wickedness around us? In Defeating Evil, Scott Christensen helpfully answers the age-old problem of evil from Scripture. This book is readable, engaging, devotional, and uplifting for any Christian who needs to find hope in God in the midst of the darkness of this world." -Scott Aniol, Executive Vice President and Editor-in-Chief, G3 Ministries; Professor, Pastoral Theology, Grace Bible Theological Seminary; author, Musing on God's Music and Citizens and Exiles
"Christians have responded to the problem of evil and suffering in various ways. Some attempt to play down the horrors of the world. Some appeal to human free will to get God 'off the hook' for the evils of history. Some diminish God's power in other ways, arguing that although God wants to prevent all evil, his hands are somehow tied. Some simply try to change the subject and to shame those who raise it. Scott Christensen, to his great credit, takes none of these paths. He portrays the terrible evils of the world without varnish and tackles the problem honestly and rigorously with God's Word as his guide, expounding and defending the 'greater-glory theodicy' woven into the grand story of a sovereign Creator and his redemptive plan for the world. This book will not take the sting out of suffering--no book can do that--but it dispels the shadows of confusion with the light of Scripture and casts a vision of God's good purposes in our suffering that will evoke praise and thanksgiving." -James N. Anderson, Carl W. McMurray Professor of Theology and Philosophy, Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte
"Christensen tackles what is perhaps the most difficult question for Christian theology--the problem of evil. No one can answer every question, as Christensen himself admits. Still, the book is a faithful and learned study on the whole matter, reflecting careful research and scholarship. Here we find a combination that is quite rare: the book is biblically grounded, theologically perceptive, and philosophically astute. Explaining evil in the context of the storyline of the Scriptures is particularly helpful." -Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
"Scott Christensen has done it again! He has fashioned an insightful theodicy from the Reformed theological tradition. At once captivating and often soaring, the writing draws the reader into biblical and theological profundities. If you've wrestled with the problem of evil, this book will calm your anxieties. By pointing us to the deepest mysteries of God's glory, Christensen helps us make sense of the painful realities of evil. Here you will find gospel medicine and theological balm for the soul." -Hans Madueme, Associate Professor of Theological Studies, Covenant College
"A wonderful and accessible treatment of the so-called problem of evil. You will find your heart stirred to worship as you see how God glorifies his own name through every single event of history." -Grant Castleberry, Senior Pastor, Capital Community Church, Raleigh, North Carolina; President, Unashamed Truth Ministries (unashamedtruth.org)
