Evil and the Justice of God

N. T. Wright, formerly bishop of Durham in England, is research professor of New Testament and early Christianity at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. He is the author of dozens of books, including Simply Jesus, Justification, The Challenge of Jesus, Small Faith--Great God and Simply Christian.

"It is helpful to find an author who pushes readers toward a better understanding of evil instead of rushing to provide answers for why evil happens."

"The book is well written and easy to read. Wright's purpose is outlined from the beginning and is consistent throughout, providing a practical solution to the problem of evil. We are indebted to Wright for his contribution to this difficult subject of theodicy. An excellent tool for theologians and religion teachers as the book comes to grips with the reality of evil."

"[A] book with countless brilliant things in it."

"Wright will get you thinking outside your theological comfort zone and may open up new vistas to how to understand Evil and the Justice of God."

"The vivid reality of evil in our world pulls the questions of God's reality—and God's perplexing timing—to the fore. Wright, one of the Church's most penetrating contemporary theologians, places the age-old question of evil square in the new context of post-modernity, asserting that the cross and resurrection of Jesus have a decisive word to interject into our dark experiences."

"Wright, one of the foremost theologians of our age, is always accessible and informative but the timeliness of the topic and the insightful way in which he approaches it from a solid Biblical foundation without becoming pedantic gives hope for those of us who care about the hard questions in life."

"More successfully than I have seen him do before, Wright shows how the kingdom of God is not just a matter of going to heaven when you die or of reordering present reality, but the establishment of a new people and a new creation to serve God and reign on earth."

"The subject of evil itself is intriguing, and Bishop Wright keeps our eyes riveted on it. . . . This book's treasures are accessible to any serious reader. There is little in the way of scholarly or critical apparatus, jargon or references to obscure theologians to put one off. Quite the contrary, it reads like an informal speech, given by a knowledgeable individual speaking out of his hard won insights into a most vexing human and theological problem."

"Wright should be commended for refocusing us on what we ought to do with evil, rather than discussing how it came to be. . . . His book can be profitable to pastors and theologians interested in reflecting on Biblically responsible ways to minister to an evil stricken and suffering world."

"As always, Wright's arguments are well-conceived and timely; this is a highly recommended read."

"[This book] is an excellent and readable work. The author does not pretend to answer all the philosophical questions that surround this issue, but he does offer some solid insights and encouragement."

"This short book is remarkable in its content. . . . It is an opportunity to sit at the feet of a real scholar as he deals with a topic complicated by various philosophies in order to find the truth. . . . This is a book of worth and wisdom that belongs in the church library."

"[D]eserves careful reading by all who are in any way seeking to understand the modern day challenges of evil. . . . I recommend this book. Its ultimate concern shines through to be pastoral and practical rather than merely satisfying philosophically."

"Well written and accessible."

"[A]n important and refreshing treatment of the problem of evil. . . . [A] gem for any pastor or theologically interested lay person."

"Wright effectively phrases the believer's questions about such issues and recalls the foundations of faith that sustain one in the midst of suffering and ambiguity."

"[A] very practical and thought-provoking composition that addresses the challenges and inherent connection between evil and the justice of God within both a postmodern Western context and a Judeo-Christian context."

"Like all . . . Wright's works that I have so far read, this one is quite lucid and enjoyable to read."

"N. T. Wright is one of the most influential thinkers in today's church, and his book helps us better understand why evil exists and points us to a day when it will be ultimately defeated. Wright's discussion of the power of the cross makes this excellent reading for pastors."

"Bishop Wright inspires us. . . . All Christians can benefit from this well-written book."

"Wright takes a complex subject and in his usual delightful way provides a readable, stimulating, and profound account. . . . It will help equip believers with a biblical worldview on a matter which directly concerns us all."