Can God be trusted?

By John Gordon Stackhouse

Book Description

When suffering strikes and tragedy unfolds around us, the most fundamental question of faith emerges: Can we truly trust in a loving God? John Gordon Stackhouse tackles this ancient dilemma with intellectual rigor and pastoral sensitivity, offering readers a thoughtful exploration of one of humanity's most pressing spiritual concerns.

Drawing from centuries of philosophical and theological wisdom, Stackhouse examines how great minds throughout history have wrestled with the problem of evil. From ancient thinkers like Buddha and Confucius to modern voices including C.S. Lewis and Alvin Plantinga, he traces the evolution of human understanding about divine goodness in a world marked by pain and injustice.

What sets this work apart is its grounding in real-world experience. Rather than remaining in abstract theological territory, Stackhouse connects profound questions to everyday struggles that readers face. He moves beyond popular treatments of suffering to present a historically informed perspective that acknowledges both the depth of human anguish and the possibility of divine purpose.

The author presents a bold thesis: that the benefits of allowing evil may actually outweigh its costs. Through careful analysis, he points toward Christian revelation as offering the most compelling framework for understanding how suffering can ultimately be transformed into joy.

For those grappling with doubt, seeking deeper faith, or simply wanting to understand how trust in God remains possible amid life's hardships, this concise yet comprehensive examination provides both intellectual substance and spiritual comfort.