Product Details

Line: IVP Academic
Length: 414 pages
Size: 5 1/2 x 8 1/4 inches
Format: paperback
Published: September 1997

ISBN-10: 0-8308-1885-5
ISBN-13: 978-0-8308-1885-3
IVP Order Code: 1885

Subjects

Spiritual Warfare
Theology

In this bold and compelling work, Gregory Boyd undertakes to reframe the central issues of Christian theodicy. By Boyd's estimate, theologians still draw too heavily on Augustine's response to the problem of evil, attributing pain and suffering to the mysterious "good" purposes of God.

Accordingly, modern Christians are inclined not to expect evil and so are baffled but resigned when it occurs. New Testament writers, on the other hand, were inclined to expect evil and fight against it. Modern Christians attempt to intellectually understand evil, whereas New Testament writers grappled with overcoming evil.

Through a close and sophisticated reading of both Old and New Testaments, Boyd argues that Satan has been in an age-long (but not eternal) battle against God, and that this conflict "is a major dimension of the ultimate canvas against which everything within the biblical narrative, from creation to the eschaton, is to be painted and therefore understood."

No less edifying than it is provocative, God at War will reward the careful attention of scholars, pastors, students and educated laypersons alike.

Related Information & Resources

Visit Christus Victor Ministries, Greg Boyd's organizational website, for more information about Boyd, excerpts from his books and sermons, and links to related resources. Or check out the Eternal Warriors website for a computer game based on the ideas from Boyd's book God at War.