In a world riddled with disappointment, malice and tragedy, what rationale do we have for believing in a benevolent God? In this book, John Stackhouse explores how great thinkers have grappled with this question--from Buddha, Confucius, Augustine, Hume and Luther to C. S. Lewis. He suggests that perhaps instead of asking the question, "Why does God allow evil and suffering," we should instead ask "Can God be trusted to be good and do good, even when appearances are strongly to the contrary?"

Without brushing aside the serious problems posed by a God who allows incurable diseases, natural disasters and senseless crimes to bring misery into our lives, Stackhouse boldly affirms that this world is the world we actually need. Finally, he points to Christian revelation which promises the transformation of suffering into joy as the best guide to God's dealings with the world.