For a lot of people, the biggest question about God is not, surprisingly enough, whether he exists. Instead, it is about whether God is truly good. Dinesh D'Souza, in his debates with leading atheists, quickly realized that many of those debates revolved around the question of evil in this world—how God could create a world that allowed such suffering and evil. In Godforsaken, Dinesh D'Souza takes these questions head on: Does God act like a tyrant? Is God really responsible for the evil in this world? Why is there suffering in the world? For the first time ever, Dinesh D'Souza approaches this topic with historical and scientific proof and presents to the reader why God is truly worthy of our worship and love.
Godforsaken was a carefully researched book that really spoke to both the intellectual and emotional side of any person, Christian or otherwise. Dinesh D'Souza broke his book into six parts. The first part is an introduction to the reality of suffering in this world and how all people groups everywhere at some point both experience and struggle with suffering and evil. The second part quickly yet thoroughly analyzes the typical Christian and atheist both approach the conundrum of how a good God can exist and yet the reality that there is evil and suffering in this world. This part also shows how each Christian and atheist argument is flawed and cannot truly satisfy people's questions about evil and suffering. The third part addresses the moral evils that exist in this world as pertains to both people's free will, God's sovereignty, and the consequences of a fallen world. The fourth part of Godforsaken looks at the crimes that occur in nature and how those relate to the power and character of God. The fifth part deeply analyzes the character of God and how the evil and suffering in the world do not contradict the characteristics of God or lead to the conclusion that a loving God does not exist. Finally, the book concludes in the sixth part by emphasizing that we are not godforsaken, but rather, loved and ultimately saved by the God of mercy and grace.
Godforsaken is written in a way that is both enjoyable and stimulating. I was able to understand what the author was saying and still think critically about whether or not I agreed with his points. I liked D'Souza's organization of the book and his liberal use of quotes, research, and his experiences to drive home and complement what he was saying. I also appreciated his critique of atheist arguments about God and suffering, and his inclusion of his own experiences debating with world renowned atheists.
Overall, I thought Godforsaken was well written, organized, intellectually stimulating, and one of the best arguments and discussion on God, evil, and suffering that I have ever read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants an intellectual yet emotionally resounding explanation of evil and suffering.
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