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How Could a Loving God...? Powerful Answers on Suffering and Loss by KEN HAM (27-Mar-2007) Paperback
People assume Christians have all the answers—yet, in the face of tragedy, death, or suffering, everyone struggles to find just the right words to bring comfort or closure to those in need.Sometimes just hearing “It is God’s will” isn’t enough. Sometimes just saying “God will turn this to good” seems so meaningless when despair is so profound.Often the pain goes too deep, the questions won’t go away, and even the assurance of faith doesn’t help. How could God let this happen? How can God love us, yet allow us to suffer in this way? What is the point of this—what is the purpose?In this provocative new book, Ken Ham makes clear answers found in the pages of Scripture—powerful, definitive, and in a way that helps our hearts to go beyond mere acceptance. When you grasp the reality of original sin—and all that it means—it creates a vital foundation for your heart to finally understand what follows.
Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
45 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Ken Ham
237 books362 followersDr. Ken Ham is the president of Answers in Genesis USA and is a well-known speaker and author on the subject of Young-Earth Creationism. He received a bachelor degree in applied science (emphasis on environmental biology) from the Queensland Institute of Technology, and a Diploma of Education from the University of Queensland. He has also received two honorary doctorates: a Doctor of Divinity from Temple Baptist College, and a Doctor of Literature from Baptist Liberty University.
He was a director of Creation Science Foundation (CSF) in Australia, an organization which he jointly founded with John Mackay. In 1987 he moved to the United States, still maintaining his links with CSF.
From 1987 to 1993, Ham worked for the Institute for Creation Research, and in 1994 set up what in 1995 became Answers in Genesis (AiG), a creation ministry dedicated to "upholding the authority of the Bible from the very first verse."
In 2008 Ham was described by well known atheist and evolutionary biologist PZ Myers as a "Wackaloon" for carrying out a prayer session with members of the Pentagon. Ham responded regarding the validity of that prayer breakfastand that PZ Myers and other critics were intolerant of his position.
He was a director of Creation Science Foundation (CSF) in Australia, an organization which he jointly founded with John Mackay. In 1987 he moved to the United States, still maintaining his links with CSF.
From 1987 to 1993, Ham worked for the Institute for Creation Research, and in 1994 set up what in 1995 became Answers in Genesis (AiG), a creation ministry dedicated to "upholding the authority of the Bible from the very first verse."
In 2008 Ham was described by well known atheist and evolutionary biologist PZ Myers as a "Wackaloon" for carrying out a prayer session with members of the Pentagon. Ham responded regarding the validity of that prayer breakfastand that PZ Myers and other critics were intolerant of his position.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 1, 2024
One day during a meeting at work, my coworkers & I got into a discussion about the origin of evil & the nature of God. I know, heavy topic.
For context, I am the only non-Christian in my office of 20 some people.
But amazingly it was a really well-balanced & respectful conversation, and out of it came my coworker lending me this book. He thought it may shed some perspective on the subject from a prominent voice in the Christian community & given the title of the book, I thought he may be onto something.
Then I noticed the name of the author.
Ken Ham. *cue gasps*
Ken Ham, as in the guy who debated Bill Nye & did, at best, a lamentable job of representing the Creationist perspective. I've linked that debate here if you're interested in watching this train wreck.
Anyway, I accepted the book because I wanted to maintain the amiable nature of the conversation I'd had with my coworkers. It's a short book, & perhaps Ham was just nervous during his debate.
Boy, was I wrong.
Honestly, this book is hot, steaming garbage.
Not only is it book poorly written, but it also has an incredibly misleading title. The title may cause one to believe this book will be addressing questions following the format "How could a loving God 'x' when 'y'?" But nooooooo siree.
Sure, the book repeats this question over & over again in many forms. "How could an all-knowing, all-powerful God exist when so much pain, suffering, and death abound?"
Well, my friends, the answer to this question, or even some semblance of an answer, is not what you will find here.
What you will find is an anecdote about the tragic death of Ham's brother, Robert, & his family's subsequent uncertainty of God's will, woven through with many many Bible verses & a reinforcement of typical Christian attitudes, with finally an outright dismissal of the question that likely prompted people to pick up this book in the first place.
Ham does not provide much in the way of meaningful discussion about the Bible verses he does reference, let alone a comforting interpretation that may help readers cope with suffering.
In fact I believe I can adequately express what I took from this 198 page book in just a few sentences.
Questioning the existence & nature of God supposes an understanding of good & evil. Understanding good & evil supposes a moral awareness. Moral awareness is not possible without the existence of God, and thus questioning the existence & nature of God is not logical. Also, everyone's going to die anyway, so you should suck it the fuck up & get on the Christian bandwagon if you don't want to burn in hell for all eternity. Also, here are some verses from the Bible.
There ya go. Feeling comforted? Feeling confident in your faith? Feeling able to tackle your suffering?
Yeah, me neither.
I have literally never understood the idea that morality cannot exist independently from religion or belief in God. Even when I was a devout Christian, this conclusion never made any sense to me. Of course a person can have a deep & thorough understanding of morality without believing in God. What kind of leaps in logic do you have to make to convince yourself that non-religious, non-believing folks are automatically immoral?
This is one of the fundamental flaws to be found in Christianity (and I'm sure in many other religions, but I've only the personal experience to speak about this one). To truly believe that God & Christianity are the only path to morality makes it impossible to live & let live because, by design, everyone outside of your religion is your moral enemy.
Of course, with this total evasion of the original question, the book then begins to read much like a Sunday sermon with the casual condemnation of science & evolution & a wrapping up of Ham's narrative about his brother.
Speaking of Robert Ham, I want to talk about a particular section that I found really unnecessary & disturbing to include in a book like this.
So until Robert developed a debilitating brain disease, he was a dedicated man of God. At this point in the story, his disease has deteriorated his brain past the point of social cognizance.
Ham tells of a time when he is out with Robert & a couple of Muslims walk by. Robert rushes the group shouting "Wrong! Wrong!" over and over again.
Of course one would never blame Robert for what he says/does in a situation like this. My issue here is that Ham almost praises this outburst of Robert's deeply ingrained notion that it is his burden to correct those who are not Christians.
When I read this, all I could think about was how sad & disgusting it is that the most base idea Robert's brain was able to retain was "Muslims are wrong."
Why did we need this? This did nothing for me but pour gasoline over what was already a dumpster fire of a book.
Much of the discourse here is predicated on assumptions & the creation of the author's own made up rationale, sprinkled through with Bible verses that supposedly support his way of thinking.
I got news for ya Hammy.
Answering legitimate questions with bullshit reasoning does not a Christian make.
But when you have nothing substantial to offer otherwise, what else can you do?
Ham's favorite tactic, it seems, is to skirt around & distract from any of the tough questions that give people pause. He displayed this trademark avoidance in the debate, and here it is again in this novel. He has only solidified himself as a disreputable source for relevant religious conversation with this publication.
🔥
For context, I am the only non-Christian in my office of 20 some people.
But amazingly it was a really well-balanced & respectful conversation, and out of it came my coworker lending me this book. He thought it may shed some perspective on the subject from a prominent voice in the Christian community & given the title of the book, I thought he may be onto something.
Then I noticed the name of the author.
Ken Ham. *cue gasps*
Ken Ham, as in the guy who debated Bill Nye & did, at best, a lamentable job of representing the Creationist perspective. I've linked that debate here if you're interested in watching this train wreck.
Anyway, I accepted the book because I wanted to maintain the amiable nature of the conversation I'd had with my coworkers. It's a short book, & perhaps Ham was just nervous during his debate.
Boy, was I wrong.
Honestly, this book is hot, steaming garbage.
Not only is it book poorly written, but it also has an incredibly misleading title. The title may cause one to believe this book will be addressing questions following the format "How could a loving God 'x' when 'y'?" But nooooooo siree.
Sure, the book repeats this question over & over again in many forms. "How could an all-knowing, all-powerful God exist when so much pain, suffering, and death abound?"
Well, my friends, the answer to this question, or even some semblance of an answer, is not what you will find here.
What you will find is an anecdote about the tragic death of Ham's brother, Robert, & his family's subsequent uncertainty of God's will, woven through with many many Bible verses & a reinforcement of typical Christian attitudes, with finally an outright dismissal of the question that likely prompted people to pick up this book in the first place.
Ham does not provide much in the way of meaningful discussion about the Bible verses he does reference, let alone a comforting interpretation that may help readers cope with suffering.
In fact I believe I can adequately express what I took from this 198 page book in just a few sentences.
Questioning the existence & nature of God supposes an understanding of good & evil. Understanding good & evil supposes a moral awareness. Moral awareness is not possible without the existence of God, and thus questioning the existence & nature of God is not logical. Also, everyone's going to die anyway, so you should suck it the fuck up & get on the Christian bandwagon if you don't want to burn in hell for all eternity. Also, here are some verses from the Bible.
There ya go. Feeling comforted? Feeling confident in your faith? Feeling able to tackle your suffering?
Yeah, me neither.
I have literally never understood the idea that morality cannot exist independently from religion or belief in God. Even when I was a devout Christian, this conclusion never made any sense to me. Of course a person can have a deep & thorough understanding of morality without believing in God. What kind of leaps in logic do you have to make to convince yourself that non-religious, non-believing folks are automatically immoral?
This is one of the fundamental flaws to be found in Christianity (and I'm sure in many other religions, but I've only the personal experience to speak about this one). To truly believe that God & Christianity are the only path to morality makes it impossible to live & let live because, by design, everyone outside of your religion is your moral enemy.
Of course, with this total evasion of the original question, the book then begins to read much like a Sunday sermon with the casual condemnation of science & evolution & a wrapping up of Ham's narrative about his brother.
Speaking of Robert Ham, I want to talk about a particular section that I found really unnecessary & disturbing to include in a book like this.
So until Robert developed a debilitating brain disease, he was a dedicated man of God. At this point in the story, his disease has deteriorated his brain past the point of social cognizance.
Ham tells of a time when he is out with Robert & a couple of Muslims walk by. Robert rushes the group shouting "Wrong! Wrong!" over and over again.
Of course one would never blame Robert for what he says/does in a situation like this. My issue here is that Ham almost praises this outburst of Robert's deeply ingrained notion that it is his burden to correct those who are not Christians.
When I read this, all I could think about was how sad & disgusting it is that the most base idea Robert's brain was able to retain was "Muslims are wrong."
Why did we need this? This did nothing for me but pour gasoline over what was already a dumpster fire of a book.
Much of the discourse here is predicated on assumptions & the creation of the author's own made up rationale, sprinkled through with Bible verses that supposedly support his way of thinking.
I got news for ya Hammy.
Answering legitimate questions with bullshit reasoning does not a Christian make.
But when you have nothing substantial to offer otherwise, what else can you do?
Ham's favorite tactic, it seems, is to skirt around & distract from any of the tough questions that give people pause. He displayed this trademark avoidance in the debate, and here it is again in this novel. He has only solidified himself as a disreputable source for relevant religious conversation with this publication.
🔥
December 6, 2013
Ham interjects his pseudo history and science into this book. He says everyone deserves to die, so you should just suck it up and be a good Fundamentalist Christian. I got this after my cousin died and all it did was anger me. Ken views God as the Divine Dictator, which is disheartening.
December 27, 2025
Full of Scripture
I love that Ken Ham stands on the Word of God alone as the authority. He explains that sin, something every human being in history, save Jesus Christ is the reason for hurt, heartache, death... Because of Jesus, we can look forward to eternity, even in the hurting here.
I'll come back to this book many times, I think. It is rich in content and very thought-provoking.
I love that Ken Ham stands on the Word of God alone as the authority. He explains that sin, something every human being in history, save Jesus Christ is the reason for hurt, heartache, death... Because of Jesus, we can look forward to eternity, even in the hurting here.
I'll come back to this book many times, I think. It is rich in content and very thought-provoking.
September 23, 2008
When I set out to read more non-fictions books (back in 2005!), I had the idea that I would read books that would contribute to/enhancing my intellect or spiritual side. Most of the books I have read thus far have not met that criteria - but this one did. YAY me!! Ken Ham tackles a very difficuly and age old question - Why does a loving God allow bad things to happen - with refreshing honesty and candor. A good read. And boy, am I feeling very smart and intellectual right now :-)
January 25, 2024
Book 119 - Ken Ham - How could a loving God ?
Being a Christian does not make life easy…it does not make for easy solutions. I noticed when I looked back through my readings since March 2020 that generally when I look at non fiction books they tend to be about overcoming hardships or dealing with difficulties - whether they are Christian on non-Christian…they are about the difficulties life have thrown, and continue to throw, at us.
Reference Book 10 The Tumour, Book 12 Staying in the Boat, Book 13 Don’t give up, Book 28 Don’t sweat the small stuff, Book 32 Who moved my cheese ? , Book 46 The Screwtape Letters, Book 72 The Problem of Pain
I need to find some more uplifting Christian books - suggestions ?
Anyway…back to this one…this is hard, as I am writing this back in August and the tragedy of Afghanistan is unfolding before us…women’s rights are being trampled on…those of a different and no-faith are being singled out for persecution …how could a loving God ?
Families that lose someone so young…the loss of a child…a miscarriage…a death…physical and mental pain…financial hardships…how could a loving God ?
I frame all of what comes next with the phrase…I am a Christian…my support system for hard times include family and friends but as a Christian I get through each day…each hour and sometimes each minute I do so, through the love, grace and support of my God. This may not be for you and I am not trying to say this is easy…nor do I do it easily…but in the end…I am a Christian.
Ken Ham, founder of the Answers in Genesis organisation, worth a look and if you get a chance look at some of his sermons/ presentations on YouTube amazing stuff - is the writer of this incredibly difficult book.
Some things I have picked up from this
- for those who ask why bad things happen ? He returns with the comment…if nothing matters apart from this life why do you ask why bad things happen ? Life simply happens - there is no good or bad…there simply is. If you accept bad things happen then you must accept the very definition that there is good and bad in the world. Interesting.
- secondly, for Christians, the world is how it is because of sin - when Adam and Eve sinned against God - they brought sin into the world - by leaving them the choice and making them different to the rest of Creation, it opened up such a decision making process that everything from then, has been tainted by this original sin. Central to Ham’s book.
- Thirdly, the world was good….it was good…it had been made perfect…sin changed that
- Fourthly - floods, famine, war, environmental damage, death on an unfathomable scale today, is because of us…we did that..that is our legacy
To leave the book there, would be devastating… is that it ? I often wonder what the Disciples thought the day after the Crucifixion…what did they do ? Did they ask…is that it ?
As Christians we know that life is brief…like breath on a mirror…70, 80, maybe even 90 years…but what next ?
Ken Ham talks at length at the loss of his brother Robert through a degenerative brain disease at the age of 45 and how the whole family, from his mother to Robert’s wife and children to the extended family dealt and continue to deal with it. It is heartbreaking…though provoking and spiritually reaffirming. A must read.
Ham does not avoid the difficulties of the title of the book and as with all his works, they are framed through his faith.
How could a loving God ? I urge you to read this short and freely available book on Ham’s https://answersingenesis.org/ site.
To paraphrase it if I may…is He a loving God ?
Yes..yes He is…He loved us all so much He sent His Son…to die for all of us…despite what we say, do and think….wow
Being a Christian does not make life easy…it does not make for easy solutions. I noticed when I looked back through my readings since March 2020 that generally when I look at non fiction books they tend to be about overcoming hardships or dealing with difficulties - whether they are Christian on non-Christian…they are about the difficulties life have thrown, and continue to throw, at us.
Reference Book 10 The Tumour, Book 12 Staying in the Boat, Book 13 Don’t give up, Book 28 Don’t sweat the small stuff, Book 32 Who moved my cheese ? , Book 46 The Screwtape Letters, Book 72 The Problem of Pain
I need to find some more uplifting Christian books - suggestions ?
Anyway…back to this one…this is hard, as I am writing this back in August and the tragedy of Afghanistan is unfolding before us…women’s rights are being trampled on…those of a different and no-faith are being singled out for persecution …how could a loving God ?
Families that lose someone so young…the loss of a child…a miscarriage…a death…physical and mental pain…financial hardships…how could a loving God ?
I frame all of what comes next with the phrase…I am a Christian…my support system for hard times include family and friends but as a Christian I get through each day…each hour and sometimes each minute I do so, through the love, grace and support of my God. This may not be for you and I am not trying to say this is easy…nor do I do it easily…but in the end…I am a Christian.
Ken Ham, founder of the Answers in Genesis organisation, worth a look and if you get a chance look at some of his sermons/ presentations on YouTube amazing stuff - is the writer of this incredibly difficult book.
Some things I have picked up from this
- for those who ask why bad things happen ? He returns with the comment…if nothing matters apart from this life why do you ask why bad things happen ? Life simply happens - there is no good or bad…there simply is. If you accept bad things happen then you must accept the very definition that there is good and bad in the world. Interesting.
- secondly, for Christians, the world is how it is because of sin - when Adam and Eve sinned against God - they brought sin into the world - by leaving them the choice and making them different to the rest of Creation, it opened up such a decision making process that everything from then, has been tainted by this original sin. Central to Ham’s book.
- Thirdly, the world was good….it was good…it had been made perfect…sin changed that
- Fourthly - floods, famine, war, environmental damage, death on an unfathomable scale today, is because of us…we did that..that is our legacy
To leave the book there, would be devastating… is that it ? I often wonder what the Disciples thought the day after the Crucifixion…what did they do ? Did they ask…is that it ?
As Christians we know that life is brief…like breath on a mirror…70, 80, maybe even 90 years…but what next ?
Ken Ham talks at length at the loss of his brother Robert through a degenerative brain disease at the age of 45 and how the whole family, from his mother to Robert’s wife and children to the extended family dealt and continue to deal with it. It is heartbreaking…though provoking and spiritually reaffirming. A must read.
Ham does not avoid the difficulties of the title of the book and as with all his works, they are framed through his faith.
How could a loving God ? I urge you to read this short and freely available book on Ham’s https://answersingenesis.org/ site.
To paraphrase it if I may…is He a loving God ?
Yes..yes He is…He loved us all so much He sent His Son…to die for all of us…despite what we say, do and think….wow
August 1, 2021
This is a somber account of the meaning of life. It's right on the money except for one thing. Yes, life is to lead us to Christ and the cross. But once we've been led there, and accepted Jesus into our life by faith, it is not clear what one is to do with the rest of one's life. We still have to live out our existence here on earth. And it can really suck at times, especially if you have ailments of one sort or another, which we all do. So, yeah, Ken is right that life is the pits because of the Fall and our only hope is Christ but since we are not all here to be preachers and to feed the homeless, that some of us have to work and live a life, what are we to do?
June 17, 2018
unfortunately rather than staying with the question of suffering the book drifts into the area of inherited sin. Though I believe Mr. Ham has drawn his conclusions honestly, they are not sustained by anything more than taking verses from their context which is problematic. Three stars because he does answer the question in some respects, and because some people may find encouragement in the narrative sections. Not Ken's best work but not completely without merit.
February 27, 2023
Such a clear, biblical, unafraid book on the problem of evil/theodicy, and issues related to the enduring questions about God's goodness and the prevalence of suffering, evil, disease, sickness, etc. Ham shares stories from his own brother's painful decline and death, tons of Scripture, but also the hope that Christ alone provides: redemption for all who believe the gospel by grace through faith in Christ alone.
October 6, 2022
I do believe God can use all things for his glory. This book challenged me to see how big his plan actually is and how it goes back to the beginning of creation. I loved how the author used the story of Esther's parents to grow my understanding.
May 5, 2017
Biblical truth - well written -
August 30, 2018
A down-to-earth, clear explanation of scriptures that show why there is suffering in our world.
February 23, 2019
Basic truths centered on scripture, but to me the anecdotes took away from his message.
July 4, 2022
Finding understanding through tragedy and loss gives more peace to be able to heal. An amazing book to see tragedy in a new light.
February 28, 2025
A clear, easy-to-understand explanation to give when Christian’s are posed with the question “Why do bad things happen to good people?”
May 3, 2025
Excellent. Very helpful. Highly recommended.
November 9, 2025
Straightforward and Biblical.
February 23, 2023
I'm a BIG fan of Ken Ham through many reads for his arguments destroying evolution versus creation. Even visiting the (life-size) Ark Encounter, and also the Creation Museum, both in Kentucky. Amazing! This book is amazing as Ham systematically answers suffering, frustration, and pain amongst every non-Christian and also questioning believers. It's a natural question for everyone ... and Ham writes a great book with answers.
August 12, 2025
I could never really grasp, understand or explain suffering, disease and death before reading this book. The gospel jumps out at you constantly.
January 22, 2024
Excellent book for people grieving the loss of a loved one. Even for those who have already heard these answers before in apologetics, when you're going through a loss, it is helpful to be reminded of these Scriptural truths about suffering. One of the things I found the most helpful was the explanation that sin, death, and suffering are normal in this world that has been cursed and ruined by sin. They are only abnormal in the sense that they go against God's original creation in the garden of Eden; but we don't live in Eden. Christians are actually the abnormal ones living in this cursed world! Also, there was an excellent chapter of how God uses evil things that happen to us for good purposes. Ken Ham goes through the account of Esther to illustrate this. Being reminded of Scriptural truths is essential for grieving individuals, and this book definitely helped me stay grounded as I grieved the loss of my mom.
January 22, 2013
This is one of those books that everyone needs to read its Amazing and so easy to understand and very powerful...We all deal with some kind of loss or sufferung in our lives time to see what the answers are to so many questions we ask or think when we hurt!!!
December 17, 2015
Very powerful book for everyone to read! We all have experienced something in our life, not so pleasant, that has made us question God. Right or wrong, we've all done it.
This book helped me learn to rely on Scripture, for a better understanding of WHY. HOW.
This book helped me learn to rely on Scripture, for a better understanding of WHY. HOW.
June 13, 2013
A must read for anyone who finds themselves questioning their faith in times of travesty or supporting a loved one in their time of need.
August 14, 2014
Didn't answer the question deep enough. This book would be a good introduction for someone without theological training.
March 1, 2023
AIG 2022: bought Dec. 12
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews