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If I Were God, I'd End All the Pain
A child catches a rare brain virus and is affected for life. A father dies in a plane crash. A dictator murders millions.
Why doesn't God do something about things like this? Why does he allow them to happen? In fact, can we still believe in God in the face of all the suffering and pain in the world?
In this short book, John Dickson looks honestly at these questions, and provides some compelling answers. He looks briefly at the alternative explanations for suffering provided by Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Atheism, before turning to what the Bible itself says about God, justice and suffering.
Why doesn't God do something about things like this? Why does he allow them to happen? In fact, can we still believe in God in the face of all the suffering and pain in the world?
In this short book, John Dickson looks honestly at these questions, and provides some compelling answers. He looks briefly at the alternative explanations for suffering provided by Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Atheism, before turning to what the Bible itself says about God, justice and suffering.
52 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2001
About the author
John Dickson
99 books144 followersJohn focuses on the big ideas that have shaped our world.
His journey is an eclectic one. Starting out as a singer-songwriter, he now works as a writer, speaker, historian of religion (focusing on early Christianity and Judaism), media presenter, Anglican minister, and director of a multi-media think tank.
With an honours degree in theology from Moore Theological College Sydney, and a PhD in history from Macquarie University, John is also an Honorary Fellow of the Department of Ancient History (Macquarie), and teaches a course on the Historical Jesus at the University of Sydney (Department of Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies) .
John is a founding director of the Centre for Public Christianity(CPX), an independent research and media company promoting informed discussion about social, ethical and religious issues in modern life.
His book “The Christ Files: How Historians Know what they Know about Jesus” was made into a four-part documentary which aired nationally on Channel 7 in 2008. Now a best-selling DVD, it also won the 2008 Pilgrim Media award (see www.thechristfiles.com.au). His more recent Life of Jesus also aired on Channel 7 in 2009 (see www.lifeofjesus.tv).
His journey is an eclectic one. Starting out as a singer-songwriter, he now works as a writer, speaker, historian of religion (focusing on early Christianity and Judaism), media presenter, Anglican minister, and director of a multi-media think tank.
With an honours degree in theology from Moore Theological College Sydney, and a PhD in history from Macquarie University, John is also an Honorary Fellow of the Department of Ancient History (Macquarie), and teaches a course on the Historical Jesus at the University of Sydney (Department of Hebrew, Biblical and Jewish Studies) .
John is a founding director of the Centre for Public Christianity(CPX), an independent research and media company promoting informed discussion about social, ethical and religious issues in modern life.
His book “The Christ Files: How Historians Know what they Know about Jesus” was made into a four-part documentary which aired nationally on Channel 7 in 2008. Now a best-selling DVD, it also won the 2008 Pilgrim Media award (see www.thechristfiles.com.au). His more recent Life of Jesus also aired on Channel 7 in 2009 (see www.lifeofjesus.tv).
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June 7, 2011So far, very insightful, but I still don't get WHY?????
July 9, 2021
Yeah wow okay. Forget Dirckx's Why? , forget Carson's How Long, O Lord? . This is where you should start your journey into the apologetics of suffering, and it's probably where you'll end up finishing too. By far the best answer I've read and it's only 70 pages. Can be read in 100 minutes and it'll be the best of your apologetics reading.
Plus, John Dickson's writing is really easy to read - by far my favourite author. So yeah give this a read.
Plus, John Dickson's writing is really easy to read - by far my favourite author. So yeah give this a read.
March 13, 2011
Easy to read, short explanation of why God allows suffering. Originally I gave it two stars, but I have increased it to three, because of the clarity of the writing and the author's honesty in admitting he doesn't have all the answers.
This is a good springboard to examine the issue on a deeper level and would be good for teenagers.
There are some glaring problems left untackled and I hope I can find the answer elsewhere as I continue reading Christian books. For example, in chapter 5, Dickson discusses the 'disorder of nature'. He describes a formerly 18-month-old girl who contracted a severe brain virus, rendering her profoundly disabled. Her father asked, "How could this happen in God's world?" Dickson states the fall of Adam and Eve resulted in the environment being cursed. He writes:
Where is the theory of evolution in all this? Was the world perfect before the first homo sapien sapien stood up straight and scratched his back? I am really hoping I can find an explanation that reconciles this seeming inconsistency. Any reading suggestions welcomed.
This is a good springboard to examine the issue on a deeper level and would be good for teenagers.
There are some glaring problems left untackled and I hope I can find the answer elsewhere as I continue reading Christian books. For example, in chapter 5, Dickson discusses the 'disorder of nature'. He describes a formerly 18-month-old girl who contracted a severe brain virus, rendering her profoundly disabled. Her father asked, "How could this happen in God's world?" Dickson states the fall of Adam and Eve resulted in the environment being cursed. He writes:
"The Bible's peculiar version of this connection is profound and to modern ears a little strange. When humanity defied the Creator, this had devastating consequences for the creation itself. The physical environment...fell under the spell of our displacement of God."
Where is the theory of evolution in all this? Was the world perfect before the first homo sapien sapien stood up straight and scratched his back? I am really hoping I can find an explanation that reconciles this seeming inconsistency. Any reading suggestions welcomed.
January 25, 2025
Some good reflections on the problem of evil.
September 17, 2026
This short book, just 75 pages, is a great starting point for anyone wrestling with the experience of evil and suffering in the world. Written with those outside the Christian faith in mind, yet helpful for Christians too, Dickson introduces a range of worldviews and invites readers to consider for themselves which perspective they align with.
He outlines, at an accessible level, how Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Atheism understand suffering, before contrasting each with a Biblical view. Dickson addresses suffering caused by human sin as well as suffering beyond human control (disease, disaster, and tragedy) and he weaves in real stories, including the death of his own father in a plane crash when he was just nine.
He doesn’t pretend to have every answer, neither does he shy away from his own unresolved questions. Instead, he points gently to the overarching character of God, loving, concerned, and one who suffered Himself to bring us back to Him.
No single book can fully explain such a vast topic, especially one this small; it took me about an hour to read. However, it is a springboard and great starting point, and includes an extensive section of suggested further reading for those who want to explore more deeply.
Key Quotes:
P14 – The fact that suffering continues in the world is proof, so it is thought, that an all-loving , all-powerful God does not exist.
P16 – The real question of suffering is not, ‘Could a god co-exist with a suffering world?’ but ‘Why would God allow it?’ and ‘What has he done about it?’
P33 – At times I am deeply perplexed by God’s dealings in the world.
P35 – Whatever pains or injustices you’ve experienced or witnessed, we are invited to join with the biblical poet in asking, “Why have you forsaken me?"
P36 The God of the Bible bids us to approach him with our doubts, our fears and our frustrations.
P43 If God did step in to bend our wills every time we mistreated one another, would the world, in fact, be a better place?…If God did consistently impose his will over and against our own, wouldn’t we accuse God himself of tyranny?
P 45 Much of the suffering we experience in this world is a direct result of this God-given independence being turned to ill-effect, being turned into autonomy.
P47 As odd as it sounds, the Bible’s teaching about divine judgement brings profound comfort. It reminds us that the Creator hears our cries for justice, and will one day console us with a display of loving justice the world has never witnessed.
P54 Thus, in biblical thought the earth bears the scars, as it were, of the traumatic rift that has occurred between us and God; it contains an ever-present reminder that the Creator is displeased with our defiance of him. From the DNA inside the human body, to the tectonic plates under the earth’s surface, the physical world now contains a measure of frustration and chaos.
P62 At the heart of the Bible’s presentation of God is the incredible and unapologetic affirmation that God himself suffers; that he is the ‘Deeply-Moved-Mover’.
[In contract to Allah, who is considered the Unmoved-Mover]
P67 In the great work of art we call the universe, I cannot always follow the hand of the Artist: some of his work just eludes me. But what the biblical narrative tells me – and, in particular , the account of Christ’s passion – is that while I may not be able to trace the Artist’s hand at all times, I can always trust his motives…His heart, if not all his ways, is clear to me because on the cross he wore it on his sleeve for all to see.
He outlines, at an accessible level, how Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Atheism understand suffering, before contrasting each with a Biblical view. Dickson addresses suffering caused by human sin as well as suffering beyond human control (disease, disaster, and tragedy) and he weaves in real stories, including the death of his own father in a plane crash when he was just nine.
He doesn’t pretend to have every answer, neither does he shy away from his own unresolved questions. Instead, he points gently to the overarching character of God, loving, concerned, and one who suffered Himself to bring us back to Him.
No single book can fully explain such a vast topic, especially one this small; it took me about an hour to read. However, it is a springboard and great starting point, and includes an extensive section of suggested further reading for those who want to explore more deeply.
Key Quotes:
P14 – The fact that suffering continues in the world is proof, so it is thought, that an all-loving , all-powerful God does not exist.
P16 – The real question of suffering is not, ‘Could a god co-exist with a suffering world?’ but ‘Why would God allow it?’ and ‘What has he done about it?’
P33 – At times I am deeply perplexed by God’s dealings in the world.
P35 – Whatever pains or injustices you’ve experienced or witnessed, we are invited to join with the biblical poet in asking, “Why have you forsaken me?"
P36 The God of the Bible bids us to approach him with our doubts, our fears and our frustrations.
P43 If God did step in to bend our wills every time we mistreated one another, would the world, in fact, be a better place?…If God did consistently impose his will over and against our own, wouldn’t we accuse God himself of tyranny?
P 45 Much of the suffering we experience in this world is a direct result of this God-given independence being turned to ill-effect, being turned into autonomy.
P47 As odd as it sounds, the Bible’s teaching about divine judgement brings profound comfort. It reminds us that the Creator hears our cries for justice, and will one day console us with a display of loving justice the world has never witnessed.
P54 Thus, in biblical thought the earth bears the scars, as it were, of the traumatic rift that has occurred between us and God; it contains an ever-present reminder that the Creator is displeased with our defiance of him. From the DNA inside the human body, to the tectonic plates under the earth’s surface, the physical world now contains a measure of frustration and chaos.
P62 At the heart of the Bible’s presentation of God is the incredible and unapologetic affirmation that God himself suffers; that he is the ‘Deeply-Moved-Mover’.
[In contract to Allah, who is considered the Unmoved-Mover]
P67 In the great work of art we call the universe, I cannot always follow the hand of the Artist: some of his work just eludes me. But what the biblical narrative tells me – and, in particular , the account of Christ’s passion – is that while I may not be able to trace the Artist’s hand at all times, I can always trust his motives…His heart, if not all his ways, is clear to me because on the cross he wore it on his sleeve for all to see.
May 14, 2025
The author tried his best to not be biased towards his own faith but it definitely did slip in a bit. He wasn't critical towards other religions which was good but it was obvious his faith was favoured. The text was easy to read and fun to annotate. As an atheist with a deep interest in religion in a societal aspect it was fascinating to learn more about how different religions function, especially Islam. The concept of 'god' as a higher being 'all loving' was explored well but the author explored his intentions by criticising human characteristics that, if a god were to exist, we have no proof he possesses simply because he gave us those characteristics. it would be interesting to see 'god' explored as someone that isn't as humans. In the bible (which is the religious test the author was an expert in) Genesis 1, God was said to have created humans in his own image but that is in appearance, there is no proof that he has human qualities such as empathy. In fact it would be more logical that he doesn't have it because humans can only really be empathetic to other humans. What we feel for other species is closer to sympathy than it is empathy. Since God isn't human it would make sense that he allows suffering for other reasons such as, he has never experienced as a divine being. This is all hypothetical as I don't believe in any god of course.
November 2, 2023
Short little book that I picked up and read in about an hour, because I heard Alistair Begg recommend it. (I'm a little surprised he did inasmuch as the author takes the perspective that some evil in the world is the necessary result of God allowing us free will so as not to be a tyrant himself, a point of view I have some issues with.)
Has the feel of a long Substack post written by a thoughtful amateur (and we must respect the thoughtful amateurs, I am often one myself). Most interesting section to me was where he talked about the view of suffering in Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and atheism. In the end, he doesn't "solve the problem of suffering" for you, but practically shares the perspective of the Bible and emphasizes that this is a perspective that will comfort you and allow you to endure suffering.
Potentially a valuable evangelistic book, in that way, and the author himself seems to have had that sense.
Has the feel of a long Substack post written by a thoughtful amateur (and we must respect the thoughtful amateurs, I am often one myself). Most interesting section to me was where he talked about the view of suffering in Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and atheism. In the end, he doesn't "solve the problem of suffering" for you, but practically shares the perspective of the Bible and emphasizes that this is a perspective that will comfort you and allow you to endure suffering.
Potentially a valuable evangelistic book, in that way, and the author himself seems to have had that sense.
July 22, 2024
First of all, you aren't gonna get the smack-down answer that gives you peace of mind for every painful experience you get. Even Dickson admits this straight up. However, he does do quite well at detailing why Christianity has the best explanation for suffering compared to most other beliefs. It's funny because Christianity is one of the only ones that doesn't really have an 'answer' for suffering (otherwise this book would be useless), yet in doing so, it still seems to have the most logical response to the topic. In particular, Dickson reminds us that God himself suffered and experienced the pain we experience through Jesus, and it is a thought I've never really grasped before and is honestly quite assuring. So, while the book won't blow your mind away, it still should provide you with a lot more clarity on the topic of suffering.
May 1, 2022
Ok, I guess from 70 very small pages you cannot really expect to be blown away by great insight, and yep I wasn't. A few intersteing points in the early chapters of the views from various other religions on what they believe about suffering and pain but, that was probably more interesting than the authors own personal stories of friends and indeed his own journey with pain. With all but only a couple of statements surrounding some passages of scripture menitioned, I would probably say, if you have a spare couple of hours and someone gave you this to read for free, then you may catch something form it. The title itself does is not addressed in the book, and is merely a sales gimic in my humble opinion.
November 19, 2020
The question of why a deity would allow so much suffering has no universally-satisfying answer. This extended essay attempts to answer that question through a Christian lens. I felt that it was unsuccessful at justifying suffering – worse yet, it highlighted the emptiness of Christian scripture’s addressing of this question. A near fruitless read for non-Christians and I imagine an embarrassing one for Christians. The best part of this book was the comparing and contrasting of how the major religions address suffering.
January 4, 2023
Admittedly, I don't think the title helps where the author wants to take us.
That being said, he succinctly outlines other faiths' approach to suffering, and comforts us with God's final response to suffering.
This book isn't meant to answer the question 'why' because no-one can this side of heaven.
But it does help us understand what the wider and deeper context of suffering is, as well as reminding us that the Christian faith is alone in having a God who knows suffering.
That being said, he succinctly outlines other faiths' approach to suffering, and comforts us with God's final response to suffering.
This book isn't meant to answer the question 'why' because no-one can this side of heaven.
But it does help us understand what the wider and deeper context of suffering is, as well as reminding us that the Christian faith is alone in having a God who knows suffering.
February 18, 2025
Another short and good read. John covers how Islam, Hinduism and atheism responds to suffering and pain in this life and then contrasts it with Christianity.
He pretty much covers the fact that we are sinners, creation is fallen, yet god entered the world as Jesus and has wounds as well.
He doesn’t good job of reiterating that in a small 45 min read he doesn’t cover everything from every angle but I thought he represented all views well.
He pretty much covers the fact that we are sinners, creation is fallen, yet god entered the world as Jesus and has wounds as well.
He doesn’t good job of reiterating that in a small 45 min read he doesn’t cover everything from every angle but I thought he represented all views well.
September 13, 2021
This book isn’t aiming to present an evidence-based apologetic for Christianity so much as present a plausibility framework for the emotional satisfaction Christianity gives in contrast to the other major religious options. I think for a lot of folks this is the right place to start. The language is very down-to-earth and readable, if a little Aussie.
January 27, 2020
This is a great little book covering the basics on suffering and pain. It is only about 68 pages and a pretty easy read. I read it in two hours. Would be really good resource for a young or new believer or indeed, an unbeliever who is exploring faith issues.
May 9, 2022
I really loved this book!! The idea of pain in this world is very hard to grasp, and I loved how the author talked about it. He used biblical examples and also examples of pain he has gone through to explain the idea of God allowing pain/hardships to happen to people. I highly recommend!!
July 30, 2023
Shed insight into how suffering can exist under God. I think it does a good job at answering the question of the book, for the length that it is. This is a good read for people starting out in their faith or for unbelievers. I would say for seasoned Christians it may come across as “obvious”.
February 19, 2025
Giving it three stars solely for the first half of the book - the comparison of how suffering is addressed across different major religions was very interesting to read and it was written in a way that was easy for even non-religious readers like myself to grasp.
February 2, 2026
Solid easy read that provides great apologetics-style reasons for why the Christian God must be right, and why he righteously allows pain. Would highly recommend, can punch through this one in about two hours
September 12, 2017
Little book that is well thought through without really going all the way. Has some answers all the same
October 31, 2017
A good, short read. My favourite line reads "[God's] heart, if not all his ways, is clear to me because on the cross he wore it on his sleeve for all to see."
February 15, 2020
3.5. Good, but not as well-written or insightful as I expected.
April 29, 2020
Relatable, clear and concise but if you want an in depth look into a biblical view of pain you will need more than just this book.
March 4, 2023
Quotes & takeaways
• Some believe that the presence of evil in the world can’t be reconciled with the existence of an all-loving, all-powerful God. Surely this God would be willing and able to end suffering. However, the thought assumes that an all-loving God does not have good reasons for allowing suffering. This here, is the real question to ponder.
• Some believe suffering is a result of karma, while others believe it is just a natural by-product. But how consoling is this when we consider undeserved pain, and how meaningfully can we live in a world where there is no answer for it? There is something about the tension and complexity of the biblical perspective on suffering that is livable, intriguing, and comforting.
• Humans are independent beings, and because of this we are also capable of defiance and of misusing our will for personal gain. If God intervened each time an ill-intentioned act of will occurred, would this improve our quality of life? Our world would indeed be peaceful and harmonious, but we ourselves would be reduced to pre-programmed expression, longing for freedom. We would be asking a more tragic question: why has God made us like this, without will?
• Perhaps independence is a gift. But then once people have committed evil, why does God not step in? The Bible’s answer is that he will. He has set aside a day at the end of history, where we will be judged according to what we have done. It is God’s pledge to humanity that he hears their cries for justice. He does not pay-back every unjust deed, for none of us would be left standing, but instead mercifully holds off his judgement, and patiently allows us the opportunity to repent and transform.
• Some forms of suffering, like sickness, are not due to humans acts, but rather the disorder of nature. At the beginning, the Garden of Eden was a place of harmony, but by the end of the next chapter, God declares the land cursed. Romans 8 reveals that although creation was damaged by our displacement of God, it will one day be set free. On the final day, God will right both the moral wrongs of history and the environmental chaos by bringing heaven to earth. He will wipe every tear, eliminate death, and make everything new. This new world will be a tangible place of existence—life in the fullest sense.
• Jesus’ last words on the cross, “my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”, remind us that there is permission to express our disappointment, our fear, and our frustration to God. He sympathizes with our suffering. The resurrection shows that God is willing and able to breathe new life where there is currently death, and this is the hope we cling to.
• Some believe that the presence of evil in the world can’t be reconciled with the existence of an all-loving, all-powerful God. Surely this God would be willing and able to end suffering. However, the thought assumes that an all-loving God does not have good reasons for allowing suffering. This here, is the real question to ponder.
• Some believe suffering is a result of karma, while others believe it is just a natural by-product. But how consoling is this when we consider undeserved pain, and how meaningfully can we live in a world where there is no answer for it? There is something about the tension and complexity of the biblical perspective on suffering that is livable, intriguing, and comforting.
• Humans are independent beings, and because of this we are also capable of defiance and of misusing our will for personal gain. If God intervened each time an ill-intentioned act of will occurred, would this improve our quality of life? Our world would indeed be peaceful and harmonious, but we ourselves would be reduced to pre-programmed expression, longing for freedom. We would be asking a more tragic question: why has God made us like this, without will?
• Perhaps independence is a gift. But then once people have committed evil, why does God not step in? The Bible’s answer is that he will. He has set aside a day at the end of history, where we will be judged according to what we have done. It is God’s pledge to humanity that he hears their cries for justice. He does not pay-back every unjust deed, for none of us would be left standing, but instead mercifully holds off his judgement, and patiently allows us the opportunity to repent and transform.
• Some forms of suffering, like sickness, are not due to humans acts, but rather the disorder of nature. At the beginning, the Garden of Eden was a place of harmony, but by the end of the next chapter, God declares the land cursed. Romans 8 reveals that although creation was damaged by our displacement of God, it will one day be set free. On the final day, God will right both the moral wrongs of history and the environmental chaos by bringing heaven to earth. He will wipe every tear, eliminate death, and make everything new. This new world will be a tangible place of existence—life in the fullest sense.
• Jesus’ last words on the cross, “my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”, remind us that there is permission to express our disappointment, our fear, and our frustration to God. He sympathizes with our suffering. The resurrection shows that God is willing and able to breathe new life where there is currently death, and this is the hope we cling to.
June 5, 2023
Very helpful short book
June 11, 2023
Short, concise, some Aussy slang thrown in.
July 17, 2023
3.5 stars
September 18, 2026
Great short book exploring why there is evil and pain in the world and how that is answered by Christians and those of other faiths.
March 5, 2017
Well written and succinct. This is the briefest work on pain and suffering I've read and he has some good points.
September 26, 2017
Good book! It contains the views of different religions and it explains the reasons for the problems faced in the world based on different religions! It is very knowledgeable!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews