Developing a Christian Worldview of the Problem of Evil

by Charles W. Colson, Nancy R. Pearcey

Each of these three books ("Developing a Christian Worldview of Science and Evolution, Developing a Christian Worldview of the Problem of Evil," and "Developing a Christian Worldview of the Christian in Today's Culture") is drawn from Colson's highly successful "How Now Shall We Live?" Shorter in length and accessible to readers, the Developing a Christian Worldview series is ideal for small-group study and classroom use. Each chapter begins with pre-reading questions, and each study session is made up of newly written discussion questions, role-playing activities, and challenges to implement key insights. All are designed to help readers grasp Colson's arguments and learn how to use the points effectively with non-Christians.

272 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2001

About the author

Almost 40 years ago, Charles W. Colson was not thinking about reaching out to prison inmates or reforming the U.S. penal system. In fact, this aide to President Richard Nixon was "incapable of humanitarian thought," according to the media of the mid-1970s. Colson was known as the White House "hatchet man," a man feared by even the most powerful politicos during his four years of service to Nixon.

When news of Colson's conversion to Christianity leaked to the press in 1973, The Boston Globe reported, "If Mr. Colson can repent of his sins, there just has to be hope for everybody." Colson would agree.

In 1974 Colson entered a plea of guilty to Watergate-related charges; although not implicated in the Watergate burglary, he voluntarily pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice in the Daniel Ellsberg Case. He entered Alabama's Maxwell Prison in 1974 as a new Christian and as the first member of the Nixon administration to be incarcerated for Watergate-related charges. He served seven months of a one- to three-year sentence.

After leaving prison, Colson founded Prison Fellowship Ministries in 1976, which has since become the world's largest outreach to prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families. Today, Colson remains a member of the board of Prison Fellowship Ministries.

A sought-after speaker, Colson has written more than 30 books, which collectively have sold more than 5 million copies. His autobiographical book, Born Again, was one of the nation's best-selling books of all genres in 1976. Another bestseller, co-authored by Nancy Pearcey, How Now Shall We Live, is considered one of the most important books written on the subject of Christian worldview. His most recent book, The Faith, is a powerful appeal to the Church to re-embrace the foundational truths of Christianity.

In 1991 Colson launched BreakPoint, a unique radio commentary that provides a Christian perspective on today's news and trends. BreakPoint is currently aired weekdays to more than 1,300 outlets nationwide that reach and estimated 2 million listeners.

Today Colson is focused full time on developing other Christian leaders who can influence the culture and their communities through their faith. The capstone of this effort is The Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview, an online research and training center launched in 2009 for the promotion of Christian worldview teaching. In addition to a vast library of worldview materials, the Colson Center provides online courses and serves as a catalyst for a growing movement of Christian organizations dedicated to impacting the culture. The Colson Center website also hosts Colson's popular weekly Two-Minute Warning video commentary aimed at engaging a younger generation with a biblical perspective on cultural issues.

In 2009, Colson was a principal writer of the Manhattan Declaration, which calls on Christians to defend the sanctity of human life, traditional marriage and religious freedom. Nearly half a million people have signed the Manhattan Declaration. Collaborating with other Christian ministries, BreakPoint aims to launch other ecumenical grassroots movements around moral and ethical issues of great concern.

In recognition of his work, Colson received the prestigious Templeton Prize for progress in religion in 1993, donating the $1 million prize to Prison Fellowship. Colson's other awards have included the Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation's second-highest civilian honor (2008); the Humanitarian Award from Dominos Pizza Corporation (1991); The Others Award from The Salvation Army (1990); the Outstanding Young Man of Boston from the Boston Chamber of Commerce (1960); and several honorary doctorates from various colleges and universities (1982-2000).

Reviews

[Douglas Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really more of a worldview primer and analysis, than a book about the logical or probabilistic problem of evil and the existence of a good God. It examines the various answers to the problem of evil in human nature. But a good read, nonetheless. Good for anyone who is searching for answers to the question "what went wrong?"

[Coyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not so much an exploration of the problem of evil, as it "selection of things I think about the world and society." Which isn't to say it's a bad book, it's actually engaging and thoughtful in the issues it deals with. Definitely a useful approach for anyone who want to engage from a Christian perspective with the movements of the modern world (both the standard ones and the weird ones, like the New Age movement or some of the cults of the past 50 years).

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This study book is great east read for those who like group topical studies or want a self study regarding the existance or non-existance of evil. Authors Colson and Pearcey have always made a great team and I enjoy reading their work.

[Joshua Skog · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually read this in the Now How Shall we live. Chuck Colson and Nancy are two of my favorite authors when it comes to worldview. I recommend any books by these two.