Why Is There Evil?

by R.C. Sproul (Editor)

With all the suffering and evil in the world, where is God? This can be an important question for Christians to grapple with. It is also a common accusation that seeks to undermine our faith. How should we respond to skeptics and comfort sufferers when questions about evil arise?

In this booklet, Dr. R.C. Sproul addresses the problem of evil, examining how Christians have wrestled with these questions through the ages. Together with them, we can have confidence in the God who is in control of this world and is working all things in it for our good.

The Crucial Questions booklet series by Dr. R.C. Sproul offers succinct answers to important questions often asked by Christians and thoughtful inquirers.

Genres: Theology

110 pages, Paperback

Published January 25, 2022

About the author

Dr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.

Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.

Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.

He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.

Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.

Reviews

[Alex Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Undoubtedly one of the questions most pointedly directed towards Christians is this question and the short answer is that we do not know, but we do know that evil entered the world through sin. We don’t know why Adam & Eve necessarily chose evil in the garden, why natural disasters happen, why some perish and others remain, why the most wicked receive blessing and others face extreme affliction, but we do know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.

Thankfully, as Christians we have an answer for the flip side of this coin, namely why is there any good in this world? Because there is a most excellent and altogether good Creator. For the unbeliever, there is no answer to this question. Nonetheless, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever, and if we can trust in those few words we can say with the saints that all this evil we face is only a light momentary affliction preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.

[Ethan Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book! Second read by Sproul. This is one of the most important questions that Christians need to grapple with, Sproul does a really good job nailing some of the major points. However I am only giving it a 4/5 because while he provides a great explanation and sound theology, I think this book should have been an extra 25 pages to explain more questions people might have such as “why natural disasters?” Overall though a really good read I highly encourage every Christian to read to grow in understanding so that we may best understand our Lord and praise Him.

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this one with the kids. What I appreciate about Sproul is his ability to communicate philosophical ideas in a way that is easily understood. And here he comes down by giving some good things to think about but that ultimately, we can't possibly know all the reasons for all the "evil" that is in the world. But we can learn to think about it Biblically, and that is very helpful.

[Irene Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short answer (things I’ve learned): we don’t know where evil came from, but God has a purpose for the entrance of evil in this world. The presence of evil points to the reality of good, which becomes the argument for the existence of God

He is sovereign. Although we may not know the origin, we do know the future: God will rid of every evil.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent little book which does not avoid the real questions around the character of God and the problem. Sproul acknowledges that we cannot answer these questions in every case and, therefore, gives no glib answers.

Every Christian should read this book.

It is an outstanding resource to give anyone asking questions about God and evil.

[Sariah · Rating 1 out of 5]

hard to read

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book - well worth a read…

[Ryan Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic Sproul. A short pamphlet dealing with the hardest question for Christianity, the problem of evil.

[Chloe Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best of the crucial questions series as far as I’ve read. R.C. Sproul masterfully addresses one of the most challenging questions in theology—why a good and sovereign God allows evil to exist. In his signature style, Sproul balances intellectual rigor with pastoral sensitivity, making profound theological concepts accessible to readers of all backgrounds. He provides a biblical framework for understanding evil without diminishing God’s holiness or sovereignty, offering clarity and comfort in the face of life’s most perplexing realities. This concise work is both thought-provoking and faith-strengthening, a must-read for anyone wrestling with this timeless question. Highly recommended!

[Esther Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Good Fight

Overcoming evil with an abundance of Good through the Word of God is imperative in our daily living. Evil is overcome by not allowing cruelty to happen while we stand by watching