Why Good People Do Bad Things

by Erwin W. Lutzer

We are all deceived, driven by selfish desires, and incapable of doing what we know to be right in our own human strength. Premier Bible teacher Dr. Erwin Lutzer explains the hopeful reality that change is possible through the sometimes painful process of God-given revelation and honesty.

Paperback

First published July 16, 2001

About the author

Erwin W. Lutzer is senior pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago. A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and Loyola University, he is the author of numerous books, including the Gold Medallion Award winner "Hitler's Cross" and the best seller "One Minute After You Die". He is also a teacher on radio programs heard on more than 700 stations throughout the United States and the world, including "Songs in the Night," "The Moody Church Hour," and the daily feature "Running to Win." He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area and have three married children and seven grandchildren.

Reviews

[Tebel Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing earth shaking in this work that will probably not appeal to those not open to Biblical counseling. Coverage is uneven in dealing with "bad behavior," devoting too many pages to sexual wrongs. Why he chose to repeatedly quote Scott Peck is a mystery. This is still worth a perusal for those struggling with harmful habits, esp those whom psychiatry has no doubt failed. Page 71 contains this helpful statement : "Though shame & guilt cannot be separated, they are not identical. Even after my guilt has been removed ( through GOD's mercy) I can still feel shame over my past."

[Wes Bishop · Rating 1 out of 5]

God becomes a celestial Dr. Phil in this book that seeks to answer the question "Why do good people do bad things." The answer is simple according to the author, there are no "good people." Only god is good and we, as humans, have to come to god and his "plan" for us if we ever want to be truly good. The author acknowledges that some people do more good than others but this reflects a dual nature that ultimately will always favor evil. The problems to logic this position provides (and the tragedy of the irrationality is only superceded by its lack of originality) are never fully explored or dealt with. Instead, staying true to the field of theology, this work's only value comes to cultural historians seeking an expression of a society's prejudices.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The psychology behind why good people do bad things, with a message that all sins can be forgiven.