In Broken Planet, Dr. Sharon Dirckx, award-winning author of Why?: Looking at God, Evil, and Personal Suffering, offers a measured and wise case for why there is a God in a world where suffering still exists.
The question of suffering is one of the greatest hurdles to Christian faith. When believers respond to the question of why there is suffering in the world if there is a God, they often turn to the free-will defence. Stating that humans make choices for good or ill that can bring about suffering in the lives of others. But that doesn't explain why children die of cancer? Or the latest earthquakes or tsunamis? Or pandemics? These seem to happen not because of our choices, but in spite of them. So how do we make sense of these events?
Yes, there are devastating natural disasters and diseases in our world. But this is not inconsistent with a genuine belief in a God who loves people and the world he has made.
Dr. Sharon Dirckx blends argument, science and first-person narrative in this unique book, weaving answers to real questions with compassion and empathy, while also acknowledging the element of mystery we will always live with while on earth.
Topics covered include:
Chapter 1 Tsunamis
Chapter 2 Hurricanes and tornadoes
Chapter 3 Wildfires
Chapter 4 Drought and famine
Chapter 5 Pestilence
Chapter 6 Volcanic eruptions
Chapter 7 Pandemics
Chapter 8 Earthquakes
Chapter 9 What should our response be? How can we face tomorrow?
Questions addressed:
If God exists, why would he make a world with earthquakes and tsunamis?
Why is there so much suffering in a natural disaster?
Are natural disasters God's judgement?
Is my illness a punishment from God?
What kind of God would allow natural disasters and diseases?
Appendix: Helpful resources for those wanting to help others, and those needing help themselves
Broken Planet is a book for anyone trying to make sense of why suffering remains in a world where God exists.