Is Your God Good?: Searching for Why We Suffer

Endorsements by
Theologians, Pastors, Philosophers, Therapists

Is Your God Good? takes on perhaps the greatest single obstacle to faith in the Christian God-the widespread occurrence of seemingly unfair and senseless suffering. Dave Jackson does not downplay the seriousness of the problem or offer simplistic solutions. Nor does he dodge the difficulty of certain biblical texts that portray God as the agent of evils but emphatically urges readers to consider Jesus Christ as the definitive revelation of God that corrects these all-too-human ancient, albeit ＂biblical＂ misconceptions of God’s moral character.
-John R. Schneider, Professor Emeritus of Theology, Calvin University

How can we believe that God is perfectly good when so many prayers go unanswered, when so much pain and evil is allowed to take place, and when Scripture sometimes depicts him as a violent nationalistic warrior deity? In Is Your God Good?, Jackson boldly addresses these and other objections to the goodness of God, providing insightful and informed responses at every turn. Everyone who is concerned with the character of God and the problem of evil would benefit from this work.
-Greg Boyd, author, theologian, Teaching Pastor
Woodland Hills Church, Maplewood, Minnesota

We often subscribe to theological ideas and ways of reading Scripture that deliver spoiled products when we suffer. Jackson names these and offers better alternatives. By owning his own experience, Jackson makes it safe for readers to explore how their own suffering has been excused, denied, ignored, or even justified in the name of God.
-Gregory A. Clark, Professor of Philosophy, North Park University

In this present, disorienting political moment, where ＄60 Bibles incorporate the U.S. Constitution and ＂God Bless America,＂ Jackson’s book, Is Your God Good? could not be more timely. While the Word of God has always had a history of being misused, today’s Christ-followers (particularly the emerging generations) are disillusioned by the present American-brand of Christianity that has propagated all kinds of violence and human suffering in the name of God. In the face of such jaw-dropping displays of Christian nationalism like the January 6th insurrection, young believers have all but dismissed the Bible as dangerously archaic. Jackson’s read is a labor-of-love, helping ＂set the record straight＂ on the irrefutable goodness of God via a remarkable survey of some of the Bible’s most difficult texts and narratives, and in a way accessible to all ages. Furthermore, Jackson’s discussion ranges from the cosmic and philosophical to the on-the-ground practical. I cannot overstate the contribution this book can make to the health and renewal of a Church in crisis.
-Dr. Craig Wong, Executive Director, New College Berkeley

As a pastor, I can think of dozens of conversations I’ve had with people who were struggling with the very questions Jackson addresses. I wish I’d had a resource like this to give them. This book is thoughtful and accessible for anyone wrestling with some of the hard questions of faith, especially when it comes to understanding the heart of God and how God engages with humanity.
-Scott Keebles, Lead Pastor,
Copper Creek Church, Champaign, Illinois

When it comes to the core Christian belief that ＂God is good all the time,＂ the American Church is confused and divided, especially on the question of suffering. Jackson addresses this complex theological question in truly understandable ways. His approach is unapologetically gospel-centered, looking to Christ to ultimately clarify the nature of God.
-Julia Pferdehirt, LPC, author of Soul Mending
and other books on mental and spiritual health