God's Problem By Bert Ehrman

Bert Ehrman's book "God's Problem" is a thought-provoking exploration of the problem of evil in the world. Ehrman asks the question of how an all-powerful and loving God can allow suffering and pain to exist in the world. The book is divided into several chapters, each examining a different aspect of the problem of evil. Ehrman begins by exploring the biblical accounts of suffering and how they have been interpreted throughout history. He then looks at various philosophical arguments for and against the existence of God in light of human suffering. He recounts the story of how, after spending many years as a faithful Christian, he lost his faith. As such, He could not believe that God would allow human suffering to occur without offering an explanation.

It is impossible for him to believe in a God who is good, merciful, and just and who allows such terrible events to occur. Ehrman then explains the Old Testament and the classical view of suffering which is that sinners are in the hands of an angry God. He backs this up by using the example of Israel. He makes the point several times that the Israelites were God’s chosen people yet God punished them for disobeying. He uses the prophets' examples over and over. He explains how most of the prophecies are about how if Israel does not obey God, God will be against them. However, if they do he will be for them. Ehrman then walks through most of the Old Testament books and explains suffering stories throughout them. He also explains how God was a God of wrath throughout the Old Testament. He concludes from the Old Testament that suffering is God's punishment to Isreal for disobedience to