God: Why This Evil? examines the more traditional Christian explanation for why God permits evil in this world and offers an alternative explanation. After reviewing several greater-good explanations, that is God allows evil in order to bring about some greater good, Professor Little concludes that such explanations are neither theologically necessary nor practically helpful. In response, theological and philosophical issues related to this great question are clarified, concluding with an alternative explanation for the existence of evil in this world. The major point being that some evil may very well be gratuitous (i.e., has a reason, but no purpose), but does not count against the moral perfections of God, limit His power, or restrict His sovereignty. In conclusion, key Bible passages are examined with an application of the alternative position to the great question of why God allows so much evil in this world.

Bruce A. Little is professor of philosophy of religion at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. Professor Little holds a Ph.D. in philosophy of religion from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from the Columbia Biblical Seminary.

Chapter 1 Preface
Chapter 2 Acknowledgments
Chapter 3 1. The Case in Review
Chapter 4 2. The Historical Context of Greater-Good Theodicies
Chapter 5 3. Review of Contemporary Theodicies
Chapter 6 4. Why Greater-Good Theodicies Fail
Chapter 7 5. Worldview Concepts and Theodicy
Chapter 8 6. Creation-Order Theodicy
Chapter 9 Afterword
Chapter 10 Appendix
Chapter 11 Selected Bibliography
Chapter 12 Index
Chapter 13 About the Author