Good Always Wins--Kids' Edition, by Ed Straus

If God is good, why does bad stuff happen?  The problem of evil has occupied philosophers and theologians for centuries, and remains a primary argument by atheists against the existence of God.  Ed Straus, who wrote Good Always Wins: Thru Tragedy, Thru Evil, Thru All Eternity has now written a book for kids on the subject: Good Always Wins--Kids' Edition: Through Bad Times, Through Sad Times, Through All Time.  (I'm not sure why he went from thru to through . . .)

Even very young kids may reflect on the problem of evil, even if they don't express it that way.  Clearly people get hurt or killed, there are natural disasters and accidents, there is pain and violence in the world.  Why doesn't God do something about it?  "We want to understand why God allows suffering.  We wish to know that he actually cares."  Straus's arguments may not satisfy everyone, but he does a nice job of placing suffering in perspective.

One way that good wins is our response in the face of suffering.  "When God allows others to suffer, He's also closely watching our hearts . . . we should pray for them, comfort them, and help them.  When we do that, good wins!"  And the reality is that much of the suffering in the world, from Adam on, is a result of our own individual and collective choices and actions.  Even then, "in His great love for us, He constantly turns evil situations into good ones.  He won't stop until good comes out of every bad situation."

Ultimately, good wins in eternity: "One day all our suffering will come to an end, and we will enjoy happiness and great joy in heaven forever." That is great promise and a great comfort.  Straus teaches and reminds us that God is in control, and that he has promised us ultimate victory over evil and suffering.  In the meantime, as God's representatives, we can accomplish much, letting Him use us to do good in the face of evil and suffering.

I would happily pass this book along to a child who has questions about the problem of evil.  I'm not sure how well Straus really addresses the theological problem, but as an encouragement for young believers, he hits the spot.



Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!