God's Problem

About this book

A biblical scholar explores Scripture's conflicting answers to human pain--and why the problem of suffering remains unsolved.One Bible, Many AnswersIn God's Problem, the New York Times bestselling author of Misquoting Jesus challenges the contradictory biblical explanations for why an all-powerful God allows us to suffer.The book examines the stark tensions between the Hebrew prophets, who viewed calamity as divine punishment for moral failure, and the defiant skepticism of Job. Ehrman traces how subsequent scriptural voices abandoned the idea of earthly retribution altogether, turning instead to apocalyptic promises of future redemption.Drawing on historical context and literary analysis, the study surveys how authors from Genesis to Revelation confronted war, famine, and catastrophe across the biblical world. Theodicy: Examines the dramatic shift from the folktale of Job tested on a wager to the poetic whirlwind where God challenges mortal understanding without explaining his servant's agony. Old Testament: Investigates the doctrine of redemptive suffering in Second Isaiah, tracing how ancient visions of a sacrificial servant came to define early Christian views of the crucifixion. Biblical Philosophy: Uncovers the subversive voice of Ecclesiastes, where the Teacher insists that time and chance happen to all, rejecting neat theological formulas in favor of cherishing fleeting days. Biblical Studies: Analyzes how apocalyptic visions from Daniel to Revelation reassign worldly torment to cosmic evil powers awaiting ultimate overthrow. Also by This Author: Misquoting Jesus, How Jesus Became God and Jesus, Interrupted.