Here is another book by the Bishop of Durham and he covers a lot of ground in its five chapters. One hundred or so pages packed with thought and reasoning written in his most readable style. Cruelty, death, terrorism, child molestation and tragedy on every side demand some kind of sensible theological consideration and answer. What is God like in the light of these things and what is the nature of evil and is it too strong for Him to deal with? What part does the church play in all that is taking place and will there be an end to it all? These are among the questions considered and the author conducts us through in a kind of overview of history. I think his panoramic look is part of the great value of his writings. It is Biblical, theological and possesses the quality of revelation and we see the Bible as a whole rather than many little disconnected bits. Thankfully he relieves us of the burdensome elements where all revolves around the personal benefits we ourselves gain from the work of Christ and sets these in the context of the mystery of evil. He confesses that this mystery he cannot explain but writes in a way that shows evil in all its multifarious elements overcome. Some find his emphasis less than thoroughly evangelical and as a result tend to critique his writing unnecessarily. These chapters are the words of a thoughtful and godly man who is erudite and of great intellect and who clearly has a great desire for the glory of God and the right living of man. Suffering is real, part of the structure of life and the purpose of God. He is working through it, bringing men and women into involvement with Him in its overcoming of it through His Son. Evil is a talked about subject, especially since September 2001. Unfortunately the idea of an ‘axis of evil’ has been presented in the western democracies. The wickedness of man is not being regarded as particularly present in other forms, thus creating a kind of ‘us and them’ mentality is where we tend to find ourselves today. This has been the assessment peddled all too easily. Yet the problem of evil is our problem and needs thorough resolution and God has done exactly that in His Son. Can God do anything about it? What has the crucified God got to do with the answer? That He has brought about the sure possibility of a creation where evil is ended righteously and permanently is the matter of the latter chapters of the book. We should thank God for books like this, that paint a larger canvas and present truth thoughtfully, readably, ably and with a sense of reverence and mystery.
