"God Forsaken", by Dinesh D'Souza

As the title suggests, "God Forsaken" is Dinesh D'Souzas recent work addressing theodicy on trial. Atheism suggests God is nowhere to be found, and the one experiencing suffering is left with despair. But Christianity suggests God's reality and His divine purpose in evil and suffering.

This book addresses so much more than the age old "problem of evil".  D'Souza doesn't softly suggest we turn to the arms of a loving grandfather-like-God when grandma dies, or to trust sweet Jesus will take care of you during your illness.  Instead, this book serves three purposes. First, to provide a refutation to the atheist argument that the presence of evil and suffering somehow contradict the very idea of a God who is both omnipotent and good; Second, to convince believers and unbelievers alike that there is a reason for evil and suffering; Third, to specifically address Christians who are suffering.

From the atheist mindset, human beings are left to fend for ourselves in dealing with life's greatest troubles.  Earthquakes, disease, disasters, etc.  Sure, we could surround ourselves with and draw strength from support systems around us, but ultimately there is no hope beyond the world we see.  And in the atheist view, once a person successfully passes through the eye of the storm, what awaits him but empty, pointless, pitiless non-existence?  Where there are struggles, however, God is surely present.  There is hope.  Although we may not recognize it at the moment, He is there. 

"God Forsaken" is not a simple read.  It is 260 pages of science, philosphy, theology, and apologetics all wrapped into one.  It is not for the faint of heart, for many sections require the reader to do some heavy lifting.  Each chapter poses a particular atheist argument, refutes it in one of the many ways mentioned, and then concludes with how the evil and suffering relates to Christians. Fear not, if any one of these areas is not your strong suit, D'Souza does a fine job guiding readers carefully and logically to the intended conclusion.

Although no good argument - regardless of the position - will ever persuade a stubborn heart that refuses to be persuaded, I am convinced this book will at least provide the stubborn mind some food for thought. I give "God Forsaken" 5 stars for its head-on attack of critical issues and questions, for it's readability, and it's intellectual integrity.


I received this book free of charge from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. I was not threatened or coerced in any way, or promised favors in exchange for a positive review. All opinions are mine.