If God is good, then why did he do that?
Violent wars, harsh laws, pronounced judgments. Christianity proclaims God’s goodness, yet the Bible is filled with passages that seem to paint a different picture. On the surface, such depictions can hinder our confidence in God’s goodness. But when we’re willing to look deeper, we discover a consistent purpose behind everything God does—and that he is greater than we could ever imagine.
Alongside bestselling author Josh McDowell, Matthew Tingblad invites you to discover how a good God has good reasons for his challenging actions in the Bible. Throughout, you will uncover the reality of God’s consistent motives and purposes: holiness, justice, and radical mercy.
Whether you have your own questions about God or are ministering to those who do, Matthew and Josh will guide you through these difficult passages and ideas, all the while pointing to God’s power and redeeming love. Find confidence and joy in discovering that God is good—always good—even in the passages of Scripture that appear to convey otherwise.
Editorial Reviews
Although I am (obviously) biased, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Tingblad and McDowell do not shy away from the thorniest ethical issues in the Old Testament. Through extensive research, reflection, and personal examples, they offer insights that will help both believers and skeptics make sense of the claim that God is not good.
Sean McDowell, PhD, professor of apologetics at Biola University, and author or coauthor of many books, including A Rebel’s Manifesto
For decades, Christian thinkers have garnered tremendous gains in defending the existence of God. With important exceptions, the same cannot be said about defending God’s goodness in light of biblical texts that seem to say otherwise. Accordingly, I am thrilled about the release of Tingblad and McDowell’s stunning book Why Did God Do That? While well organized and accessible, this book is deep, thorough, and carefully researched. I learned a lot from reading it. Two things stood out to me: First, though other books have addressed particular issues, I know of no book that brings together all the main problems in one place. This alone makes the book invaluable. Second, by emphasizing God’s patience, his desire that all be saved, his constant warnings of judgment, his holiness, and the severity of human sin and depravity, Tingblad and McDowell argue convincingly not that God is good in spite of these texts; rather, he is good within them. There is no book like this one. I could not recommend it more highly.
J.P. Moreland, Distinguished Professor of Philosophy, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, and author of A Simple Guide to Experience Miracles
Through the centuries, the Christian community has been prompted by varying cultures to respond to the questions of an all-powerful God dealing with the brokenness of a fallen world. Fortunately, the truth of God’s Word stands strong as a foundation to understand the reality of a loving and good God. But how can the church respond when Scripture itself seems to present God in a negative light? Matthew Tingblad and Josh McDowell offer very thorough encouragement in Why Did God Do That? This book provides ample evidence that God does not require us to blindly trust in his goodness when faced with Bible difficulties. Truly, the good news of God’s grace through Jesus Christ bursts forth in the midst of this discussion as a source of great hope and inspiration. Knowing God’s holiness and our sin against him, we should be amazed at his mercy, not judgment. Even so, God does not delight in judgment, but desires all people to be saved. Why Did God Do That? will be a useful reference tool for all believers as they share, with conviction, that God is consistently good and just.
Miles McPherson, senior pastor of the Rock Church, San Diego, California
Violence in the Old Testament. Misogyny. Hell. These are topics many Christians would shy away from or try to dismiss with a quick answer. Instead, Tingblad and McDowell acknowledge the real challenge these topics pose–and yet boldly proclaim that Christianity has the resources to demonstrate God’s goodness. This is a nuanced, well-balanced, and exceedingly strong case for our good God.
Lee Strobel, New York Times bestselling author and founding director of the Lee Strobel Center for Evangelism and Applied Apologetics, Colorado Christian University
What Tingblad and McDowell have done in this book is absolutely fearless. They’ve pulled no punches and addressed hard questions head-on. Whether you are struggling with some difficult theological doubts yourself, or you want to be better prepared to talk about your faith with someone who is not a follower of Jesus, Tingblad and McDowell have paved the way for you in the most delightfully accessible and theologically rich manner. This apologetic work is perfectly timed for a society struggling to navigate numerous challenges to God and his Word.
Adam Griffin, lead pastor, Eastside Community Church in Dallas, Texas, coauthor of Family Discipleship, and host of the Family Discipleship Podcast
