One of the strengths of open theism, in my mind, is its superiority in dealing with the problem of suffering than any other system I have come across. It was one of the reasons I rejected simple foreknowledge and embraced open theism is that God is not responsible for evil in any way other than allowing for its possibility, not eventuality.
Two days ago I came across a book by Bart D. Ehrman called God's Problem -- How the Bible Fails to Answer Our Most Important Question -- Why We Suffer. He is the same guy who wrote Misquoting Jesus, a book I have seen, but never read. I bought God's Problem and started to read it; however, and have decided to engage it here on Open Theism. The reason: I disagree with the title -- I do believe that God in the Bible addresses the question of suffering, but in reality the real issue is whether or not a person will have the honesty and courage to accept the answer. The real problem in my mind has always been worldview and how people look at the Bible that is the problem not the Bible itself. I think theology is at fault not the Bible itself.
I of course want to encourage anyone who wants to follow along to both buy and read the book with me. See Bart I am batting for you to make the money you deserve for asking such a noble and worthwhile question.
This issue I have long engaged and I think I have the beginnings of an answer.
Each week I will engage the book piece by piece and offer my opinion. I, of course, plan to read the whole thing this week before I start but then break it down. Don't know how long I will take but here goes.
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