In a world ravaged by despair, cruelty, and heartbreak, the existence of a benevolent God seems like a far-fetched notion. Yet, throughout history, brilliant minds have wrestled with this paradox, seeking answers to the age-old question of why a loving deity would permit such atrocities. From the wisdom of Buddha and Confucius to the philosophical insights of Augustine, Hume, Luther, and C.S. Lewis, John Stackhouse delves into the thoughts of these great thinkers. Rather than questioning God's motives for allowing evil and suffering, Stackhouse proposes a radical shift in perspective: Can we trust that God is inherently good, even when our experiences suggest otherwise? Without downplaying the devastating impact of incurable diseases, natural disasters, and senseless crimes, Stackhouse argues that this world, flawed as it is, is precisely the one we need. Ultimately, he turns to Christian revelation, which promises to transform suffering into joy, as the most reliable guide to understanding God's mysterious ways.