Welcome to Not God's Fault and The Answer! If you're looking for answers for who Jesus is and why He is the answer to life's most important question, you've come to the right place! If you would like a greater understanding of why so many hardships exist in our world, even though God is good and He reigns, this book is for you!
Not God's Fault
and The Answer
Book Endorsements
Throughout history, humans have grappled with understanding the causes of suffering and where to place blame. In Not God’s Fault, and Why, Baarman offers a compelling contribution to this age-old question with a clear, concise, and refreshingly straightforward approach that outshines many theologians and philosophers. Eschewing complex doctrinal debates, he dismantles common Christian clichés that often fail to comfort those in pain. This book resonates with readers seeking accessible, meaningful explanations for the challenges and adversities of life.
Mark Blocher
M.A.B.S, Dallas Theological Seminary
M.A. Philosophy/Bioethics, Western Michigan University
President / CEO Christian Healthcare Centers
The book "Not God’s Fault! And Why" by Rick Baarman explores a profound and personal response to the question of suffering in a world created by a loving God. The book challenges the commonly held belief that God causes or allows every event, including tragedy and suffering. Instead, it presents a balanced theological view where both God’s sovereignty and human free can coexist. If you are seeking comfort, clarity, and theological insight while facing hardship, or need help understanding how suffering is not God’s doing, that we live in a broken world with free agents (humans, spiritual beings), and that God wants good, healing, and restoration... Look no further!
Dr. Adam Grill | Doctor of Ministry
Western Theological Seminary
Lead Pastor | Family Church
This book wrestles honestly with the question of suffering, not in an abstract or detached way, but with a deeply human and accessible approach. In addition to theological exploration, it shows how the ways we understand suffering profoundly shape how we interact with one another—especially in seasons of pain. It names the unintended harm that can come from even well-meaning responses and invites us into more compassionate, presence-filled ways of walking with those who are hurting. Through every chapter, it consistently points to our hope in Jesus Christ—not as a cliché or quick fix, but as a steady anchor in the midst of sorrow. This is not just a book of ideas, but a compelling invitation to live with greater empathy, humility, and love in a hurting world.
Rev. Kory Plockmeyer
M.Div., Calvin Theological Seminary
Executive Director, Movement West Michigan
Rick has tackled one of the most common and difficult questions that people ask- “How could a Good God allow this to happen?” Rick's experiences with hurting people are broad. His empathy for them compels attention to how common inappropriate responses are even from people who care. They often do not reflect God’s true character. He lays out a well researched and logical approach in this book. Rick’s style is refreshing with a careful differentiation of words and terms as well as an honest critique where denominational beliefs have landed many. I loved the chapter recognizing the need to evaluate biblical accuracy in contemporary song lyrics, especially as worship can be so impactful. I found a number of key Christian elements (many of which could have been their own book) well summarized for brevity and important context. Rick has "punched above his weight” in this labor of love.
Well Done
Kim Edgel
Transformation Prayer Ministry School Curriculum Developer, Instructor & Minister - YWAM Orlando
"Not God’s Fault! And Why” is a rare gift—a deeply compassionate and profoundly wise companion for those walking through sorrow, as well as those called to walk beside them. With sensitivity and strength, Rick Baarman offers not only encouragement for the weary soul but also insight and guidance for pastors, chaplains, counselors, and anyone supporting others through grief and hardship. This book doesn’t rush to fix pain but instead honors the journey through it, making it an indispensable resource for individuals and communities alike.
Rick provides a deeply compassionate and profoundly wise companion for those walking through sorrow, as well as those called to walk beside them. The book tackles one of life’s most challenging questions — why suffering exists — with Biblical accuracy, theological depth and pastoral tenderness. It is a much-needed voice of clarity and compassion in a world full of confusion and pain. Instead of offering superficial answers or clichéd responses, Rick invites us into a deeper understanding of God’s nature, the gift of free will, and the redemptive plan that runs like a thread through all of Scripture.
What stands out most to me is the reminder that while God does not cause our suffering, He never wastes it. Through every valley, He remains present, faithful, and full of purpose. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking hope, truth, and a renewed confidence in God’s goodness, even in life’s darkest moments. It not only comforts the heart—it equips the hands.
Brad Lanser
General Manager/Owner Joy Media
“Not God’s Fault! And Why” is a bold, biblical, and beautiful pastoral gift of pastoral care and teaching on the place of suffering in the life of a Christian. Within these pages, you will find fresh faith and a broader understanding of the place of suffering and pain in a confusing world. And on that walk, you will rediscover a God who loves his children and embraces them through their pain.
Rick Baarman brings us back to the essential elements of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation in a world that is broken by sin but has an anchor of hope through Jesus Christ. Like a scarlet thread, every chapter brings the reader back to the truths of scripture and a new understanding of the place of suffering in our lives and the presence of a loving God. This is a reminder that God is too kind ever to be cruel and too wise to make a mistake.
Rick’s heart is that as the last page is turned, you have gained a further understanding that suffering is not God’s created design and have renewed courage to persevere through your own dark season of affliction.
Rev. Pete Byma. MCE MDIV
W. MI Regional Director
Workplace Chaplains. U.S.
In "Not God's Fault! And Why," Rick Baarman offers a compassionate exploration of life's most challenging theological question: Is God truly responsible for our suffering? With pastoral sensitivity and biblical depth, Baarman presents a nuanced perspective that honors both God's sovereignty and human freedom, avoiding theological extremes while remaining firmly grounded in Scripture. Through balanced and insightful examinations of biblical narratives, particularly Job's story, he reveals a God who is unequivocally good—One who weeps with us in pain and works for redemption rather than destruction. This transformative book provides not easy answers but something far better: a renewed vision of a loving Creator who stands with us in our darkest moments, offering hope to anyone seeking to reconcile faith with life's inevitable hardships.
I believe this book has the potential to heal wounds, restore faith, and deepen your relationship with a God who is more loving, kind and better than we ever could imagine. May it bless you richly as it has blessed me.
Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MPA), University of Nebraska
Scott R. Barger, Sr.
President, CranHill Ministries
Book Summary
This book boldly asserts that the world’s brokenness is not God’s fault. When God created humanity and the world, everything was good, reflecting His goodness, and love. As part of that design, God endowed us with free will, giving mankind the ability to make choices—not as programmed beings, but as individuals capable of genuine love, obedience, and relationship with Him. Tragically, mankind’s choices led to sin, which fractured the world, introducing suffering, death, and hardship. Because we now live in a broken world, the pain and tragedies we face are not caused by God but are often the result of the fallen nature of creation. However, God did not abandon us—His response to this brokenness was a redemptive plan centered on Jesus Christ.
Through his son, God made a way for humanity to be reconciled, offering eternal life through Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross and his resurrection. This act of grace allows us to restore our relationship with God and look forward to a future of eternal joy, peace, and perfection.
The book also addresses spiritual warfare, acknowledging the enemy’s mission to steal, kill, and destroy, but emphasizing God’s power to redeem and restore. In times of suffering, God walks with us, offering his comfort, hope, and strength. He does not cause pain but works tirelessly to bring beauty from ashes and good from evil.
The author encourages readers not only to find healing and hope through Jesus but also to become vessels of his love and grace, bringing light to a world in darkness. By turning to Jesus, we find a refuge, an anchor in storms, and a source of unwavering love. May this book inspire you to embrace God’s peace and share his boundless love with those in need.