Q. The issue of suffering and evil in the world is a tough one, and it’s often been pointed out to me that theodicy is really a problem for monotheism of any sort, not for polytheism which can suggest there are mean deities out there, like say Shiva. I like your approach which is several pronged which talks about humans being endowed with some limited freedom of choice and further that God’s almightiness doesn’t mean God can do anything— for example he cannot lie. He cannot be a sinner etc. God’s character is unchanging according to the Bible. But still, the question remains as to why bad things happen so frequently to God’s people, as well as others. Is it adequate to say—we all live in a fallen world? I have sometimes suggested that God’s greater concern is not infinitely propping up this mortal life, but rather offering everlasting life to all. And if one has everlasting life one doesn’t believe this life is all there is and it should be propped up endlessly. Does this ring any bells with you?
A. I like the way you order God’s concerns. It is consistent with the life of Christ. You see Christ coming to battle sickness, pain, suffering, and death. He draws near in the kingdom and tells his followers to pray for the kingdom to come on earth as heaven. God wants his followers to combat evil and suffering. We are to engage on these fronts because we are God’s followers. HOWEVER, even as we engage to reduce suffering and pain, to value life and health, we do recognize that God’s assured promise is eternity, not today. In that way, God promises to bring all suffering to an end.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In