The problem of evil and suffering: A biblical exploration of Theodicy today
Black smoke from a fire. (Photo by Pixabay from Pexels)
It has been one month since Hamas launched its brutal terror attack on Israel, killing over 1,400 people. In response, the death toll from Israel's onslaught in the Gaza Strip has soared to over 10,300, according to the Palestinian territory's Hamas-run Ministry of Health. The ministry reports that more than 4,200 of the dead are children, and about 1,300 more children are believed to be buried under the ruins of destroyed buildings.
In these moments, we think about the validity of God in the context of evil and suffering. We also question: How can a holy God exist if He allows the killing of 50 million unborn babies each year? How can there be a good God if He will enable wildfires, floodings, earthquakes, wars, and mass shootings? Does He endorse evil and suffering?
Many people summarize the problem of evil and suffering in a simple logic:
1. God is all-loving and all-powerful.
2. Evil, pain, and suffering exist in the world.
3. Therefore, God's existence, as described, is incompatible with the presence of evil and suffering.
The timeless question, why does a good and almighty God let bad things happen, has left scholars and thinkers puzzled for generations. This query centers on the study of theodicy, the effort to match the existence of a God full of love and power with the reality of evil and hardship.
Theodicy: Understanding the problem of evil and suffering
The Problem of Evil: Crash Course Philosophy #13
The nature of evil
Today's world faces many challenges, including battles between nations, terrorism, and the impending doom of climate change. Modern-day theodicy must tackle these massive, complicated problems. Conflicts and terrorism contribute to immense pain, forcing millions to migrate and causing extensive trauma. The horrors of World War II, showcased by the Holocaust, depict extreme examples of human cruelty.
Moreover, it continues to be a powerful point of contention for theodicy discussions, testing the limits of faith and understanding. These events challenge the concept of a benevolent God who allows such atrocities.
Natural disasters
Earthquakes, tsunamis, wildfires, and hurricanes are natural disasters that remind us of distress in the world. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami claimed the lives of more than 230,000 people across various nations. This event shows the immense magnitude of sorrow brought by natural calamities.
This tragedy continues to challenge theodicy in the modern age as it indiscriminately impacts innocent lives. The devastation caused by natural disasters often leads to questioning the benevolence of God.
Personal suffering
Individual suffering is another area where theodicy comes to the fore, with people questioning why a loving God allows them to endure hardship. Personal suffering can take various forms, including illness, loss, and adversity. Job's story from the Bible is a classic example of emotional suffering and theodicy. Job's trials and tribulations and his unwavering faith have been a source of reflection and inspiration for countless individuals. These challenges raise existential questions for individuals and can lead to a crisis of faith.
Exploring theodicy: Biblical teachings on evil and suffering
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28
The Bible does offer perspectives and passages that can be interpreted in ways that challenge or complicate theological arguments. Here are some points to consider:
The origins of evil
The origins of evil, as described in the Bible, can be traced back to a passage often called the "Fall of Lucifer." This biblical text, found in the Old Testament, provides insight into the ancient Hebrew understanding of the origin of evil.
The verses depict a taunt against the King of Babylon. But it also contains symbolic language that many have associated with the downfall of a prideful Lucifer or the Devil. In these verses, the text speaks of a being who sought to exalt themselves to the level of God. Isaiah 14:14 reads: " I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;I will make myself like the Most High.”
In addition, this narrative is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of pride and the consequences of aspiring to usurp God's divine authority. It illustrates the biblical idea that evil originated from the choice of a created being to rebel against the divine order and seek to rival God's supremacy.
Fall of man: The beginnings of sufferings
Genesis 3:16-19 provides a biblical explanation for the root of suffering in the human experience. These verses follow Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden. The punishments pronounced by God illustrate the fundamental sources of human suffering.
First, God decrees that women will endure increased pain during childbirth (Genesis 3:16). This pain symbolizes the broader concept of suffering in human life, suggesting that physical discomfort is just one facet of our struggle.
Second, God predicts tension and conflict in human relationships (Genesis 3:16). This interpersonal strife stems from the initial sin, reflecting the strain and suffering that can result from human interactions.
Third, God curses the ground, making it challenging for Adam to yield sustenance from it (Genesis 3:17-19). This notion highlights the root of suffering in humanity's daily toil and struggle for survival and the impact of human actions on the natural world.
Free will and human choice
The Bible teaches that God created humans with free will, allowing them to make moral choices. In this freedom, humans can choose to do good or evil. The consequences of these choices often result in suffering for individuals and societies. For instance, the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3) introduced sin and suffering into the world.
The suffering of innocents
The Bible contains stories of innocent individuals, including children, who experience suffering. These narratives can be seen as raising questions about the fairness and purpose of suffering.
The Book of Job in the Bible presents a complex and challenging narrative. Job, a righteous man, experiences intense suffering, and his friends attempt to explain his suffering. However, God's response to Job highlights the limitations of human understanding and emphasizes that God's ways are not always easily explainable.
God has conquered the world
John 16:33. (Bible verse image from Bible Portal)
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33
Today, as we witness the realities of a world marred by natural disasters, human conflict, disease, and personal trials, we can draw strength from the message of the Bible. It calls us to have the courage to confront the challenges of our time while finding solace in our faith in a God who has already overcome the world. This verse serves as a reminder that even when we face the most perplexing aspects of theodicy, our faith can sustain us and enable us to transcend the world's troubles.
John 16:33 remains a beacon of hope and spiritual resilience in the ongoing dialogue about theodicy. It encourages us to embrace a perspective beyond mere intellectual answers and directs us toward a profound trust in the divine plan. While we may never fully resolve why suffering exists, we can "take heart" and find peace in our faith. Ultimately, we find comfort in the belief that, through our faith in a higher purpose, we can overcome the trials and tribulations of this world.
