Posted on 12/14/2012 10:01:32 PM PST by Salvation
One of the great mysteries to to believer and non-believer alike is the mystery of evil and suffering. If there is a God who is omnipotent and omniscient how can he tolerate evil, injustice, and suffering of the innocent? Where was God yesterday when the shootings in Connecticut occurred? Where is God when a young girl is raped, when genocide is committed, when evil men hatch their plots? Why Did God even conceive the evil ones, and let them be born?
The problem of evil cannot be simply answered. It is a mystery. Its purpose and why God permits it are caught up in our limited vision and understanding. The scriptures say how all things work together for the good of those who love and trust the Lord and are called according to his purposes. But how this is so is difficult for us to see in many circumstances.
Anyone who have ever suffered tragic and senseless loss or observed the disproportionate suffering that some must endure cannot help but ask, why? And the answers arent all that satisfying to many for suffering is ultimately mysterious in many ways.
I have some respect for those who struggle to believe in the wake of tragedy. I do not share their struggle but I understand and respect its depths and the dignity of the question. At the end of the trail of questions, often asked in anguish, is God who has not chosen to supply simple answers. Perhaps if he were our simple minds could not comprehend them anyway. We are left simply to decide, often in the face of great evil and puzzling suffering, that God exists or not.
As in the days of Job, we cry out for answers but little is forthcoming. In the Book of Job, God speaks from a whirlwind and He questions Jobs ability to even ask the right questions, let alone venture and answer to the problem and presence of evil and suffering. If He were to explain, it seems all that we would hear would be thunder. In the end he is God and we are not. This must be enough and we must look to the reward that awaits the faithful with trust.
Perhaps the most perplexing aspect of suffering is its uneven distribution. In America we suffer little in comparison to many other parts of the world. Further, even here, some skate through life strong and sleek, wealthy and well fed. Others endure suffering, crippling disease, inexplicable and sudden losses, financial setbacks, and burdens.
It is a true fact that a lot of our suffering comes from bad choices, substance abuse and lack of self-control. But some suffering seems unrelated to any of this.
And the most difficult suffering to accept is that caused on the innocent by third parties who seem to suffer no penalty. Parents who mistreat or neglect their children, the poor who are exploited and used, caught in schemes others have made, perhaps it is corrupt governments, perhaps unscrupulous industries, or crazed killers.
Suffering is hard to explain or accept simply. I think this just has to be admitted. Simple slogans and quick answers are seldom sufficient in the face of great evil and suffering. Perhaps when interacting with an atheist of this third kind, sympathy, understanding and a call to humility goes farther than forceful rebuttal.
A respectful exposition of the Christian understanding of evil might include some of the following points. Note, these are not explanations per se (for suffering is a great mystery) and they are humble for they admit of their own limits.
To these points I am sure you will add. But be careful with the problem of evil and suffering. It has mysterious dimensions which must be respected. Simple answers may not help those who struggle with the problem of suffering and evil. Understanding and an exposition that shows forth the Christian struggle to come to grips with this may be the best way. The answer of scripture requires faith but the answer appeals to reason, and calls us to humility before a great mystery of which we see only a little. The appeal to humility before a mystery may command greater respect from an atheist of this sort than pat answers which may tend to alienate.
Well, I do think God allows the creation of lunatic, paranoid schizophrenics among his otherwise majestic creations.
But even paranoid schizophrenics typically have a trace or even a dollop of free will -- maybe fleeting or ephemeral -- but able to influence behavior over time just the same. The perp involved in planning, preparation, and execution of a mass murder would make any number of conscious, immoral decisions along the way. This is the part God didn't "make" -- he only allowed the choices.
Have a Merry Christmas, BTW.
Godforsaken: Bad Things Happen. Is there a God who cares? Yes. Heres proof. - Dinesh D'Souza
Making Sense Out of Suffering - Peter Kreeft
The Problem of Pain - C. S. Lewis
Romans 14:11-12
Holy Innocents, you died before you were old enough to know what life means, pray for all children who die young that God may gather them into His loving arms.
Holy Innocents, you were killed because one man was filled with hatred, pray for those who hate that God may touch their hearts and fill them with love.
Holy Innocents, you experienced a violent death, pray for all who are affected by violence that they may find peace and love.
Holy Innocents, your parents grieved for you with deep and lasting sorrow, pray for all parents who have lost young children that God may wrap a warm blanket of comfort around them.
Holy Innocents, those around you certainly felt helpless to prevent your deaths, pray for all who feel helpless in their circumstances that they may cling to God for courage and hope.
Holy Innocents, you who are now in Heaven, pray for all of us that one day we may join you there to bask in God's love forever.
Amen.
I agree. I have been raised to believe, and have parents who pray, that prayer results in answers. Then they add on that...”but only if it’s in God’s will”...or “But you may not like the answer.” Well I have told my mother that I don’t believe in “prayer.” I do talk to God. And I do request things. I think He does want our fellowship, to know what’s in our hearts, in other words, to commune with us in spirit. But I think we are basically on our own. For the most part. God IS powerful and if He so chooses can intervene however he likes...but in this earth age, this age of grace/faith...I believe perhaps he is letting things play out as they will.
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