As promised, here’s Part 2 in a short exploration of the problem of evil and suffering (theodicy). I do not know of anyone who is honest who has not wrestled with the problem of evil and suffering. I mean, who among us does not know suffering either first-hand or know of someone who has suffered incredibly?

I think, for example, of those people who longed to have children, but could not, for any number of reasons. I think of parents whose children have died. I know few sorrows greater than outliving one’s children. It runs against the grain of our most natural understanding. I think of those who’ve suffered physical torture and abuse at the hands of evil men. I think of the sorrow of watching loved ones succumb to dementia and the rotting of their minds and natural functions. I think of the casualties of war–those who suffer from contaminated earth and resources. I think of the Vietnam-era Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines who often suffered immensely from the effects of poisons that were used during that war. I think of fellow Soldiers I’ve known who’ve lost parts of their bodies and souls in service to what they may’ve initially believed to be just and/or noble causes. I think of children who, though in the bloom of youth, are instead abused, trafficked, and sold due to the vileness of man’s corrupted nature. This is not even to mention so-called natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, typhoons, floods, fires, volcanoes, et al. The list could continue perhaps indefinitely.

The biblical worldview speaks to this, of course. Below are some initial thoughts on the problem of evil and suffering:

• Scripture acknowledges the existence of evil and suffering; it does not (like some cults and other worldviews) deny evil or suffering, or downplay their vast impact.
• Scripture teaches that God both uses evil and suffering and is sovereign over them. In fact, all things ultimately redound to God’s glory.
• Scripture teaches that God is a Savior by nature. If moral rebels refuse God’s offer of salvation, redemption, and restoration, that says more about man’s nature than it does about the problem of theodicy.

These are just some of the initial thoughts for such a tender issue and foundational topic. More to come… Thanks for reading along so far.