Why does God allow suffering?

Why does God, an omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent being, allow suffering to exist in the world? This includes not just human suffering caused by natural disasters, disease, or the actions of others, but also the suffering of animals and innocent beings. Are there theological justifications like free will defense, soul-making theodicy, or the greater good defense that adequately explain this paradox? If so, how do they hold up against extreme cases of suffering, such as the suffering of a child dying from cancer? Furthermore, if God has the power to intervene and prevent suffering, what are the possible reasons for his inaction, and are these reasons morally justifiable given his attributes? What alternative explanations or perspectives, perhaps outside of traditional theism, might offer a more compelling understanding of suffering? Finally, does the existence of suffering present an insurmountable logical or evidential argument against the existence of God?

Answer

The question of why God allows suffering is a complex one, addressed by various theological and philosophical perspectives. Here’s a breakdown of common viewpoints:

Free Will:

• Argument: God gave humans free will, enabling them to make choices, including choices that lead to suffering. This suffering can arise from actions against God’s will or from interactions between individuals exercising their free will.
• Elaboration: If God intervened to prevent every instance of suffering, it would negate free will, turning humans into puppets. A world with free will is considered by some to be more valuable, even with suffering, than a world without choice.
• Related Concept: The problem of evil sometimes focuses on moral evil, which is the suffering caused by the actions of humans, as opposed to natural evil (e.g., earthquakes). Free will is often presented as an explanation for moral evil.

Moral Development and Character Building:

• Argument: Suffering can be a catalyst for personal growth, empathy, and the development of virtues like courage, resilience, and compassion. Experiencing hardship can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and others.
• Elaboration: Suffering can provide opportunities to learn from mistakes, to appreciate the good in life, and to develop a stronger character. It can also prompt people to help others in need, fostering community and altruism.
• Biblical Example: The Book of Job explores the idea that suffering can test and refine faith.

Divine Justice and Punishment:

• Argument: Some suffering is a consequence of sin or wrongdoing, serving as a form of divine justice or punishment.
• Elaboration: This view suggests that suffering is not arbitrary but is related to moral failings, either individual or collective.
• Caveats: This explanation is often tempered by the idea of divine mercy and forgiveness and the understanding that not all suffering can be directly linked to specific sins.

Testing of Faith:

• Argument: God may allow suffering to test the faith and loyalty of believers.
• Elaboration: Suffering can reveal the true depth of a person’s commitment to God and their ability to remain faithful in the face of adversity.
• Biblical Example: Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac is often cited as an example of faith being tested.

Mystery of God’s Plan:

• Argument: God’s ways are beyond human understanding, and there may be reasons for suffering that humans cannot comprehend.
• Elaboration: This view acknowledges the limitations of human knowledge and accepts that there are aspects of God’s plan that remain a mystery. It emphasizes trust in God, even when faced with inexplicable suffering.
• Concept: This perspective recognizes the inherent limits of human understanding when trying to grasp the infinite wisdom of the divine.

Suffering as a Consequence of Natural Laws:

• Argument: Some suffering is the result of natural processes and laws that govern the universe, such as disease, natural disasters, and the cycle of life and death.
• Elaboration: While God could intervene to prevent these events, consistent intervention might disrupt the natural order and have unforeseen consequences.
• Perspective: From this viewpoint, suffering is an unavoidable part of a world governed by consistent laws.

The Problem of Evil Theodicy:

• Argument: These are attempts to justify God’s allowance of evil and suffering in the world, given the belief in God’s omnipotence, omniscience, and omnibenevolence.
• Examples: Some theodicies suggest that evil is necessary as a contrast to good, that it allows for greater good to emerge, or that it is a necessary consequence of free will.

Importance of Context and Perspective:

• It’s vital to note that different religions and theological traditions offer varying perspectives on suffering, with different emphases on the reasons outlined above. Furthermore, individual experiences of suffering can shape personal beliefs and interpretations.
• The problem of suffering remains a deeply personal and complex issue with no single, universally accepted answer.

Pray This Prayer

Oh, Loving God, I come before you with a heavy heart, burdened by a question that echoes through the ages: Why does God allow suffering?

The world is filled with tears, with pain, with loss that seems senseless and cruel. I see the innocent suffer, the good struggle, and the wicked prosper. My faith wavers, my hope flickers, and I struggle to understand your divine plan.

Is it a test of our faith, a refining fire to purify our souls? Is it the consequence of our choices, a shadow cast by our own free will? Is it a mystery beyond our comprehension, a truth veiled in the complexities of existence?

Lord, I don’t demand an answer I can fully grasp, but I ask for your comfort in the face of pain. I pray for strength to endure the hardships, to find meaning amidst the chaos. Help me to trust in your wisdom, even when I cannot see your hand.

Grant me the grace to be compassionate to those who suffer, to offer them solace and support. Remind me that even in the darkest moments, your love is a beacon of hope, a promise of redemption.

Help me to believe that you are present in the suffering, weeping with us, offering us strength to rise again. Empower me to be an instrument of your peace, a healer in a broken world.

Though the question may linger, and the pain may persist, I choose to believe in your ultimate goodness. I choose to trust in your loving plan, even when it is hidden from my sight.

Amen.