Why does God allow unfair things to happen if He is loving and all-powerful?

If God is all-loving, all-knowing, and all-powerful, why does He permit or even orchestrate situations where innocent people suffer, where injustice prevails, and where the distribution of resources and opportunities seems blatantly unfair? Specifically, how can the existence of widespread suffering, oppression, and seemingly random misfortune be reconciled with the attributes traditionally ascribed to a benevolent and omnipotent deity? Are there theological explanations that adequately address this apparent contradiction, and if so, what are their strengths and weaknesses? Furthermore, does the concept of free will fully account for the extent and nature of unfairness in the world, or are there other factors to consider, such as divine judgment, the existence of evil entities, or limitations to God’s intervention?

Answer

The question of why a loving and all-powerful God allows suffering and unfairness is a complex theological and philosophical problem, often referred to as the problem of evil. Numerous attempts have been made to reconcile these seemingly contradictory attributes of God with the reality of suffering in the world. Here are some common perspectives and explanations:

Free Will:

• A prominent argument is that God has granted humans free will, allowing them to make their own choices. This freedom inherently includes the capacity to choose evil and cause harm to themselves and others.
• God could intervene to prevent every instance of suffering, but doing so would negate free will, turning humans into puppets.
• Some theologians argue that a world with free will, even with its inherent potential for suffering, is ultimately more valuable than a world populated by beings without the ability to choose.
• Moral responsibility arises from free will; without it, there can be no genuine love, compassion, or virtue.
• The consequences of free will can ripple outwards, affecting not only the individual making the choice but also those around them.

The Greater Good:

• This perspective suggests that God may allow some suffering because it ultimately contributes to a greater good that is not immediately apparent.
• Suffering can lead to personal growth, resilience, empathy, and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
• It can also motivate people to act compassionately and help those in need, creating opportunities for love and selflessness.
• From a long-term perspective, seemingly unfair events may be part of a larger, more intricate plan that leads to a better outcome in the end.
• This argument often relies on the idea that human understanding is limited, and we cannot fully grasp God’s purposes.

Divine Justice and Afterlife:

• Some believe that earthly suffering will be rectified in the afterlife, where God will ultimately bring justice and reward the righteous.
• This perspective offers hope and comfort to those who have experienced injustice in this life, suggesting that their suffering is not meaningless.
• The afterlife provides a context where imbalances and inequities can be addressed, and ultimate fairness can be achieved.
• This view emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God’s plan, even when it is difficult to understand.
• It posits that earthly suffering is temporary compared to the eternal reward awaiting those who remain faithful.

God’s Sovereignty and Human Limitations:

• This view emphasizes the absolute power and authority of God, suggesting that His ways are beyond human comprehension.
• It acknowledges that humans cannot fully understand God’s reasons for allowing suffering, but encourages trust in His wisdom and goodness.
• God’s plan may be far more complex than humans can perceive, and suffering may serve purposes that are beyond our limited understanding.
• This perspective emphasizes humility and acceptance of the fact that we are finite beings trying to understand an infinite God.
• It encourages reliance on faith and a belief that God is ultimately in control, even when things seem chaotic and unfair.

The Problem of Defining "Good" and "Evil":

• Philosophically, the problem hinges on defining what is considered "good" and "evil" in an objective sense.
• If these concepts are subjective or culturally relative, then the problem of evil becomes more nuanced.
• If "evil" is simply the absence of "good," or a necessary consequence of a finite world, then the problem is framed differently.

God’s Suffering with Humanity:

• Some theological perspectives emphasize that God does not remain distant from human suffering but actively participates in it.
• The concept of a suffering God, particularly evident in the Christian understanding of Jesus Christ, suggests that God empathizes with human pain.
• God’s presence in suffering offers comfort, strength, and hope to those who are struggling.
• This perspective emphasizes the relational aspect of God’s nature, highlighting His deep connection to humanity.
• God’s suffering becomes a source of solidarity and a reminder that we are not alone in our pain.

The "Best of All Possible Worlds" Argument:

• The philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz argued that God, being all-good and all-powerful, must have created the "best of all possible worlds."
• While this world may contain suffering, it is still the best option among all the possible worlds God could have created.
• This argument suggests that eliminating suffering entirely would require sacrificing other valuable qualities or creating even worse consequences.

Challenges and Criticisms:

• Each of these explanations faces challenges and criticisms. For example, the free will defense struggles to explain natural disasters, which cause immense suffering but are not directly caused by human choices.
• The "greater good" argument can be seen as justifying horrific suffering, which some find morally objectionable.
• The reliance on divine mystery can be seen as an evasion of the problem, rather than a genuine solution.
• Many find it difficult to reconcile the idea of a loving God with the seemingly arbitrary and disproportionate suffering that exists in the world.

Conclusion:

The problem of suffering remains one of the most enduring and challenging questions for those who believe in a loving and all-powerful God. There is no single, universally accepted answer, and different perspectives offer varying degrees of comfort and explanation. Ultimately, the question of why God allows unfair things to happen is a matter of faith, philosophical inquiry, and personal reflection.

Pray This Prayer

O Lord, my heart is heavy with a question that echoes in the silence of my soul: Why does God allow unfair things to happen if He is loving and all-powerful?

I see injustice flourishing, the innocent suffering, and the wicked prospering. My mind struggles to reconcile Your infinite love with the tangible pain in the world. I feel the sting of unfairness, the weight of unanswered prayers, and the confusion of witnessing hardship fall upon those who seem least deserving.

I confess that my understanding is limited, that I see only a fraction of the tapestry You are weaving. Forgive my doubt, O Lord, forgive my lack of faith when the darkness seems overwhelming.

Help me to trust in Your unseen hand, even when I cannot comprehend Your ways. Grant me the wisdom to discern Your presence in the midst of suffering, the strength to offer comfort to those who are afflicted, and the courage to act as Your instrument of justice in this broken world.

Remind me that Your love is not conditional, that even in the depths of despair, You are with us. Show me that power is not always manifested in instant solutions, but in enduring grace and unwavering hope.

Though I may never fully understand, help me to rest in the assurance that You are good, that You are just, and that Your ultimate purpose will prevail. Strengthen my faith, O Lord, that I may continue to seek You in the face of adversity, trusting that even in the unfairness, Your love remains. Amen.