Theodicy - God, Suffering, and Evil

Summary

This lecture explores the complex problem of evil, asking why a good, omnipotent God allows suffering and evil in the world. It introduces the concept of theodicy, offering seven biblical responses, from denying God’s omnipotence to emphasizing human free will or God’s future triumph over evil. The lecture highlights a 'theodicy of protest,' which acknowledges evil but calls for human action in confronting injustice. Ultimately, the discussion invites deep reflection on divine justice, human responsibility, and the role of faith in the face of suffering.

Takeaways

• 😀 The problem of evil is a longstanding philosophical and theological dilemma, questioning how a good and omnipotent God can coexist with the reality of evil in the world.
• 😀 The term 'theodicy' refers to the attempt to reconcile the existence of evil with a God who is both good and all-powerful.
• 😀 Epicurus’ paradox summarizes the problem of evil by questioning whether God is willing but unable, able but unwilling, or both able and willing, thus leading to a few logical conclusions about God's nature.
• 😀 According to theodicy, there are several responses to the problem of evil, but none of them offer a fully satisfactory solution to the dilemma.
• 😀 One approach is to deny God's omnipotence, suggesting that evil exists as a force or counterforce that God cannot always control.
• 😀 Another approach is to suggest that God is not entirely good, with some biblical texts (like Isaiah 45:7) implying that God creates both good and evil.
• 😀 A popular response is the idea of human free will, where evil arises from human choices rather than divine action, but this view is challenged by extreme examples of suffering where human action alone seems insufficient.
• 😀 Some view evil and suffering as instructive, teaching valuable lessons, though this response raises ethical concerns about excessive or pointless suffering, such as in the Holocaust.
• 😀 A Christian response argues that evil will eventually be defeated in the future, through divine intervention and the establishment of peace, but it raises questions about why God waits and why suffering continues in the meantime.
• 😀 Another theological perspective holds that God's love is inseparable from suffering, and that God suffers with humanity in its pain, but this view can be seen as insufficient if God does not intervene to stop the suffering.
• 😀 A final perspective from Jewish tradition suggests that the most honest response to evil is to protest against God, recognizing human responsibility in combating evil while still trusting in God's ultimate justice.
• 😀 The script concludes with a personal reflection on theodicy of protest, suggesting that it's important to honestly wrestle with the problem of evil and hold God accountable while still recognizing human responsibility to fight evil in the world.

Q & A

What is theodicy and why is it important in discussing the problem of evil?

Theodicy is the theological task of reconciling the existence of evil with the belief in an all-powerful, all-good God. It is important because it addresses the central problem of how evil can exist in a world created by a benevolent deity, a question that has troubled theologians and philosophers for centuries.

What are the central questions that the problem of evil raises in Christian theology?

The central questions include: Why does evil exist? Where does it come from? Why hasn’t God defeated evil entirely? Why do bad things happen to good people? How does Christian theology address these issues in relation to God's goodness, power, and love?

What is Epicurus' formulation of the problem of evil and how does it frame the issue?

Epicurus framed the problem of evil with three critical questions: Is God willing to prevent evil but not able? Is God able but not willing? Is God both able and willing? If God is either not able or not willing, then the existence of evil challenges the concept of God's omnipotence and goodness.

What are the main challenges in addressing the problem of evil in Christian theology?

The main challenges include reconciling the existence of evil with the belief in a good, omnipotent God. The existence of evil forces theologians to consider the limitations of God's power, the nature of divine goodness, and the role of human free will in causing suffering.

What is the first response to the problem of evil discussed in the transcript, and what are its main points?

The first response is to deny God's omnipotence, arguing that evil exists as a powerful force opposing God, and that God cannot always prevent it. This view suggests that God's power is limited, perhaps due to a relationship with humanity or the allowance of free will. However, this view faces challenges from biblical texts affirming God's omnipotence.

How does the second response to the problem of evil conceptualize God's nature?

The second response suggests that God is not entirely good, proposing that God has a 'dark side' or allows evil as part of a larger divine plan. This view is supported by passages like Isaiah 45:7, which attributes both good and evil to God. However, this view challenges the traditional understanding of God as wholly good and raises issues about God's moral character.

What is the 'free will defense' in the context of theodicy, and why is it problematic?

The 'free will defense' argues that evil exists because humans are given free will, which leads to sinful choices. While this removes God's responsibility for evil, it does not fully explain extreme cases of suffering, such as genocide or natural disasters, and raises the question of why God does not intervene to prevent such events.

What does the view that 'evil is instructive' suggest about suffering, and what are its limitations?

The view that 'evil is instructive' suggests that suffering can teach us valuable lessons, such as character development or spiritual growth. However, this perspective struggles to explain why God would allow extreme or excessive suffering, such as in the Holocaust, and may not be persuasive for those whose faith is shaken by intense suffering.

What is the Christian perspective on future deliverance from evil, and what are its challenges?

The Christian perspective suggests that while evil and suffering exist now, a future time will come when God will defeat evil and restore peace. Challenges to this view include questions about why God allows suffering to continue and whether there is sufficient evidence to believe in future deliverance, especially after the coming of Jesus.

How does the idea of God suffering with humanity address the problem of evil?

This idea emphasizes that God is not distant from human suffering but actively participates in it, especially through the incarnation of Jesus Christ. While this provides comfort and solidarity, the issue remains as to why God does not intervene to stop suffering, raising questions about the nature of God's active love.

What is the 'protest against God' response to evil, and what role does humanity play in this view?

The 'protest against God' response suggests that in the face of evil, humanity should protest and call God to act for justice, rather than passively accept evil. This view calls for active resistance to evil and emphasizes humanity's role in working for justice. It draws support from biblical psalms where believers cry out for God's intervention.

What is the 'repairing the world' concept, and how does it relate to the problem of evil?

The 'repairing the world' (Tikkun Olam) concept, rooted in Jewish thought, suggests that humanity has a central role in fighting evil and working towards justice in the world. It acknowledges that while God may not act immediately to address all suffering, humanity must take responsibility and work to bring about moral and social restoration.