Few questions have haunted Christian theology in the twentieth century more than the relation of God to evil and suffering. How can a good God allow suffering to exist? If God really is good, and really is powerful enough to interact with the world in such a way as to effect his will, why doesn't God break in and stop all of the needless suffering?
These questions and others have formed on the lips of many, and no small number have had their faith broken by these penetrating issues. How can Christianity exist in a world where terrorism like that of September 11th and tyranny like that of Adolf Hitler exist?
I strongly believe that Christianity is adequate to the task. Here, we will begin to explore what "answers" to these questions might look like. But it is important at the outset to assert that I don't actually seek to explain why everything that happens happens. I don't finally believe that we can know or understand the mind of God. But I do believe that Christianity has a very powerful answer to the penetrating questions of suffering. God is powerful, and God does work in the world. In fact he sent his Son to die on our behalf, sinners though we are. I certainly haven't answered all of the question, but I hope that in the explorations below, I can begin to spur you on a journey that can help to encourage faith and kindle hope in Jesus Christ. |
