Responses to the problem of evil
There are various Christian responses to dealing with the problem of evil and suffering. Some Christians believe it is pointless trying to understand why evil and suffering exist, as God鈥檚 will is beyond human understanding. Others take a theoretical approach to tackling the problem and try to make sense of it using reason. Some Christians believe the presence of evil is an opportunity to respond in a practical and compassionUnderstanding and appreciation of the pain and suffering of others. way.
Biblical response
The biblical response suggests that people cannot understand why God allows evil and suffering to exist. Suffering is a part of human existence and enables Christians to demonstrate their commitment to God.
The biblical response uses the Book of Job, which is found in the Old Testament. Job was a devoutHaving or showing deep religious feeling or commitment. and sinless man who led a good life. SatanName for the devil. convinced God that the only reason for this was that Job had a pleasant life, suggesting this made it easy for Job to be faithful to God. God decided to see whether this was the case and allowed Satan to test Job. Satan did this in several ways, for example killing Job鈥檚 sons and daughters, and making Job sick. Although Job began to question God鈥檚 goodness, he defended God to his friends, and when God heard this he blessed Job.
Additionally, the PsalmsA book in the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) containing songs of praise and worship. show that suffering is intended to be a part of life and that joy and suffering cannot exist without each other. They also show that suffering can bring Christians closer to God.
Theoretical response
The theoretical response argues that evil and suffering are not God鈥檚 fault. Moral evil is caused by humans鈥 misuse of the free will given to them by God.
Additionally, evil and suffering in this life are part of God鈥檚 long-term plan, and people who suffer will be rewarded with eternal paradise. This is known as the vale of soul-making response. The world exists as a place for humans to develop their soul by being tested.
Practical response
The practical response is to show compassion to people who are suffering, offer those people help and trust that God will deliver an answer to the problem. An example of this is intercessionAsking God to help others who need it, eg the sick, poor, those suffering in war. prayers, which are prayers asking for God鈥檚 help for people in need.
Jesus also taught that evil is something that can be fought, for example by feeding the hungry and healing the sick. Christians can therefore follow the example of Jesus by working hard to tackle evil and suffering. For example, they can do this by setting up food bankA place where basic food is provided free of charge to people in need., donating money to charity and becoming doctors and nurses.
Question
What does the Book of Job teach Christians about evil and suffering?
Suffering allows Christians to demonstrate their commitment to God.