Grappling with the Problem of Evil

A few Sundays ago, we had a question-and-answer session in church. I always look forward to these moments—they provide a unique opportunity for the congregation to engage directly with the ministers and preachers, allowing for a deeper connection and understanding. Many questions were asked, and I was pleased with the thoughtful answers given. However, some questions were so profound that I felt a follow-up was necessary to delve deeper into the thoughts that were briefly touched upon. If I had asked some of those questions myself, I would have appreciated a more comprehensive response than what time allowed during the service (and I must say here I commend the efficient management of time by the ministers).

So, I’ve decided to write a few pieces on some of the particularly striking questions that were raised.

One question that stood out to me was this:

How do I persuade people (especially unbelievers) that God is good, despite the terrible things happening in the world, including to Christians?

This question is incredibly powerful because it touches on both a critical theological issue and a deeply practical concern. It’s the kind of question that can shake the faith of believers and present a significant hurdle in conversations with non-believers. If you've spent time engaging with atheists or agnostics, you know this is one of the most common objections they raise: How can we believe in a good, all-powerful God when we see so much suffering in the world? Why should we worship a God who allows tragedies like natural disasters, wars, and even the persecution of His own followers?

Can I quickly add here that when speaking with unbelievers (and believers too), it’s crucial to acknowledge their pain and confusion without diminishing their experiences. We must offer empathy, recognising that these are difficult questions without easy answers. However, we can also share the hope we have in Christ—that God is good, that He cares deeply for us, and that He has a plan for redemption.

Biblical Examples of Suffering and Trust

To answer this question, we must first look at the Bible, which does not shy away from the reality of suffering. In fact, some of the most profound lessons in Scripture come from individuals who faced immense hardship. Take the example of Joseph, who was betrayed by his own brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned. Despite these overwhelming trials, Joseph maintained his faith in God. Later, when he was reunited with his brothers, he said:

"But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."

—Genesis 50:20

Joseph’s story is a powerful reminder that God can use even the most painful circumstances for a greater purpose. His suffering was not meaningless; it was part of God’s plan to save many lives. This principle applies not only to Joseph but to all of us. We may not always see the bigger picture, but we can trust that God is at work, even in our suffering.

Another example is the apostle Paul, who endured numerous trials for the sake of the Gospel. He was beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked, and eventually martyred. Yet, Paul remained steadfast in his faith, writing:

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

—Romans 8:28

Paul’s unwavering trust in God’s goodness, despite his suffering, is a powerful testimony to the faith that sustains us through difficult times. He understood that God’s purposes are often beyond our understanding, but they are always rooted in His love and sovereignty.

The Problem of Evil and Free Will

When discussing suffering with unbelievers, it’s essential to address the issue of free will. The Bible teaches that God created humans with the ability to make choices, which includes the capacity to choose evil. This is evident from the very beginning with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden:

"And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die."

—Genesis 2:16-17

God did not create evil, but He allowed the possibility of it as a consequence of free will. The entrance of sin into the world brought about suffering, pain, and death. Now I must stress that not all evil comes as a consequence of specific sin committed by a person, but rather the very existence of evil came about due to the fall of man.

However, God did not abandon humanity to suffer without hope. Instead, He provided a way of redemption through Jesus Christ. In John 16:33, Jesus acknowledges the reality of suffering but also offers hope:

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

—John 16:33

A fundamental issue I see in many churches these days is the idea that Christians are meant to live perfect lives in this age. This is some sort of “health and wealth” prosperity gospel which is widely popular in Christian circles today, which basically implies that all Christians should be perfectly healthy and very wealthy, and if a Christian lacks anything it is because they either lack faith or are not “claiming” what they already have received. This is not only insensitive to people going through serious life challenges - it is unbiblical. Jesus doesn’t promise us a life free from trouble, but He assures us of His victory over it. This victory is the foundation of our hope and the basis for our belief in God’s goodness, even when the world around us is full of pain. Someday I will write more on this.

Practical Examples of Faith Amidst Suffering

In addition to biblical examples, we can look at modern-day believers who have faced incredible suffering yet maintained their faith in God’s goodness. Consider Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch Christian who was imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp during World War II for helping Jews escape the Holocaust. Despite the horrific conditions and the loss of her family members, Corrie’s faith remained strong. She famously said:

“There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.”

Corrie’s life is a powerful testimony to the sustaining power of God’s love and goodness, even in the darkest of circumstances.

Another example is Joni Eareckson Tada, who was paralyzed from the neck down in a diving accident at the age of 17. Despite her disability, Joni has become a renowned author, speaker, and advocate for people with disabilities. Her life and ministry are a testament to the truth that God can use our pain and suffering for His glory and our good.

Trusting in God’s Greater Plan

While these examples help us understand how God’s goodness can coexist with suffering, we also need to recognize that we won’t always have all the answers. God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), and sometimes, we must simply trust in His greater plan, even when we don’t understand it.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

—Isaiah 55:8-9

When we encounter suffering—whether personally or in the lives of others—it’s crucial to lean on God’s promises. We must remember that He is working all things for good, even when it doesn’t seem that way from our limited perspective.

What should I do with this:

1.    Engage with the Hard Questions: Don’t shy away from the difficult questions about suffering and evil. Take time to study what the Bible says, and be prepared to engage in meaningful conversations with those who struggle with these issues.

2.    Offer Compassion and Hope: When others question God’s goodness, approach them with empathy. Share examples from Scripture and real life that demonstrate how God can bring good out of suffering. Offer the hope found in Jesus Christ.

3.    Strengthen Your Faith: In times of personal doubt or suffering, revisit the stories of Joseph, Job, Paul, and modern-day believers like Corrie ten Boom and Joni Eareckson Tada. Let their examples inspire you to trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty.

4.    Pray for Wisdom and Understanding: Ask God for the wisdom to understand His purposes and the ability to convey His love and goodness to others, even in the midst of suffering.

By addressing the problem of evil with a balanced understanding of Scripture, real-life examples, and compassionate dialogue, we can help others—and ourselves—navigate these challenging questions with faith, hope, and trust in God’s unfailing goodness.