“ the problem of evil is the most serious problem in the world .”

Why does God let bad things happen to good people? Are there any good people? Am I asking the wrong questions? Why does God let good things happen to bad people? How do I explain God’s goodness in light of human suffering? Does evil disprove God’s existence? Is God willing to stop evil but unable? Or is God able but unwilling? Are my choices the cause of my suffering? Is God

punishing me? Does God care about me in the pit of my suffering? Such are

the questions that we are faced with when encountering suffering.

“The problem of evil is the most serious problem in the world.”

-Peter Kreeft, Philosopher

“The problem of evil is the most serious problem in the world.”

-Peter Kreeft, Philosopher

Earthquake in China, ChileEarthquake in China, Chile

Al-Qaeda -- Osama bin Laden,” We love death. The U.S. loves life. That is the difference

between the two.”

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/o/osamabinla406581.html

Al-Qaeda -- Osama bin Laden,” We love death. The U.S. loves life. That is the difference

between the two.”

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/o/osamabinla406581.html

HexbollahHexbollah

"Rwanda is clinically dead as a nation.”

http://africanhistory.about.com/b/2007/05/13/quotes-about-the-rwandan-genocide.htm

"Rwanda is clinically dead as a nation.”










Black DeathBlack Death

Virginia Tech Virginia Tech

HurricanesHurricanes

Jordan NGUJordan NGU

My friend, Dylan: died in a car accident at 18 years oldMy friend, Dylan: died in a car accident at 18 years old

Elie Wiesel, NightElie Wiesel, Night

“How in a time in which Auschwitz existed in any life with God possible? The strangeness has become too cruel, the hidden ness too deep. One can still “believe” in the God who permitted to happen what did happen, but can one still speak to him? Can one still call upon him? Do we dare to recommend the Job of the gas-chambers to the survivors of Auschwitz: “Call upon him, for he is good and his mercy endureth forever?”

– Kornelius H. Miskotte, When the Gods are Silent, translated by John W. Doberstein, (London: Collins, 1967), 248-249.

“How in a time in which Auschwitz existed in any life with God possible? The strangeness has become too cruel, the hidden ness too deep. One can still “believe” in the God who permitted to happen what did happen, but can one still speak to him? Can one still call upon him? Do we dare to recommend the Job of the gas-chambers to the survivors of Auschwitz: “Call upon him, for he is good and his mercy endureth forever?”

– Kornelius H. Miskotte, When the Gods are Silent, translated by John W. Doberstein, (London: Collins, 1967), 248-249.

Elie Wiesel, NightElie Wiesel, Night

Auschwitz survivor Elie Wiesel remembers, as a sixteen year old, his reaction upon seeing Nazi guards hang a seven year old boy:

“Some of the men spoke of God: His mysterious ways, the sins of the Jewish people, and the redemption to come. As for me, I had ceased to pray. I concurred with Job! I was not denying His existence, but I doubted His absolute justice.”

– Elie Wiesel, Night, translated by Marion Wiesel (New York: Hill and Wang, 1958, 2006), 45.

Auschwitz survivor Elie Wiesel remembers, as a sixteen year old, his reaction upon seeing Nazi guards hang a seven year old boy:

“Some of the men spoke of God: His mysterious ways, the sins of the Jewish people, and the redemption to come. As for me, I had ceased to pray. I concurred with Job! I was not denying His existence, but I doubted His absolute justice.”

– Elie Wiesel, Night, translated by Marion Wiesel (New York: Hill and Wang, 1958, 2006), 45.

The Problem of Evil: 2-foldThe Problem of Evil: 2-fold1) Logical Problem of Evil:How to give a rational explanation of the co-existence of God and

evil. - Greg Welty

2) Emotional Problem of Evil:How to comfort those who are suffering and how to dissolve the

emotional dislike people have of a God who would permit such evil. - William Lane Craig

Greg Welty, “The Logical Argument-01,” God & Evil-PHREL 4383 (Fort Worth, TX: Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2007), 3.

http://www.bethinking.org/suffering/advanced/the-problem-of-evil.htmhttp://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0019.html

1) Logical Problem of Evil:How to give a rational explanation of the co-existence of God and

evil. - Greg Welty

2) Emotional Problem of Evil:How to comfort those who are suffering and how to dissolve the

emotional dislike people have of a God who would permit such evil. - William Lane Craig

Greg Welty, “The Logical Argument-01,” God & Evil-PHREL 4383 (Fort Worth, TX: Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2007), 3.

http://www.bethinking.org/suffering/advanced/the-problem-of-evil.htmhttp://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/religion/re0019.html

Logical Problem of Evil: Epicurus

Logical Problem of Evil: Epicurus

“God either wishes to take away evils, and is unable; or he is able and unwilling; or he is neither willing nor able, or he is both willing and able. If he is willing and is unable, he is feeble, which is not in accordance with the character of God if he is able and unwilling, he is envious, which is equally at variance with God; if he is neither willing nor able he is both envious and feeble, and therefore not God; if he is both willing and able, which alone is suitable to God, from what source then are evils? Or why does he not remove them?”– Epicurus, Greek Philosopher (341-270 B.C.)

– William Dyrness, Christian Apologetics in a World Community (Downers Grove, Ill.: Inter-Varsity, 1983), 153.

“God either wishes to take away evils, and is unable; or he is able and unwilling; or he is neither willing nor able, or he is both willing and able. If he is willing and is unable, he is feeble, which is not in accordance with the character of God if he is able and unwilling, he is envious, which is equally at variance with God; if he is neither willing nor able he is both envious and feeble, and therefore not God; if he is both willing and able, which alone is suitable to God, from what source then are evils? Or why does he not remove them?”– Epicurus, Greek Philosopher (341-270 B.C.)

– William Dyrness, Christian Apologetics in a World Community (Downers Grove, Ill.: Inter-Varsity, 1983), 153.

Logical Problem of Evil: David HumeLogical Problem of Evil: David Hume

“Epicurus’ old questions are yet unanswered. Is he willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then is he impotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Whence then is evil?”

– Richard Popkin, Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion (Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 1980), 63.

“Epicurus’ old questions are yet unanswered. Is he willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then is he impotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Whence then is evil?”

– Richard Popkin, Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion (Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 1980), 63.

Logical Problem of Evil: J.L. Mackie, former atheist philosopher (1917-1981):

Logical Problem of Evil: J.L. Mackie, former atheist philosopher (1917-1981):

• “In its simplest form the problem is this: God is omnipotent; God is wholly good; and yet evil exists. There seems to be some contradiction between these three propositions, so that if any two of them were true the third would be false. But at the same time all three are essential parts of most theological positions: the theologian, it seems, at once must adhere and cannot consistently adhere to all three.”

– J.L. Mackie, “Evil and Omnipotence,” in, The Problem of Evil: Oxford Readings in Philosophy, ed. Marilyn McCord Adams and Robert Merrihew Adams (New York: Oxford University Press, 1990), 25.

• “In its simplest form the problem is this: God is omnipotent; God is wholly good; and yet evil exists. There seems to be some contradiction between these three propositions, so that if any two of them were true the third would be false. But at the same time all three are essential parts of most theological positions: the theologian, it seems, at once must adhere and cannot consistently adhere to all three.”

– J.L. Mackie, “Evil and Omnipotence,” in, The Problem of Evil: Oxford Readings in Philosophy, ed. Marilyn McCord Adams and Robert Merrihew Adams (New York: Oxford University Press, 1990), 25.

How can God exist when there is so much suffering & evil?

How can God exist when there is so much suffering & evil?

1) Evil exists2) God is all-powerful3) God is all-good4) Yet evil still exists5) God is either not all-powerful or fully good. For if he

had the power to stop evil and He doesn’t, then He is not all good.

6) Or if God desires to stop evil but cannot, we must assume He is fully good but not all-powerful.

- Rabbi Harold Kushner, When Bad Things Happen to Good People. (1981), concludes that even God cannot stop every disaster.

1) Evil exists2) God is all-powerful3) God is all-good4) Yet evil still exists5) God is either not all-powerful or fully good. For if he

had the power to stop evil and He doesn’t, then He is not all good.

6) Or if God desires to stop evil but cannot, we must assume He is fully good but not all-powerful.

- Rabbi Harold Kushner, When Bad Things Happen to Good People. (1981), concludes that even God cannot stop every disaster.

Preeminent question:What is the purpose of life? If circumstantial happiness then God has failed. However, if it is the knowledge of God and a relationship with God, then suffering is not necessarily a defeater for God’s existence. It is possible for God to use evil for this latter end.

Preeminent question:What is the purpose of life? If circumstantial happiness then God has failed. However, if it is the knowledge of God and a relationship with God, then suffering is not necessarily a defeater for God’s existence. It is possible for God to use evil for this latter end.

The Purpose of LifeThe Purpose of Life

• Crucial questions on the logical problem of evil 1) Who determines the purpose of life? Ecclesiastes

12:11-12• The character/attributes of the Creator of life

determines the point of life – 12:11• Education without God ends in hopelessness &

depression – 12:122) What is the purpose of life? – Ecclesiastes 12:13• If happiness, then suffering is evidence against

God’s existence. Happiness = God has failed

• Crucial questions on the logical problem of evil 1) Who determines the purpose of life? Ecclesiastes

12:11-12• The character/attributes of the Creator of life

determines the point of life – 12:11• Education without God ends in hopelessness &

depression – 12:122) What is the purpose of life? – Ecclesiastes 12:13• If happiness, then suffering is evidence against

God’s existence. Happiness = God has failed

The Purpose of LifeThe Purpose of Life

• “There are certain instances of suffering that are utterly impossible to produce happiness that are not useless in producing the knowledge of God.” – William Lane Craig

• “There are certain instances of suffering that are utterly impossible to produce happiness that are not useless in producing the knowledge of God.” – William Lane Craig

“Mankind is in a state of rebellion against God – thus, the Christian is not surprised at the terrible evils in the world because of man's depravity as evidenced by Scripture and common experience…Christian theology reports doctrines that significantly increase the probability of evil and suffering coexisting with the existence of God. The point of life is not happiness but the knowledge of God which, in the end, will produce ultimate human Flourishing. There are certain instances of suffering that are utterly impossible to produce happiness that are not useless in producing the knowledge of God.”

- William Lane Craig

“The Problem of Evil,” ibid.

“Mankind is in a state of rebellion against God – thus, the Christian is not surprised at the terrible evils in the world because of man's depravity as evidenced by Scripture and common experience…Christian theology reports doctrines that significantly increase the probability of evil and suffering coexisting with the existence of God. The point of life is not happiness but the knowledge of God which, in the end, will produce ultimate human Flourishing. There are certain instances of suffering that are utterly impossible to produce happiness that are not useless in producing the knowledge of God.”



Christian theology provides the most accurate picture of humanity & the world. If Christianity properly diagnoses the problem, if we’re open-minded, it may be that Christianity provides insights into and even answers to the problem of evil. Simply put, the Christian answer is crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Hinduism denies evil. Buddhism recognizes it but directs one to look internally and thus, severs one from the outside world. Animistic religions are in enslaved magic and the bizarre chain of causation it entails. New Age totally bypasses the issue of the heart and scientism only reveals that scientific advance has given us more adept tools at slaughtering one another, thus taking humanity one step closer to a science-fiction, Cyberdyne-dominated war of the machines where human life is devalued.

Christian theology provides the most accurate picture of humanity & the world. If Christianity properly diagnoses the problem, if we’re open-minded, it may be that Christianity provides insights into and even answers to the problem of evil. Simply put, the Christian answer is crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Hinduism denies evil. Buddhism recognizes it but directs one to look internally and thus, severs one from the outside world. Animistic religions are in enslaved magic and the bizarre chain of causation it entails. New Age totally bypasses the issue of the heart and scientism only reveals that scientific advance has given us more adept tools at slaughtering one another, thus taking humanity one step closer to a science-fiction, Cyberdyne-dominated war of the machines where human life is devalued.

• Another stumbling block for many Westerners is the presupposition that the point of life is circumstantial happiness. If this is true and such a telos was by God’s design then atheist and theist would be compelled by a basic kind of intellectual honesty that God has epically failed. A cursory reading of world history or a glimpse of the nightly news adds towards the cumulative case that the overwhelming majority of persons who have existed could not be considered as having lived happy lives, even by Aristotelian standards. ‘The chief purpose of life is not happiness, but the knowledge of God.’ Hence, to argue against the existence of God on the grounds of the existence suffering is to fundamentally misunderstand the point of life.

– Adapted from William Lane Craig, “The Problem of Evil,” Reasonable Faith, Accessed July 12, 2012. www.reasonablefaith.org

• Another stumbling block for many Westerners is the presupposition that the point of life is circumstantial happiness. If this is true and such a telos was by God’s design then atheist and theist would be compelled by a basic kind of intellectual honesty that God has epically failed. A cursory reading of world history or a glimpse of the nightly news adds towards the cumulative case that the overwhelming majority of persons who have existed could not be considered as having lived happy lives, even by Aristotelian standards. ‘The chief purpose of life is not happiness, but the knowledge of God.’ Hence, to argue against the existence of God on the grounds of the existence suffering is to fundamentally misunderstand the point of life.

– Adapted from William Lane Craig, “The Problem of Evil,” Reasonable Faith, Accessed July 12, 2012. www.reasonablefaith.org

“The primary reason we feel so much emotional pain when these things occur is because

of our beliefs about what happened to us. Correct

beliefs promote life, help, and peace. Incorrect (often called ‘irrational’) beliefs eventually

cause great pain and suffering.”

- Gary Habermas Gary Habermas, Why is God Ignoring Me? (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2010), 109.

“The primary reason we feel so much emotional pain when these things occur is because

of our beliefs about what happened to us. Correct

beliefs promote life, help, and peace. Incorrect (often called ‘irrational’) beliefs eventually

cause great pain and suffering.”

- Gary Habermas Gary Habermas, Why is God Ignoring Me? (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2010), 109.

• If holiness/knowledge of God is the point of life then suffering is not necessarily evidence against God’s existence.

• The writer of Ecclesiastes summarizes the point of human life as, “Fear God & keep His commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). The Westminster Confession expresses the same thought as follows?

Q: What is the whole duty of man? A: To glorify God & enjoy Him forever.

• If holiness/knowledge of God is the point of life then suffering is not necessarily evidence against God’s existence.

• The writer of Ecclesiastes summarizes the point of human life as, “Fear God & keep His commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). The Westminster Confession expresses the same thought as follows?

Q: What is the whole duty of man? A: To glorify God & enjoy Him forever.

What the atheist must demonstrate to prove a logical problem from evil:


I. Prove that God and evil are incompatible.

• At the forefront of Plantinga’s argument is the tacit assumption of atheists who uncritically accept the inherent contradictoriness of God and evil and “make no attempt whatever to show that it is.” . . . The atheist must first show why God and evil are incompatible in order to argue from that premise.”

– Alvin Plantinga, God, Freedom, and Evil (New York: Harper and Row, 1974), 22-23.

I. Prove that God and evil are incompatible.

• At the forefront of Plantinga’s argument is the tacit assumption of atheists who uncritically accept the inherent contradictoriness of God and evil and “make no attempt whatever to show that it is.” . . . The atheist must first show why God and evil are incompatible in order to argue from that premise.”

– Alvin Plantinga, God, Freedom, and Evil (New York: Harper and Row, 1974), 22-23.

• John Feinberg writes, “Theists should require atheists to offer an instance of suffering which they can prove is genuinely pointless. That will be a hard challenge to meet, especially because of our limited knowledge. Atheists won’t likely do better than produce some evidence that a specific evil is probably genuinely pointless, but “probably pointless” isn’t enough to answer Reichenbach’s objection about question begging.”

– John S. Feinberg, The Many Faces of Evil: Theological Systems and the Problem of Evil (Wheaton: Crossway, 2004), 235.

• John Feinberg writes, “Theists should require atheists to offer an instance of suffering which they can prove is genuinely pointless. That will be a hard challenge to meet, especially because of our limited knowledge. Atheists won’t likely do better than produce some evidence that a specific evil is probably genuinely pointless, but “probably pointless” isn’t enough to answer Reichenbach’s objection about question begging.”

– John S. Feinberg, The Many Faces of Evil: Theological Systems and the Problem of Evil (Wheaton: Crossway, 2004), 235.

PresuppositionsPresuppositions

• Probability and the problem of evil, probability depends upon what background information you consider:

• A. God’s existence provides the best explanation as to why the universe exists.

• B. God’s existence provides the best explanation to the order found in the universe.

• C. God’s existence provides the best explanation for moral values in the world.

• Probability and the problem of evil, probability depends upon what background information you consider:

• A. God’s existence provides the best explanation as to why the universe exists.

• B. God’s existence provides the best explanation to the order found in the universe.

• C. God’s existence provides the best explanation for moral values in the world.

Question: What is the burden of proof for the argument from

the logical problem of evil?

Question: What is the burden of proof for the argument from

the logical problem of evil?

You must prove the impossibility of God using evil to bring about a greater good.

Q: What was the result of Jesus’ suffering?

A: According to the Christian gospel, Jesus’ suffering resulted in redemption for sinners.

You must prove the impossibility of God using evil to bring about a greater good.

Q: What was the result of Jesus’ suffering?

A: According to the Christian gospel, Jesus’ suffering resulted in redemption for sinners.



II. Prove that God could have no reason for allowing suffering.

Inscrutability: Do we have the access to enough information to make that judgment?

• Alvin Plantinga, “The theist believes that God has a reason for permitting evil; he doesn’t know what that reason is. But why should that mean that his belief is improper or irrational?”

– Alvin Plantinga, God, Freedom, and Evil, 11.

II. Prove that God could have no reason for allowing suffering.

Inscrutability: Do we have the access to enough information to make that judgment?

• Alvin Plantinga, “The theist believes that God has a reason for permitting evil; he doesn’t know what that reason is. But why should that mean that his belief is improper or irrational?”

– Alvin Plantinga, God, Freedom, and Evil, 11.



• “We are not in the position to be able to assess whether God has sufficient moral reasons for allowing suffering to exist.”



• “We are not in the position to be able to assess whether God has sufficient moral reasons for allowing suffering to exist.”



The human condition and Epistemic AccessThe human condition and Epistemic Access

Claim: Just because we can’t see God’s reasons for allowing evil doesn’t mean there aren’t reasons.

Q: How much information must you have in order to say that God COULD NOT justify allowing evil to exist?

A: Total knowledge/every bit of data in the universe.

Q: Why doesn’t God let us know why He allows certain things to happen?

A: Our finite minds probably would not be able to fully comprehend the reason/reasons.

Claim: Just because we can’t see God’s reasons for allowing evil doesn’t mean there aren’t reasons.

Q: How much information must you have in order to say that God COULD NOT justify allowing evil to exist?

A: Total knowledge/every bit of data in the universe.

Q: Why doesn’t God let us know why He allows certain things to happen?

A: Our finite minds probably would not be able to fully comprehend the reason/reasons.

William Alston’s List of Cognitive Limitations: upon our cognitive powers,

opportunities, and achievements



i) Lack of data – of the natural laws

ii) Complexity greater than we can handle – total systems of natural law seem extremely complicated.

iii)Difficulty of determining what is metaphysically possible or necessary – could you have conscious life without hydro-carbons or without pain?

i) Lack of data – of the natural laws

ii) Complexity greater than we can handle – total systems of natural law seem extremely complicated.

iii)Difficulty of determining what is metaphysically possible or necessary – could you have conscious life without hydro-carbons or without pain?




opportunities, and achievementsiv) Ignorance of the full range of possibilities – means to ends.

Atheists admit that it is possible for God to bring about the greater good without these sufferings.

v) Ignorance of the full range of values – the progress of human knowledge in respect to science. If there can be ignorance for centuries of the physical universe, surely there could be complex goods from evil that we have not yet realized.

vi) Limits to our capacity to make well-considered value judgments

07 - The Evidential Argument (Alston) “God & Evil” Welty, p.4.

iv) Ignorance of the full range of possibilities – means to ends. Atheists admit that it is possible for God to bring about the greater good without these sufferings.

v) Ignorance of the full range of values – the progress of human knowledge in respect to science. If there can be ignorance for centuries of the physical universe, surely there could be complex goods from evil that we have not yet realized.

vi) Limits to our capacity to make well-considered value judgments

07 - The Evidential Argument (Alston) “God & Evil” Welty, p.4.

Think about the following scenario…1. Fact: I am a good person. 2. Fact: I often inflict pain on little children,

voluntarily, and people pay me to do this, and they often watch me do this.

3. Fact: I am a dentist who does his job.Point: Without point 3, we could only conclude that

the person is a moral monster who needs to be imprisoned, or worse.

Greg Welty, ibid, 3.

Think about the following scenario…1. Fact: I am a good person. 2. Fact: I often inflict pain on little children,

voluntarily, and people pay me to do this, and they often watch me do this.

3. Fact: I am a dentist who does his job.Point: Without point 3, we could only conclude that

the person is a moral monster who needs to be imprisoned, or worse.

Greg Welty, ibid, 3.



III. Prove an instance of suffering that is definitively pointless.

• Even if you were able to “Prove” a situation of pointless suffering, it would be outweighed by all the other cases of suffering that 1) Did have a point or 2) cases that we couldn’t rule out not having a point.

• If God isn’t in the equation then you can’t argue for hope on any level. Ultimately, all is meaningless.

*William Rowe’s loaded dice with Baye’s Theorum

III. Prove an instance of suffering that is definitively pointless.

• Even if you were able to “Prove” a situation of pointless suffering, it would be outweighed by all the other cases of suffering that 1) Did have a point or 2) cases that we couldn’t rule out not having a point.

• If God isn’t in the equation then you can’t argue for hope on any level. Ultimately, all is meaningless.

*William Rowe’s loaded dice with Baye’s Theorum

Wait a minute…what must exist

for evil to exist?

Wait a minute…what must exist

for evil to exist?

Serious question for Atheists: If God

does not exist then how can evil…or

good exist?

Serious question for Atheists: If God

does not exist then how can evil…or

good exist?

Moral Argument for God’s Existence


1)Without God, evil could not exist.

2)Evil exists.3)Therefore, God

exists.

1)Without God, evil could not exist.

2)Evil exists.3)Therefore, God

exists.



1) If God does not exist, objective moral values and duties do not exist.

2) Objective moral values and duties do exist.

3) Therefore, God exists.

1) If God does not exist, objective moral values and duties do not exist.

2) Objective moral values and duties do exist.

3) Therefore, God exists.

If God does not exist then how can evil…or good exist?

If God does not exist then how can evil…or good exist?

• The fact that you’re arguing against God’s existence on moral grounds is evidence that objective morality exists & if objective morality exists then you’re arguing for God, not against Him.

• The fact that you’re arguing against God’s existence on moral grounds is evidence that objective morality exists & if objective morality exists then you’re arguing for God, not against Him.

Meaninglessness & atheismMeaninglessness & atheism

• Darwinism - Life explained without God:“In a universe of blind physical forces and genetic

replication, some people are going to get hurt, other people are going to get lucky, and you won’t find any rhyme or reason in it, nor any justice. The universe we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil and no good, nothing but blind pitiless indifference.” - Richard DawkinsRichard Dawkins, River out of Eden (New York: HarperCollins, 1996), 133.

• Darwinism - Life explained without God:“In a universe of blind physical forces and genetic

replication, some people are going to get hurt, other people are going to get lucky, and you won’t find any rhyme or reason in it, nor any justice. The universe we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil and no good, nothing but blind pitiless indifference.” - Richard DawkinsRichard Dawkins, River out of Eden (New York: HarperCollins, 1996), 133.



IV. Prove the world would be better without free choice or natural law because much suffering comes from both.

IV. Prove the world would be better without free choice or natural law because much suffering comes from both.

Q: Why couldn’t God create a good world without the possibility of evil?

Q: Why couldn’t God create a good world without the possibility of evil? 1. Ability to make free choices (The Free Will

Defense)

• Trans-world depravity - a necessary byproduct of free will

• Objection: Why wouldn’t God stop the abuse of Free Will?

• Because we would be Moral monsters.

1. Ability to make free choices (The Free Will Defense)

• Trans-world depravity - a necessary byproduct of free will

• Objection: Why wouldn’t God stop the abuse of Free Will?

• Because we would be Moral monsters.

Theistic RebuttalsTheistic Rebuttals

2. Natural Evil/Physical LawsObjection: God should have created a

world insulated from natural evilQ: Would a world w/o natural laws be

better or worse?*Random acceleration of gravity. Imagine

the random acceleration of gravity…

2. Natural Evil/Physical LawsObjection: God should have created a

world insulated from natural evilQ: Would a world w/o natural laws be

better or worse?*Random acceleration of gravity. Imagine

the random acceleration of gravity…

Theistic Rebuttals: The Free Will Defense


Plantinga also makes the case that “A really top-notch universe requires the existence of free, rational, and moral agents; and some of the free creatures He created went wrong.” Simply put, a very strong response to the question, “Why is there any evil at all?” is Plantinga’s point that a necessary component of the best conceivable world includes free creatures, not robots, whose freedom carries the propensity for almost certain abuse of that freedom in some cases. The central value judgment of the argument is simply, “A world containing creatures who are significantly free (and freely perform more good than evil actions) is more valuable, all else being equal, than a world containing no free creatures at all.” . . .

Plantinga also makes the case that “A really top-notch universe requires the existence of free, rational, and moral agents; and some of the free creatures He created went wrong.” Simply put, a very strong response to the question, “Why is there any evil at all?” is Plantinga’s point that a necessary component of the best conceivable world includes free creatures, not robots, whose freedom carries the propensity for almost certain abuse of that freedom in some cases. The central value judgment of the argument is simply, “A world containing creatures who are significantly free (and freely perform more good than evil actions) is more valuable, all else being equal, than a world containing no free creatures at all.” . . .

Theistic RebuttalsTheistic RebuttalsMoral virtues such as love, loyalty, patience, self control, and bravery would

not be considered virtues if such actions were the only option. The atheist is then left with the option of arguing that God should not have created any world unless there was a sort of “evil-free” guarantee, even if God could bring about a greater good from the existence of evil. Plantinga notes, “Some have objected to the free-will defense on the grounds that it presupposes that there are such things as counterfactuals of freedom, that they have truth values, and that God can know them. It is the atheologian, however, who really needs these suppositions; things are easier, not harder, for the free-will defense if we reject these assumptions.”

Ibid, 27, 30. Alvin Plantinga, “Epistemic Probability and Evil,” in, The Evidential Argument From Evil, ed. Daniel Howard-Snyder, 94.

Moral virtues such as love, loyalty, patience, self control, and bravery would not be considered virtues if such actions were the only option. The atheist is then left with the option of arguing that God should not have created any world unless there was a sort of “evil-free” guarantee, even if God could bring about a greater good from the existence of evil. Plantinga notes, “Some have objected to the free-will defense on the grounds that it presupposes that there are such things as counterfactuals of freedom, that they have truth values, and that God can know them. It is the atheologian, however, who really needs these suppositions; things are easier, not harder, for the free-will defense if we reject these assumptions.”

Ibid, 27, 30. Alvin Plantinga, “Epistemic Probability and Evil,” in, The Evidential Argument From Evil, ed. Daniel Howard-Snyder, 94.



• Imagine having a pain in your leg from a bruise. The doctor says she could eliminate the pain by amputating your leg. Yet, it comes at a price that is far too high. He is not bad because he refuses to amputate your leg even though he has the power to do so. He is not evil because he refuses to do this.

• Imagine the non-existence of virtues such as courage, love, compassion, and generosity. These are virtues that we must choose to exhibit, often against the grain of our own self-interest. If choice is taken away, virtue is also taken away. No one praises machines for doing what they were programmed to do. A mechanistic humanity is no humanity at all.

- Greg Welty, ibid, 4.

• Imagine having a pain in your leg from a bruise. The doctor says she could eliminate the pain by amputating your leg. Yet, it comes at a price that is far too high. He is not bad because he refuses to amputate your leg even though he has the power to do so. He is not evil because he refuses to do this.

• Imagine the non-existence of virtues such as courage, love, compassion, and generosity. These are virtues that we must choose to exhibit, often against the grain of our own self-interest. If choice is taken away, virtue is also taken away. No one praises machines for doing what they were programmed to do. A mechanistic humanity is no humanity at all.

- Greg Welty, ibid, 4.

Could God have created a world with no evil?

Could God have created a world with no evil?

• If so, the world wouldn’t contain humans because humans, by nature, have the ability to choose between moral and immoral actions.

• It would be a world with lower life forms or humanoid-machines incapable of giving or receiving love.

• If so, the world wouldn’t contain humans because humans, by nature, have the ability to choose between moral and immoral actions.

• It would be a world with lower life forms or humanoid-machines incapable of giving or receiving love.

Terminator: World of the robotsTerminator: World of the robots

World of the robots: If you fall in love with, are willing to die for, or have a romantic relationship with a robot then you need professional counseling.

World of the robots: If you fall in love with, are willing to die for, or have a romantic relationship with a robot then you need professional counseling.

Imagine by John LennonImagine by John Lennon

Imagine there's no heaven,It's easy if you try,No hell below us,Above us only sky,Imagine all the people,Living for today...

Imagine there's no heaven,It's easy if you try,No hell below us,Above us only sky,Imagine all the people,Living for today...

Imagine there’s no choice… Imagine there’s no choice…

How could love be possible without choice (See, Ecclesiastes 12:13 and the Westminster Confession, the purpose of life)?

- Maybe a world of choice & the possibility of evil is better than a world of no choice & no possibility of evil.

How could love be possible without choice (See, Ecclesiastes 12:13 and the Westminster Confession, the purpose of life)?

- Maybe a world of choice & the possibility of evil is better than a world of no choice & no possibility of evil.

Free Will DefenseFree Will Defense

1. God is omniscient, omnipotent, and wholly good.2. There is evil. 3. God’s nature leads us to believe that he has a good

reason for creating a world that contains evil. “The heart of the Free Will Defense is the claim that it

is possible that God could not have created a universe containing moral good... without creating one that also contained moral evil. And if so, then it is possible that God has a good reason for creating a world containing evil”

- Alvin Plantinga

God, Freedom, & Evil, 31.

1. God is omniscient, omnipotent, and wholly good.2. There is evil. 3. God’s nature leads us to believe that he has a good

reason for creating a world that contains evil. “The heart of the Free Will Defense is the claim that it

is possible that God could not have created a universe containing moral good... without creating one that also contained moral evil. And if so, then it is possible that God has a good reason for creating a world containing evil”

- Alvin Plantinga


What Reason could God have for creating a world containing the

possibility of evil?

What Reason could God have for creating a world containing the

possibility of evil?Definition before discourse:• Moral Evil

What is good?

Definition before discourse:• Moral Evil

What is good?

What does it mean to be truly free?

What does it mean to be truly free?

• A creature is truly free if they can choose evil in any possible world.

• A world with free creatures has more value than a world without free creatures who have choice.

• Therefore, it is consistent to believe in the existence of God and the existence of evil.

• But is it reasonable given the suffering & evil in the world?

• A creature is truly free if they can choose evil in any possible world.

• A world with free creatures has more value than a world without free creatures who have choice.

• Therefore, it is consistent to believe in the existence of God and the existence of evil.

• But is it reasonable given the suffering & evil in the world?

What does it mean to be truly free?What does it mean to be truly free?

• “What is important about the idea of transworld depravity is that if a person suffers from it, then it wasn’t within God’s power to actualize any world in which that person is significantly free but does no wrong - that is, a world in which he produces moral good but no moral evil.”

- Alvin Plantinga


• “What is important about the idea of transworld depravity is that if a person suffers from it, then it wasn’t within God’s power to actualize any world in which that person is significantly free but does no wrong - that is, a world in which he produces moral good but no moral evil.”

- Alvin Plantinga


Implications of DeterminismImplications of Determinism

1) No Free Will2) No Responsibility3) No Virtue 4) No Vice5) No Good 6) No Evil7) No Villains8) No Heroes

1) No Free Will2) No Responsibility3) No Virtue 4) No Vice5) No Good 6) No Evil7) No Villains8) No Heroes

Both would be morally equal under Hard Determinism because neither had free will nor true moral responsibility.

Both would be morally equal under Hard Determinism because neither had free will nor true moral responsibility.

Implications of DeterminismImplications of Determinism

1) Human choice is either free, or it is not free2) If it is free, then the law of causality is false3) If it is not free, then people are not

responsible for their actions4) Therefore, either the law of causality is false,

or people are not responsible for their actions

1) Human choice is either free, or it is not free2) If it is free, then the law of causality is false3) If it is not free, then people are not

responsible for their actions4) Therefore, either the law of causality is false,

or people are not responsible for their actions

How does Jesus answer the

problem of evil?

How does Jesus answer the

problem of evil?

Jesus - Luke 13:1-5Jesus - Luke 13:1-5

• There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

• There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

Jesus on The Problem of EvilJesus on The Problem of Evil

• Jesus taught: 1) Suffering will come in a sinful world – Luke 13:1,4• Moral evil: Pilate’s slaughter of innocent people –

13:3 (Moral evil is an abuse of the choice to act morally).

“Half the harm in this world is due to people who want to feel important” – T.S. Eliot

– In, Norman R. DePuy, Christian Century, 108, S, 18-25, 1991, p. 843.

• Natural evil: Collapse of a tower (Natural evil is suffering coming from something outside the realm of human choice or negligence)) – 13:4

• Jesus taught: 1) Suffering will come in a sinful world – Luke 13:1,4• Moral evil: Pilate’s slaughter of innocent people –

13:3 (Moral evil is an abuse of the choice to act morally).

“Half the harm in this world is due to people who want to feel important” – T.S. Eliot

– In, Norman R. DePuy, Christian Century, 108, S, 18-25, 1991, p. 843.

• Natural evil: Collapse of a tower (Natural evil is suffering coming from something outside the realm of human choice or negligence)) – 13:4


Natural evil: Hurricane, flood, wild animals, human-hating cats, etc.

• Objection: Couldn’t God have tweaked natural law so that it would go into a different default mode when human suffering was about to result?

• Response: This would conceivably produce more suffering because natural law would be virtually unpredictable such as the random acceleration of gravity, random voice pitch inflection, random chemical compositions, etc.

Natural evil: Hurricane, flood, wild animals, human-hating cats, etc.

• Objection: Couldn’t God have tweaked natural law so that it would go into a different default mode when human suffering was about to result?

• Response: This would conceivably produce more suffering because natural law would be virtually unpredictable such as the random acceleration of gravity, random voice pitch inflection, random chemical compositions, etc.


• Jesus taught: 2) Resist the urge to give premature solutions – 13:2, 4

• Punishment theodicy (the most prevalent view) : Most people in Jesus’ day thought that there was a direct correlation between extraordinary suffering and extraordinary sin. Most thought if you were suffering then God was specifically judging you for ‘super’ sin – 13:2,4

• Jesus destroys this idea: You’re all guilty – 13:2,4

• Jesus taught: 2) Resist the urge to give premature solutions – 13:2, 4

• Punishment theodicy (the most prevalent view) : Most people in Jesus’ day thought that there was a direct correlation between extraordinary suffering and extraordinary sin. Most thought if you were suffering then God was specifically judging you for ‘super’ sin – 13:2,4

• Jesus destroys this idea: You’re all guilty – 13:2,4


Example of the Punishment Theodicy as the prevalent view in 1st century Palestinian Judaism:

• Job - “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away” (1:21).• “The Sabeans attacked” (1:15); “The fire of God fell from the

sky” (1:16); “The Chaldeans swept down” (1: 17); “A mighty wind swept in from the desert” (1:19).

• “They comforted and consoled him over all the trouble the LORD had brought upon him” (42:11).

• Point: Job’s counselors erred not by attributing Job’s suffering to God’s sovereignty but that God did it to punish Job. They went beyond their epistemic access.

Example of the Punishment Theodicy as the prevalent view in 1st century Palestinian Judaism:

• Job - “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away” (1:21).• “The Sabeans attacked” (1:15); “The fire of God fell from the

sky” (1:16); “The Chaldeans swept down” (1: 17); “A mighty wind swept in from the desert” (1:19).

• “They comforted and consoled him over all the trouble the LORD had brought upon him” (42:11).

• Point: Job’s counselors erred not by attributing Job’s suffering to God’s sovereignty but that God did it to punish Job. They went beyond their epistemic access.

Jesus on The Problem of EvilJesus on The Problem of EvilBiblical example of suffering not due to personal sin: • The man born blind – John 9:2• Paul bitten by a viper – Acts 28:3-4

• Biblical counterexamples:• Sodom & Gomorrah – Genesis 18-19• Great Tribulation – Revelation 9:20-21 “The rest of mankind,

who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, 21 nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.”

• Ananias & Sapphira – Acts 5

Biblical example of suffering not due to personal sin: • The man born blind – John 9:2• Paul bitten by a viper – Acts 28:3-4

• Biblical counterexamples:• Sodom & Gomorrah – Genesis 18-19• Great Tribulation – Revelation 9:20-21 “The rest of mankind,

who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk, 21 nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.”

• Ananias & Sapphira – Acts 5

The Fig Tree and You

Luke 13:6-9

The Fig Tree and You

Luke 13:6-96 And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ 8 And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. 9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’ ”

6 And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ 8 And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. 9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’ ”

“Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish…”

“I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)

“Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish…”

“I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)

• Q: Is there a proper way to respond to tragedy? 3) Tragedy should point us to Jesus Christ, the Savior –

13:3,5Jesus does not deny human sin; He affirms it – 13:3,5

(para) • For the unbeliever: Tragedy is evidence of God’s

mercy in giving you time to repent, be saved, and live for Him – 13:3,5-8

• For the believer: Tragedy is evidence of God’s mercy in giving you time to warn unbelievers that time is short – 13:3,5-8

• Q: Is there a proper way to respond to tragedy? 3) Tragedy should point us to Jesus Christ, the Savior –

13:3,5Jesus does not deny human sin; He affirms it – 13:3,5

(para) • For the unbeliever: Tragedy is evidence of God’s

mercy in giving you time to repent, be saved, and live for Him – 13:3,5-8

• For the believer: Tragedy is evidence of God’s mercy in giving you time to warn unbelievers that time is short – 13:3,5-8

A. The example of Joseph: • Psalm 105:17 He sent a man before them, Joseph, who was sold

as a slave.• Genesis 50:20 You meant it for evil but God meant it for good in

order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.

• One event and two different sets of intentions! • Joseph and famine. Had he not gone to Egypt, Judah and his

family would have starved and the Messiah’s line would have been extinguished, prophecy would have failed and God would lose the title.

Psalm 105:17 “He sent a man before them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave.”

A. The example of Joseph: • Psalm 105:17 He sent a man before them, Joseph, who was sold

as a slave.• Genesis 50:20 You meant it for evil but God meant it for good in

order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.

• One event and two different sets of intentions! • Joseph and famine. Had he not gone to Egypt, Judah and his

family would have starved and the Messiah’s line would have been extinguished, prophecy would have failed and God would lose the title.

Psalm 105:17 “He sent a man before them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave.”

B. The man who was born blind:

• “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3).

B. The man who was born blind:

• “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3).

C. The Suffering of Job:• The reason for his suffering was never revealed. • The Key to Job’s Recovery - Job 42:10 “The Lord

restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the Lord increased all that Job had twofold.”

D. The suffering of Jesus:• Provided salvation & forgiveness for all who would

believe.

C. The Suffering of Job:• The reason for his suffering was never revealed. • The Key to Job’s Recovery - Job 42:10 “The Lord

restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the Lord increased all that Job had twofold.”

D. The suffering of Jesus:• Provided salvation & forgiveness for all who would

believe.

• Tragedy should cause us not wonder why so many people died but rather, why the rest of us are still alive.

• When loved ones & friends die “early” we should thank God for the time that we had with them, not be bitter over the time we think we deserved.

• Tragedy should cause us not wonder why so many people died but rather, why the rest of us are still alive.

• When loved ones & friends die “early” we should thank God for the time that we had with them, not be bitter over the time we think we deserved.

• Q: Why doesn’t God just destroy evil? • A: He will but we must realize that destruction of evil

does not exempt us. God has chosen to give the world time to repent. Seek His mercy during this window of opportunity before it closes.

• Charles Spurgeon, “God’s mercy is so great that you may sooner drain the sea of its water, or deprive the sun of his light, or make space too narrow, than diminish the great mercy of God.

– 300 quotations for preachers from the Modern church. 2013 (E. Ritzema & E. Vince, Ed.). Pastorum Series. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

• Q: Why doesn’t God just destroy evil? • A: He will but we must realize that destruction of evil

does not exempt us. God has chosen to give the world time to repent. Seek His mercy during this window of opportunity before it closes.

• Charles Spurgeon, “God’s mercy is so great that you may sooner drain the sea of its water, or deprive the sun of his light, or make space too narrow, than diminish the great mercy of God.

– 300 quotations for preachers from the Modern church. 2013 (E. Ritzema & E. Vince, Ed.). Pastorum Series. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

• Friday to Robinson Crusoe, “Why doesn’t God just destroy the Devil and those who do wicked things?” Robinson Crusoe responds, “Why does God not destroy us when we do wicked things?”

• Jesus’ answer is simple: God is giving you time to repent.

• Friday to Robinson Crusoe, “Why doesn’t God just destroy the Devil and those who do wicked things?” Robinson Crusoe responds, “Why does God not destroy us when we do wicked things?”

• Jesus’ answer is simple: God is giving you time to repent.

Jesus on Suffering & Evil: Luke 13:1-9

Jesus on Suffering & Evil: Luke 13:1-9

1) Tragedy does not imply “punitive/special” judgment

2) God is the judge, not humanity3) Humanity is on trial, not God4) We must give an account to God for our

continued existence5) The forbearance of God circumnavigates

the law of sin and death6) When seeing tragedy, one should not

ask, “Why did these people die?” but rather, “Why are the rest of us still alive?”

1) Tragedy does not imply “punitive/special” judgment

2) God is the judge, not humanity3) Humanity is on trial, not God4) We must give an account to God for our

continued existence5) The forbearance of God circumnavigates

the law of sin and death6) When seeing tragedy, one should not

ask, “Why did these people die?” but rather, “Why are the rest of us still alive?”

Action StepsAction Steps

1) Understand God & man2) Understand the purpose of life3) Avoid being a witch doctor4) Walk by faith 5) Examine yourself *What can I

learn from this that will make me more like Christ?*

6) Repent7) Cry out to Jesus

1) Understand God & man2) Understand the purpose of life3) Avoid being a witch doctor4) Walk by faith 5) Examine yourself *What can I

learn from this that will make me more like Christ?*

6) Repent7) Cry out to Jesus

Donald Whitney: Pain, suffering and evil can come from the following (10 possibilities)

Donald Whitney: Pain, suffering and evil can come from the following (10 possibilities)1. Unwise choices or actions – Proverbs 8:36

2. Sin – Proverbs 13.21; 14:14• Drunkenness• Worry, bitterness, gluttony

1. Unwise choices or actions – Proverbs 8:36

2. Sin – Proverbs 13.21; 14:14• Drunkenness• Worry, bitterness, gluttony

Pain, suffering and evil can come from the following:

Pain, suffering and evil can come from the following:

3. Chastisement & discipline from God - Heb. 12:5-11

4. For the purpose of developing the desire to pursue the Lord - Ps. 119:71; James 5:13

3. Chastisement & discipline from God - Heb. 12:5-11

4. For the purpose of developing the desire to pursue the Lord - Ps. 119:71; James 5:13

Pain & Suffering may come from:


5. For the works of God to be displayed in us – John 9:3

6. For the purpose of perseverance – Romans 5:3

7. For the purpose of developing the ability to comfort others – 2 Cor. 1:3-6

5. For the works of God to be displayed in us – John 9:3

6. For the purpose of perseverance – Romans 5:3

7. For the purpose of developing the ability to comfort others – 2 Cor. 1:3-6



8. For the purpose of Proving the genuineness of and strength of your faith – I Peter 1:6-7

9. For the purpose of Bringing the Gospel to others – Ephesians 3:13

10. For the purpose of an Ultimate Good – Romans 8:28

8. For the purpose of Proving the genuineness of and strength of your faith – I Peter 1:6-7

9. For the purpose of Bringing the Gospel to others – Ephesians 3:13

10. For the purpose of an Ultimate Good – Romans 8:28

Biblical Survey on God using Evil & Suffering

Biblical Survey on God using Evil & Suffering

Romans 11:33-36Oh, the depth of the riches both of

the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!

Romans 11:33-36Oh, the depth of the riches both of

the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!

Romans 11:34-36Romans 11:34-36

34 For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?

35 Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again?

36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.

34 For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?

35 Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again?

36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.

Q# What are the “all things?”

Q# What are the “all things?”

God’s control over Natural Evil

God’s control over Natural Evil

1. Life and death - Deuteronomy 32:39

‘See now that I, I am He,And there is no god besides Me;It is I who put to death and give life.I have wounded and it is I who heal,And there is no one who can deliver from

My hand.

1. Life and death - Deuteronomy 32:39

‘See now that I, I am He,And there is no god besides Me;It is I who put to death and give life.I have wounded and it is I who heal,And there is no one who can deliver from

My hand.

2. Disease/Physical affliction - Exodus 4:11

2. Disease/Physical affliction - Exodus 4:11

The Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?”

The Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?”

Lenses of SufferingLenses of Suffering- Sovereign God- Cosmic Force (Karma)- Weak God *Harold Kushner

When Bad Things Happen to Good People

- Random chance

- Sovereign God- Cosmic Force (Karma)- Weak God *Harold Kushner

When Bad Things Happen to Good People

- Random chance

Paul’s “thorn in the flesh”2 Corinthians 12:7

Paul’s “thorn in the flesh”2 Corinthians 12:7

Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!

Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!

3. Natural Disasters3. Natural DisastersPsalm 105:16-19 - Joseph & the Egyptian

famine16 And He called for a famine upon the land;

He broke the whole staff of bread. 17 He sent a man before them,Joseph, who was sold as a slave.18 They afflicted his feet with fetters,He himself was laid in irons;19 Until the time that his word came to pass,The

word of the Lord tested him.

Psalm 105:16-19 - Joseph & the Egyptian famine

16 And He called for a famine upon the land;

He broke the whole staff of bread. 17 He sent a man before them,Joseph, who was sold as a slave.18 They afflicted his feet with fetters,He himself was laid in irons;19 Until the time that his word came to pass,The

word of the Lord tested him.

4. Destructive animals4. Destructive animals

2 Kings 17:25At the beginning of their living

there, they did not fear the Lord; therefore the Lord sent lions among them which killed some of them.

2 Kings 17:25At the beginning of their living

there, they did not fear the Lord; therefore the Lord sent lions among them which killed some of them.

Daniel 6:22Daniel 6:22“My God sent His angel and shut

the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.”

“My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.”

5. Human depravity (corrupt human nature)


1) Rebellion to God & parents: Example #1 Hophni & Phineas, sons of Eli the priest

I Samuel 2:22-25 But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for the Lord desired to put them to death.”

I Samuel 2:17 “Thus the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord, for the men despised the offering of the Lord.”

1) Rebellion to God & parents: Example #1 Hophni & Phineas, sons of Eli the priest

I Samuel 2:22-25 But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for the Lord desired to put them to death.”

I Samuel 2:17 “Thus the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord, for the men despised the offering of the Lord.”


5. Human depravity (corrupt human nature)Rebellion to God & parents: Example

#2 Samson’s rebellion against parents

Judges 14:3 “Samson said to his father, “Let her for me, for she looks good to me.”

However, his father and mother did not know that it was of the Lord, for He was seeking an occasion against the Philistines (Judges 14:3b-4a).

Rebellion to God & parents: Example #2 Samson’s rebellion against parents

Judges 14:3 “Samson said to his father, “Let her for me, for she looks good to me.”

However, his father and mother did not know that it was of the Lord, for He was seeking an occasion against the Philistines (Judges 14:3b-4a).

Thomas AquinasThomas Aquinas

“Every natural doing and every chance doing in the world and every free doing of man is a tool of the doing of God.”

– Timothy McDermott, Aquinas: Selected Philosophical Writings (New York: Oxford University Press, 1993), xxvii-xxx. Cited in The Great Theologians: A Brief Guide by Gerald R. McDermott (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2010), 68.

“Every natural doing and every chance doing in the world and every free doing of man is a tool of the doing of God.”

– Timothy McDermott, Aquinas: Selected Philosophical Writings (New York: Oxford University Press, 1993), xxvii-xxx. Cited in The Great Theologians: A Brief Guide by Gerald R. McDermott (Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2010), 68.

Jesus - Acts 4:27-28Jesus - Acts 4:27-2827 “For truly in this city there were

gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur.

Once again there is one set of events, but two sets of intentions behind the events: human and divine.

27 “For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur.

Once again there is one set of events, but two sets of intentions behind the events: human and divine.

God’s Plan: Jesus’ DeathActs 2:23-24

God’s Plan: Jesus’ DeathActs 2:23-24

23 “This Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death.

24 But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.

23 “This Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death.

24 But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.

John Walvoord, on Acts 2:23John Walvoord, on Acts 2:23

“The point of this verse is clear: the Crucifixion was no accident. It was in God’s set purpose (boulē, “plan”) and was God’s determined will, not merely His inclination.”

• Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., The Bible knowledge Commentary: An exposition of the scriptures, Vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 358.

“The point of this verse is clear: the Crucifixion was no accident. It was in God’s set purpose (boulē, “plan”) and was God’s determined will, not merely His inclination.”

• Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., The Bible knowledge Commentary: An exposition of the scriptures, Vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 358.

Just imagine…Just imagine…Q: If the torture, scorn, punches,

flogging, and agonizing death of Jesus was within the bounds of God the Father’s control then what reason do we have to doubt that our present suffering is out of God’s reach and power?

Q: If the torture, scorn, punches, flogging, and agonizing death of Jesus was within the bounds of God the Father’s control then what reason do we have to doubt that our present suffering is out of God’s reach and power?

How can our sufferings bring glory to God?

How can our sufferings bring glory to God?

How should I approach the suffering I encounter in life?


• Believers: Be encouraged at what God has done & have faith in what He will do.

• 1 John 3:8 The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.

• Ecclesiastes 12:14 “For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”

• The longer we spend an eternity the more the sufferings of this life will shrink in comparison – this is why the apostle Paul could refer to his sufferings as "slight, momentary, light afflictions"

• Believers: Be encouraged at what God has done & have faith in what He will do.

• 1 John 3:8 The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.

• Ecclesiastes 12:14 “For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”

• The longer we spend an eternity the more the sufferings of this life will shrink in comparison – this is why the apostle Paul could refer to his sufferings as "slight, momentary, light afflictions"



• 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

• Unbelievers: Look back in history at how God logically solved the problem of evil with the prophecy-fulfilling death & resurrection of Jesus. Then ask if you’re ready to meet Him as judge.

• 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

• Unbelievers: Look back in history at how God logically solved the problem of evil with the prophecy-fulfilling death & resurrection of Jesus. Then ask if you’re ready to meet Him as judge.



• Heaven would not be heaven without redemption. You cannot have redemption without something to redeem sinners from. However, do not focus on one section of eternity. Rather, look at it from a holistic perspective.

• “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world” - C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain

• Heaven would not be heaven without redemption. You cannot have redemption without something to redeem sinners from. However, do not focus on one section of eternity. Rather, look at it from a holistic perspective.

• “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world” - C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain

“ the problem of evil is the most serious problem in the world .”

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