7. What about suffering? Sunday, March 10, 2013, 10 to 10:50
am, in the Parlor Leader: David Monyak Defending Your Faith with
Reason and Precision
Slide 2
Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from
you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with
gentleness and reverence. - 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NSRV)
Slide 3
Reference On Guard. Defending Your Faith with Reason and
Precision, by Willian Lane Craig. David C. Cook, 2010. On Guard.
Defending Your Faith with Reason and Precision, by Willian Lane
Craig. David C. Cook, 2010. On Guard Study Guide, by Dennis Fuller
& William Lane Craig. CreateSpace Independent Publishing
Platform, 2010 On Guard Study Guide, by Dennis Fuller & William
Lane Craig. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2010
Slide 4
Series Outline On Guard. Defending Your Faith with Reason and
Precision Week 1: Feb 17 Week 1: Feb 17 1. What is apologetics? 1.
What is apologetics? 2. What difference does it make if God exists?
2. What difference does it make if God exists? Week 2: Feb 24 Week
2: Feb 24 3. Why does anything at all exist? 3. Why does anything
at all exist? 4. Why did the universe begin? 4. Why did the
universe begin? 5. Why is the universe fine-tuned for life? 5. Why
is the universe fine-tuned for life? Week 3: Mar 3 Week 3: Mar 3 6.
Can we be good without God? 6. Can we be good without God?
Slide 5
Series Outline On Guard. Defending Your Faith with Reason and
Precision Week 4: Mar 10 Week 4: Mar 10 7. What about suffering? 7.
What about suffering? Week 5: Mar 17 Week 5: Mar 17 8. Who was
Jesus? 8. Who was Jesus? Week 6: Mar 24 Week 6: Mar 24 9. Did Jesus
rise from the dead? 9. Did Jesus rise from the dead? Not covered:
Not covered: 10. Is Jesus the only way to God? 10. Is Jesus the
only way to God?
Slide 6
Blessed are all your Saints, O God and King, who have travelled
over the tempestuous sea of this mortal life, and have made the
harbor of peace and felicity. Watch over us who are still in our
dangerous voyage; and remember such as lie exposed to the rough
storms of trouble and temptations. Frail is our vessel, and the
ocean is wide; but as in your mercy you have set our course, so
steer the vessel of our life toward the everlasting shore of peace,
and bring us at length to the quiet haven of our hearts desire,
where you, O our God, are blessed, and lives and reigns for ever
and ever. St Augustine, 354-430
Slide 7
Introduction
Slide 8
Introduction Four Arguments for God Cosmological Arguments for
God: God as First Explanation or First Cause Cosmological Arguments
for God: God as First Explanation or First Cause Leibnizs version.
Leibnizs version. Al-Ghazalis Kalam version. Al-Ghazalis Kalam
version. Design or Teleological Argument for God: God as Designer.
Design or Teleological Argument for God: God as Designer. Moral
Argument for God: God as the Ultimate Source of all moral values
and duties Moral Argument for God: God as the Ultimate Source of
all moral values and duties
Slide 9
Introduction Cosmological Argument - Leibnizs Version Premises:
Premises: 1. Everything that exists has an explanation of its
existence, either in the necessity of its own nature or in an
external cause 1. Everything that exists has an explanation of its
existence, either in the necessity of its own nature or in an
external cause 2. If the universe has an explanation of its
existence, that explanation is God. 2. If the universe has an
explanation of its existence, that explanation is God. 3. The
universe exists. 3. The universe exists. Conclusion. Therefore:
Conclusion. Therefore: 4. The universe has an explanation of its
existence. 4. The universe has an explanation of its existence. 5.
The explanation of the universes existence is God. 5. The
explanation of the universes existence is God.
Slide 10
Introduction Cosmological Argument -- Kalam Version Premises:
Premises: 1. Whatever begins to exist has a cause. 1. Whatever
begins to exist has a cause. 2. If the universe has a cause of its
existence, that cause is God. 2. If the universe has a cause of its
existence, that cause is God. 3. The universe began to exist. 3.
The universe began to exist. Conclusion. Therefore: Conclusion.
Therefore: 4. The universe has a cause. 4. The universe has a
cause. 5. The cause of the universes existence is God 5. The cause
of the universes existence is God
Slide 11
Introduction Teleological or Design Argument Premises:
Premises: 1. The fine-tuning of the universe is due to either
physical necessity, chance, or design. 1. The fine-tuning of the
universe is due to either physical necessity, chance, or design. 2.
If the universe has a designer, that designer is God. 2. If the
universe has a designer, that designer is God. 3. The fine-tuning
is not due to physical necessity or chance. 3. The fine-tuning is
not due to physical necessity or chance. Conclusion. Therefore:
Conclusion. Therefore: 4. The fine-tuning of the universe is due to
design. 4. The fine-tuning of the universe is due to design. 5. God
is the designer of the universe. 5. God is the designer of the
universe.
Slide 12
Introduction Moral Argument Premises: Premises: 1. If God does
not exist, objective moral values and duties do not exist 1. If God
does not exist, objective moral values and duties do not exist 2.
Objective moral values and duties do exist 2. Objective moral
values and duties do exist Conclusion. Therefore: Conclusion.
Therefore: 3. God exists. 3. God exists.
Slide 13
Introduction An Argument Against Gods Existence The most potent
argument against the existence of an All-Powerful, All-Loving God
is the Problem of Evil and Suffering. The most potent argument
against the existence of an All-Powerful, All-Loving God is the
Problem of Evil and Suffering. Doesnt the sheer amount of suffering
and evil we see in the world make it impossible, or at least
unlikely, that it could have been created by an All- Powerful,
All-Loving God? Doesnt the sheer amount of suffering and evil we
see in the world make it impossible, or at least unlikely, that it
could have been created by an All- Powerful, All-Loving God? This
is an argument against the existence of God that is, an argument
for atheism. This is an argument against the existence of God that
is, an argument for atheism. Can we defend against this argument?
Can we justify God against all the suffering and evil we see in
this world? Can we defend against this argument? Can we justify God
against all the suffering and evil we see in this world?
Slide 14
Job, seeking to understand the mystery of suffering, argued
with God and with his comforters. Then the Lord answered Job out of
the whirlwind: Where were you when I laid the foundations of the
earth? Tell me, if you have understanding Shall a faultfinder
contend with the Almighty? Will you even put me in the wrong that
you may be justified? Job 38: 1, 4; 40: 2, 8
Slide 15
The Problem of Evil and Suffering
Slide 16
Problem of Evil and Suffering Versions of the Problem Problem
of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem Logical Version
Evidential or Probabilistic Version Emotional Problem
Slide 17
Problem of Evil and Suffering Versions of the Problem
Intellectual Problem: is it plausible to think that God and
suffering can co-exist? Intellectual Problem: is it plausible to
think that God and suffering can co-exist? Emotional Problem: the
emotional dislike for a God who would permit evil and suffering.
The emotional aversion to a God who would allow them or others to
suffer terribly. Emotional Problem: the emotional dislike for a God
who would permit evil and suffering. The emotional aversion to a
God who would allow them or others to suffer terribly. Problem of
Evil and Suffering Intellectual ProblemEmotional Problem
Slide 18
Problem of Evil and Suffering Versions of the Problem Answers
to the Intellectual Problem often appear dry and uncaring to
someone struggling with the Emotional Problem. Answers to the
Intellectual Problem often appear dry and uncaring to someone
struggling with the Emotional Problem. Answers to the Emotional
Problem often appear superficial and weak to someone struggling
with the Intellectual Problem. Answers to the Emotional Problem
often appear superficial and weak to someone struggling with the
Intellectual Problem. Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual
ProblemEmotional Problem
Slide 19
Problem of Evil and Suffering The Intellectual Problem There
are two versions of the Intellectual Problem of Evil and Suffering:
There are two versions of the Intellectual Problem of Evil and
Suffering: Logical Version: the coexistence of God and suffering is
logically impossible. Logical Version: the coexistence of God and
suffering is logically impossible. Evidential or Probabilistic
Version: the coexistence of God and suffering is logically
possible, but highly improbable. Evidential or Probabilistic
Version: the coexistence of God and suffering is logically
possible, but highly improbable. Problem of Evil and Suffering
Intellectual Problem Logical Version Evidential or Probabilistic
Version Emotional Problem
Slide 20
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Logical
Version It is claimed the following two statements are logically
inconsistent: It is claimed the following two statements are
logically inconsistent: An All All-Loving, All-Powerful God exists.
An All All-Loving, All-Powerful God exists. Suffering exists.
Suffering exists. Now, there is no explicit logical inconsistency
here. Now, there is no explicit logical inconsistency here. Problem
of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem Logical Version
Evidential or Probabilistic Version Emotional Problem
Slide 21
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Logical
Version The atheists is making some additional hidden assumptions.
The atheists is making some additional hidden assumptions. The
hidden assumptions are: The hidden assumptions are: If God is
All-Powerful, He can create any world He wants. If God is
All-Powerful, He can create any world He wants. If God is
All-Loving, He prefers a world without suffering. If God is
All-Loving, He prefers a world without suffering. Problem of Evil
and Suffering Intellectual Problem Logical Version Evidential or
Probabilistic Version Emotional Problem
Slide 22
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Logical
Version The following statements are logically inconsistent: The
following statements are logically inconsistent: Problem of Evil
and Suffering Intellectual Problem Logical Version Evidential or
Probabilistic Version Emotional Problem An All-Loving, All-Powerful
God Exists. An All-Loving, All-Powerful God Exists. If God is
All-Powerful, He can create any world that He wants. If God is
All-Powerful, He can create any world that He wants. If God is All
Loving, He prefers a world without suffering. If God is All Loving,
He prefers a world without suffering. Suffering exists in the
world. Suffering exists in the world.
Slide 23
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Logical
Version Is this necessarily true? Is this necessarily true? It is
NOT true if God creates a world where people have free will. It is
NOT true if God creates a world where people have free will. God
cannot create a world where: God cannot create a world where:
Everyone has choices of what to do. Everyone has choices of what to
do. Everyone does what God wants. Everyone does what God wants.
Everyone has free will to do what they want. Everyone has free will
to do what they want. Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual
Problem Logical Version Evidential or Probabilistic Version
Emotional Problem If God is All-Powerful, He can create any world
that He wants.
Slide 24
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Logical
Version It is logically impossible to force someone do something
freely as logically impossible as a round square or a married
bachelor. It is logically impossible to force someone do something
freely as logically impossible as a round square or a married
bachelor. Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem
Logical Version Evidential or Probabilistic Version Emotional
Problem If God is All-Powerful, He can create any world that He
wants.
Slide 25
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Logical
Version Is this necessarily true? Is this necessarily true? Might
God not have some reasons for allowing suffering in the world?
Might God not have some reasons for allowing suffering in the
world? We all know situations in which we permit suffering in order
to bring about a greater good. We all know situations in which we
permit suffering in order to bring about a greater good. Problem of
Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem Logical Version Evidential
or Probabilistic Version Emotional Problem If God is All Loving, He
prefers a world without suffering.
Slide 26
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Logical
Version C. S. Lewis, in his book A Grief Observed, asked: C. S.
Lewis, in his book A Grief Observed, asked: What do people mean
when they say, I am not afraid of God because I know He is good?
Have they never even been to a dentist? What do people mean when
they say, I am not afraid of God because I know He is good? Have
they never even been to a dentist? Problem of Evil and Suffering
Intellectual Problem Logical Version Evidential or Probabilistic
Version Emotional Problem If God is All Loving, He prefers a world
without suffering.
Slide 27
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Logical
Version The logical version of the atheists argument against God
fails because the atheist cannot show: The logical version of the
atheists argument against God fails because the atheist cannot
show: If God is All-Powerful, He can create any world that He
wants. If God is All-Powerful, He can create any world that He
wants. If God is All Loving, He prefers a world without suffering.
If God is All Loving, He prefers a world without suffering. The
burden of proof is too heavy for the atheist to sustain their
claim. The burden of proof is too heavy for the atheist to sustain
their claim. Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem
Logical Version Evidential or Probabilistic Version Emotional
Problem
Slide 28
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Logical
Version Christians can in fact assert, and make a good case for the
following statement: Christians can in fact assert, and make a good
case for the following statement: God could not have created
another world with as much good as, but less suffering than, this
world, and God has good reasons for permitting the suffering that
exists. God could not have created another world with as much good
as, but less suffering than, this world, and God has good reasons
for permitting the suffering that exists. If this statement is even
possibly true, then it is possible God and suffering both exist,
and the logical version of the problem of suffering fails. If this
statement is even possibly true, then it is possible God and
suffering both exist, and the logical version of the problem of
suffering fails. Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem
Logical Version Evidential or Probabilistic Version Emotional
Problem
Slide 29
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Logical
Version After centuries of discussion, both Atheist and Christian
Philosophers both agree today that the logical version of the
problem of suffering fails to disprove the existence of an
All-Loving, All-Powerful God. After centuries of discussion, both
Atheist and Christian Philosophers both agree today that the
logical version of the problem of suffering fails to disprove the
existence of an All-Loving, All-Powerful God. Problem of Evil and
Suffering Intellectual Problem Logical Version Evidential or
Probabilistic Version Emotional Problem
Slide 30
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Evidential
Version However, the Evidential or Probabilistic version of the
problem of suffering is still being hotly debated. However, the
Evidential or Probabilistic version of the problem of suffering is
still being hotly debated. The atheist claims that although the
co-existence of an All- Powerful, All-Loving God and suffering is
logically possible, it is highly improbable. The atheist claims
that although the co-existence of an All- Powerful, All-Loving God
and suffering is logically possible, it is highly improbable.
Surely God could have reduced the amount of suffering in the world
without reducing the worlds overall goodness. Surely God could have
reduced the amount of suffering in the world without reducing the
worlds overall goodness. Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual
Problem Logical Version Evidential or Probabilistic Version
Emotional Problem
Slide 31
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Evidential
Version There are three points we can make against this Evidential
or Probabilistic version of the Problem of Suffering: There are
three points we can make against this Evidential or Probabilistic
version of the Problem of Suffering: 1. Were not in a position to
say its improbable that God lacks good reasons for permitting
suffering in the world. 1. Were not in a position to say its
improbable that God lacks good reasons for permitting suffering in
the world. 2. Relative to the full scope of the evidence, Gods
existence is probable. 2. Relative to the full scope of the
evidence, Gods existence is probable. 3. Christianity entails
doctrines that increase the probability of the coexistence of God
and suffering. 3. Christianity entails doctrines that increase the
probability of the coexistence of God and suffering. Problem of
Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem Logical Version Evidential
or Probabilistic Version Emotional Problem
Slide 32
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Evidential
Version From our point of view, much of the suffering in the world
seems unjustified. It seems pointless and unnecessary. From our
point of view, much of the suffering in the world seems
unjustified. It seems pointless and unnecessary. The atheist here
is arguing that because the suffering seems unjustified, it really
is unjustified. The atheist here is arguing that because the
suffering seems unjustified, it really is unjustified. But are we
really in a position to make such a judgment with any confidence?
But are we really in a position to make such a judgment with any
confidence? Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem
Logical Version Evidential or Probabilistic Version Emotional
Problem 1. Were not in a position to say its improbable that God
lacks good reasons for permitting suffering in the world. 1. Were
not in a position to say its improbable that God lacks good reasons
for permitting suffering in the world.
Slide 33
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Evidential
Version As finite persons, we are severely limited in space and
time, intelligence and insight. As finite persons, we are severely
limited in space and time, intelligence and insight. God however
can view creation from beyond space and time, with an unbounded
intelligence and insight. God however can view creation from beyond
space and time, with an unbounded intelligence and insight. What
seems pointless within our limited framework may be justified from
Gods far wider framework. What seems pointless within our limited
framework may be justified from Gods far wider framework. Problem
of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem Logical Version
Evidential or Probabilistic Version Emotional Problem 1. Were not
in a position to say its improbable that God lacks good reasons for
permitting suffering in the world. 1. Were not in a position to say
its improbable that God lacks good reasons for permitting suffering
in the world.
Slide 34
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Evidential
Version An illustration from science: An illustration from science:
Chaos Theory (= The Butterfly Effect) tells us that many phenomenon
in the world are extraordinarily sensitive to initial conditions.
Chaos Theory (= The Butterfly Effect) tells us that many phenomenon
in the world are extraordinarily sensitive to initial conditions.
The slight changes in the initial conditions caused by a butterfly
flapping its wings in East Africa can change the weather patterns
over the North Atlantic a few weeks later. The slight changes in
the initial conditions caused by a butterfly flapping its wings in
East Africa can change the weather patterns over the North Atlantic
a few weeks later. Chaos Theory (= The Butterfly Effect) tells us
scientifically we are in no position to know how a seemingly
insignificant event can radically alter the world. Chaos Theory (=
The Butterfly Effect) tells us scientifically we are in no position
to know how a seemingly insignificant event can radically alter the
world. Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem Logical
Version Evidential or Probabilistic Version Emotional Problem 1.
Were not in a position to say its improbable that God lacks good
reasons for permitting suffering in the world. 1. Were not in a
position to say its improbable that God lacks good reasons for
permitting suffering in the world.
Slide 35
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Evidential
Version An illustration from pop culture: An illustration from pop
culture: Movie Sliding Doors, 1998 presents us two possible
versions of a womans life: Movie Sliding Doors, 1998 presents us
two possible versions of a womans life: One version when she just
catches a subway train before the doors slide shut One version when
she just catches a subway train before the doors slide shut A
second version when she just misses the subway train. A second
version when she just misses the subway train. Problem of Evil and
Suffering Intellectual Problem Logical Version Evidential or
Probabilistic Version Emotional Problem 1. Were not in a position
to say its improbable that God lacks good reasons for permitting
suffering in the world. 1. Were not in a position to say its
improbable that God lacks good reasons for permitting suffering in
the world.
Slide 36
Sliding Doors (1998)
Slide 37
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Evidential
Version An illustration from pop culture: An illustration from pop
culture: Movie Sliding Doors, 1998 Movie Sliding Doors, 1998 In one
life she encounters failure, misery, unhappiness; in the other she
is enormously successful, prosperous, and happy. In one life she
encounters failure, misery, unhappiness; in the other she is
enormously successful, prosperous, and happy. All because of a
split-second difference in getting through subway doors! All
because of a split-second difference in getting through subway
doors! Given the dizzying complexity of life, we are simply in no
position to judge whether God has no good reason for permitting
some instance of suffering to afflict our lives. Given the dizzying
complexity of life, we are simply in no position to judge whether
God has no good reason for permitting some instance of suffering to
afflict our lives. Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual
Problem Logical Version Evidential or Probabilistic Version
Emotional Problem 1. Were not in a position to say its improbable
that God lacks good reasons for permitting suffering in the world.
1. Were not in a position to say its improbable that God lacks good
reasons for permitting suffering in the world.
Slide 38
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Evidential
Version If we are going to estimate probabilities, we must ask,
improbable relative to what? If we are going to estimate
probabilities, we must ask, improbable relative to what? What is
the background information we are looking at? What is the
background information we are looking at? Are we just narrowing our
focus on the presence of evil and suffering in the world? Are we
just narrowing our focus on the presence of evil and suffering in
the world? We need to include all the background information we
have to estimate probabilities. We need to include all the
background information we have to estimate probabilities. Problem
of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem Logical Version
Evidential or Probabilistic Version Emotional Problem 2. Relative
to the full scope of the evidence, Gods existence is probable. 2.
Relative to the full scope of the evidence, Gods existence is
probable.
Slide 39
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Evidential
Version In particular, we must remember the four arguments we have
already made for God: In particular, we must remember the four
arguments we have already made for God: Cosmological Arguments for
God: God as First Explanation or First Cause Cosmological Arguments
for God: God as First Explanation or First Cause Leibnizs version.
Leibnizs version. Al-Ghazalis Kalam version. Al-Ghazalis Kalam
version. Design or Teleological Argument for God: God as Designer.
Design or Teleological Argument for God: God as Designer. Moral
Argument for God: God as the Ultimate Source of all moral values
and duties. Moral Argument for God: God as the Ultimate Source of
all moral values and duties. Problem of Evil and Suffering
Intellectual Problem Logical Version Evidential or Probabilistic
Version Emotional Problem 2. Relative to the full scope of the
evidence, Gods existence is probable. 2. Relative to the full scope
of the evidence, Gods existence is probable.
Slide 40
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Evidential
Version Although we might concede that Gods existence seems
improbable relative to the suffering in the world alone, that
improbability is outweighed by the other arguments for Gods
existence. Although we might concede that Gods existence seems
improbable relative to the suffering in the world alone, that
improbability is outweighed by the other arguments for Gods
existence. Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem
Logical Version Evidential or Probabilistic Version Emotional
Problem 2. Relative to the full scope of the evidence, Gods
existence is probable. 2. Relative to the full scope of the
evidence, Gods existence is probable.
Slide 41
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Evidential
Version Certain Christian doctrines make it easier to deal with the
problem of suffering than if one is working from a bare-bones
concept of God: Certain Christian doctrines make it easier to deal
with the problem of suffering than if one is working from a
bare-bones concept of God: 3-1. The chief purpose of life is not
happiness, but the knowledge of God. 3-1. The chief purpose of life
is not happiness, but the knowledge of God. 3-2. Human beings are
in a state of rebellion against God and Gods purpose. 3-2. Human
beings are in a state of rebellion against God and Gods purpose.
3-3. Gods purpose is not restricted to this life, but spills over
beyond the grave into eternal life. 3-3. Gods purpose is not
restricted to this life, but spills over beyond the grave into
eternal life. 3-4. The knowledge of God is an incommensurable good.
3-4. The knowledge of God is an incommensurable good. Problem of
Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem Logical Version Evidential
or Probabilistic Version Emotional Problem 3. Christianity entails
doctrines that increase the probability of the coexistence of God
and suffering. 3. Christianity entails doctrines that increase the
probability of the coexistence of God and suffering.
Slide 42
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Evidential
Version People often assume that if God exists, his purpose for
human life is happiness in this life, his role to provide a
comfortable environment for his human pets. People often assume
that if God exists, his purpose for human life is happiness in this
life, his role to provide a comfortable environment for his human
pets. This is NOT the Christian view: This is NOT the Christian
view: We are not Gods pets. We are not Gods pets. The goal of human
life is to bring us freely to the knowledge of God, which in the
end will bring true and everlasting human fulfillment. The goal of
human life is to bring us freely to the knowledge of God, which in
the end will bring true and everlasting human fulfillment. Problem
of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem Logical Version
Evidential or Probabilistic Version Emotional Problem 3.
Christianity entails doctrines that increase the probability of the
coexistence of God and suffering. 3. Christianity entails doctrines
that increase the probability of the coexistence of God and
suffering. 3-1. The chief purpose of life is not happiness, but the
knowledge of God. 3-1. The chief purpose of life is not happiness,
but the knowledge of God.
Slide 43
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Evidential
Version History must be viewed and judged from the perspective of
the Kingdom of God. Gods purpose is to freely draw as many people
as possible into Gods everlasting kingdom. History must be viewed
and judged from the perspective of the Kingdom of God. Gods purpose
is to freely draw as many people as possible into Gods everlasting
kingdom. This purpose may at times trump human happiness in this
life. This purpose may at times trump human happiness in this life.
Comfort and immediate pleasure can make it easy for us to forget
our deep dependency upon God, whereas hardship and suffering can
provide occasions allowing us to more clearly see and appreciate
our deep dependency upon God. Comfort and immediate pleasure can
make it easy for us to forget our deep dependency upon God, whereas
hardship and suffering can provide occasions allowing us to more
clearly see and appreciate our deep dependency upon God. Problem of
Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem Logical Version Evidential
or Probabilistic Version Emotional Problem 3. Christianity entails
doctrines that increase the probability of the coexistence of God
and suffering. 3. Christianity entails doctrines that increase the
probability of the coexistence of God and suffering. 3-1. The chief
purpose of life is not happiness, but the knowledge of God. 3-1.
The chief purpose of life is not happiness, but the knowledge of
God.
Slide 44
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Evidential
Version Human beings seem beset by an original sin, a tendency to
rebel against God, alienating themselves from God, immersing
themselves in a spiritual darkness, expending their energies in the
pursuit of false gods of their own making. Human beings seem beset
by an original sin, a tendency to rebel against God, alienating
themselves from God, immersing themselves in a spiritual darkness,
expending their energies in the pursuit of false gods of their own
making. The Christian thus is not surprised at the moral evil in
the world; he expects it. The Christian thus is not surprised at
the moral evil in the world; he expects it. Problem of Evil and
Suffering Intellectual Problem Logical Version Evidential or
Probabilistic Version Emotional Problem 3. Christianity entails
doctrines that increase the probability of the coexistence of God
and suffering. 3. Christianity entails doctrines that increase the
probability of the coexistence of God and suffering. 3-2. Human
beings are in a state of rebellion against God and Gods purpose.
3-2. Human beings are in a state of rebellion against God and Gods
purpose.
Slide 45
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Evidential
Version For the Christian, this life is but the cramped and narrow
foyer opening up into the great hall of Gods eternity. For the
Christian, this life is but the cramped and narrow foyer opening up
into the great hall of Gods eternity. If God asks his children to
bear suffering in this life, it is only with the prospect of
heavenly joy and recompense that is beyond all comprehension. If
God asks his children to bear suffering in this life, it is only
with the prospect of heavenly joy and recompense that is beyond all
comprehension. Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem
Logical Version Evidential or Probabilistic Version Emotional
Problem 3. Christianity entails doctrines that increase the
probability of the coexistence of God and suffering. 3.
Christianity entails doctrines that increase the probability of the
coexistence of God and suffering. 3-3. Gods purpose is not
restricted to this life, but spills over beyond the grave into
eternal life. 3-3. Gods purpose is not restricted to this life, but
spills over beyond the grave into eternal life.
Slide 46
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Evidential
Version St. Paul writes in his second letter to the Christian
community in Corinth: St. Paul writes in his second letter to the
Christian community in Corinth: we do not lose heart.... For this
slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight
of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be
seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary,
but what cannot be seen is eternal. (NRSV) we do not lose heart....
For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal
weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can
be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is
temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. (NRSV) Problem of
Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem Logical Version Evidential
or Probabilistic Version Emotional Problem 3. Christianity entails
doctrines that increase the probability of the coexistence of God
and suffering. 3. Christianity entails doctrines that increase the
probability of the coexistence of God and suffering. 3-3. Gods
purpose is not restricted to this life, but spills over beyond the
grave into eternal life. 3-3. Gods purpose is not restricted to
this life, but spills over beyond the grave into eternal life.
Slide 47
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Evidential
Version The longer we spend in eternity, the more the sufferings of
this life will shrink by comparison, towards an infinitesimal
moment. The longer we spend in eternity, the more the sufferings of
this life will shrink by comparison, towards an infinitesimal
moment. Hence St. Pauls references to this lifes slight momentary
affliction. Hence St. Pauls references to this lifes slight
momentary affliction. Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual
Problem Logical Version Evidential or Probabilistic Version
Emotional Problem 3. Christianity entails doctrines that increase
the probability of the coexistence of God and suffering. 3.
Christianity entails doctrines that increase the probability of the
coexistence of God and suffering. 3-3. Gods purpose is not
restricted to this life, but spills over beyond the grave into
eternal life. 3-3. Gods purpose is not restricted to this life, but
spills over beyond the grave into eternal life.
Slide 48
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem: Evidential
Version To know God, the locus of infinite goodness and love, is an
incomparable good, the fulfillment of human existence. The
sufferings of this life cannot be compared to it. To know God, the
locus of infinite goodness and love, is an incomparable good, the
fulfillment of human existence. The sufferings of this life cannot
be compared to it. Thus a person who knows God, no matter what he
suffers, can still truly say, God is good to me! by virtue of
knowing God, an incommensurable good. Thus a person who knows God,
no matter what he suffers, can still truly say, God is good to me!
by virtue of knowing God, an incommensurable good. Problem of Evil
and Suffering Intellectual Problem Logical Version Evidential or
Probabilistic Version Emotional Problem 3. Christianity entails
doctrines that increase the probability of the coexistence of God
and suffering. 3. Christianity entails doctrines that increase the
probability of the coexistence of God and suffering. 3-4. The
knowledge of God is an incommensurable good. 3-4. The knowledge of
God is an incommensurable good.
Slide 49
Problem of Evil and Suffering Versions of the Problem Problem
of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem Logical Version
Evidential or Probabilistic Version Emotional Problem
Slide 50
Problem of Evil and Suffering The Emotional Problem The
Emotional Problem of Suffering refers to the emotional dislike for
a God who would permit evil and suffering, the sense of alienation
and even anger towards a God who would allow them or others to
suffer terribly. The Emotional Problem of Suffering refers to the
emotional dislike for a God who would permit evil and suffering,
the sense of alienation and even anger towards a God who would
allow them or others to suffer terribly. To try to address such
feelings, we might think about: To try to address such feelings, we
might think about: the paradox of such feelings the paradox of such
feelings How God is With Us in our sufferings How God is With Us in
our sufferings What God went through for us in the Incarnation and
the Crucifixion What God went through for us in the Incarnation and
the Crucifixion Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem
Logical Version Evidential or Probabilistic Version Emotional
Problem
Slide 51
Problem of Evil and Suffering The Emotional Problem A paradox:
A paradox: When we look upon an ongoing tragedy, at the ongoing
suffering of another person, of the Other, and When we look upon an
ongoing tragedy, at the ongoing suffering of another person, of the
Other, and out of compassion and love of the Other, out of
compassion and love of the Other, ask what kind of God, what kind
of Supreme Being could possibly let such suffering continue, ask
what kind of God, what kind of Supreme Being could possibly let
such suffering continue, what sort of heart could such a God,
really have, to just sit idly by, apparently doing nothing, what
sort of heart could such a God, really have, to just sit idly by,
apparently doing nothing, Problem of Evil and Suffering
Intellectual Problem Logical Version Evidential or Probabilistic
Version Emotional Problem
Slide 52
Problem of Evil and Suffering The Emotional Problem A paradox:
A paradox: and in our compassion and love of the Other, and in our
compassion and love of the Other, feel anger and alienation towards
such an apparently impotent God; feel anger and alienation towards
such an apparently impotent God; we should remember we should
remember the compassion and love of the Other that moves us to that
anger and alienation towards God the compassion and love of the
Other that moves us to that anger and alienation towards God is
itself part of the image and likeness of God within us; is itself
part of the image and likeness of God within us; it is a mere dull
version of the far more radiant compassion and love within God. it
is a mere dull version of the far more radiant compassion and love
within God. Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem
Logical Version Evidential or Probabilistic Version Emotional
Problem
Slide 53
Problem of Evil and Suffering The Emotional Problem God With Us
God With Us As Christians we believe that God is not insensitive to
our own sufferings or the sufferings of others, but is a Loving
Father who feels and shares our sufferings with us. As Christians
we believe that God is not insensitive to our own sufferings or the
sufferings of others, but is a Loving Father who feels and shares
our sufferings with us. We vicariously feel and share the
sufferings of those we love. We vicariously feel and share the
sufferings of those we love. God is far more intimately connected
to those we love: God feels and shares the sufferings of those we
love far more intensely and vividly. God is far more intimately
connected to those we love: God feels and shares the sufferings of
those we love far more intensely and vividly. And God is similarly
feeling and sharing the suffering of every human being. And God is
similarly feeling and sharing the suffering of every human being.
Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem Logical Version
Evidential or Probabilistic Version Emotional Problem
Slide 54
Problem of Evil and Suffering The Emotional Problem God With Us
God With Us Whatever reason God may have had for creating our world
with its burden of evil and suffering, we may be sure that God did
so knowing God would have to feel and share intimately the
sufferings in every human life God created. Whatever reason God may
have had for creating our world with its burden of evil and
suffering, we may be sure that God did so knowing God would have to
feel and share intimately the sufferings in every human life God
created. Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem Logical
Version Evidential or Probabilistic Version Emotional Problem
Slide 55
Problem of Evil and Suffering The Emotional Problem The
Incarnation and Crucifixion. The Incarnation and Crucifixion. As
Christians we believe that God, As Christians we believe that God,
out of love for us, and out of love for us, and for our salvation,
for our salvation, emptied Gods self and took on our humanity,
emptied Gods self and took on our humanity, and as the person of
Jesus accepted the limitations, travails and sufferings of a human
life for some 30+ years, and as the person of Jesus accepted the
limitations, travails and sufferings of a human life for some 30+
years, and for our sake died the horrific death of a Roman
crucifixion. and for our sake died the horrific death of a Roman
crucifixion. Problem of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem
Logical Version Evidential or Probabilistic Version Emotional
Problem
Slide 56
Problem of Evil and Suffering The Emotional Problem The
Incarnation and Crucifixion. The Incarnation and Crucifixion. For
us and for our salvation, Jesus experienced on the cross the worse
possible effect of sin and evil (though he was himself sinless) the
complete absence of communion with God without losing confidence in
the love of his Father. For us and for our salvation, Jesus
experienced on the cross the worse possible effect of sin and evil
(though he was himself sinless) the complete absence of communion
with God without losing confidence in the love of his Father. For
us and for our salvation, that suffering and endurance of Jesus on
the cross is now eternally a part of the inner life of God,
eternally present to God. For us and for our salvation, that
suffering and endurance of Jesus on the cross is now eternally a
part of the inner life of God, eternally present to God. Problem of
Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem Logical Version Evidential
or Probabilistic Version Emotional Problem
Slide 57
Discussion
Slide 58
Problem of Evil and Suffering Versions of the Problem Problem
of Evil and Suffering Intellectual Problem Logical Version
Evidential or Probabilistic Version Emotional Problem