(picture is from Schindler's List)“Theologians refer to any systematic Christian response to the problem of suffering as “theodicy.” (literally theos dike, the justice of God). The problem to which theodicy seeks to respond is expressed succinctly in the first seven words of Christ’s prayer in Gethsemane. “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you.” In this juxtaposition of God’s love and power, we have the very heart of the problem of suffering encapsulated in a single sentence: His love means that He must surely want to end most (but not necessarily all) suffering, and His power means that He must surely be able to end it. So why doesn’t He? It’s a profoundly important question, not least because so many people have lost their faith in the face of suffering……Theodicy seeks to explain why God in His love and power allowed that tragedy to happen to a bunch of His people gathered in His name to worship. Have you ever wondered why God doesn’t just speak in an audible voice or in a dramatic dream or send an angel to visit a cynical friend for whom you’ve been praying for years? Doesn’t God care about him or her? Yes! Isn’t He ale to reveal Himself to her? Of course! Theodicy tries to make sense of such important questions.” (P.59)
What are your questions or thoughts?
2 comments:
I must say I often wonder why God doesn't speak to me in a loud booming voice to explain to me why he does what he does. I wonder why he lets us suffer so much sometimes without telling us why...leaving us to learn the lesson/meaning. Almost every time I remember that it is by faith that we are saved...I must rely on God's wisdom every step of the way and have faith that it is what is best...and it is what he has planned...at least try to sometimes...
Sounds like a good read. It's great to see the problem of suffering addressed compassionately and intelligently. I think I've struggled equally with those who "know" all the answers to suffering and with those who believe the answers to be unknowable.
There's a quote by Stephen Crane, a 19th century writer who grew up in the church and lost his faith, that really captures the feeling of unanswered prayer for me...
A man said to the universe:
"Sir I exist!"
"However," replied the universe,
"The fact has not created in me
A sense of obligation."
Post a Comment