Apologetics

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WHY DOES GOD ALLOW SUFFERING?


Why does God allow suffering? This is a question that deeply puzzles many. In brief, if he were omnipotent, it would appear that he could eliminate suffering. If he were benevolent, he would presumably do so. However, since suffering continues unabated, it would appear that he lacks in one regard or the other, or simply does not exist.
This is one of the more challenging issues for the Christian apologist, and gave rise some years ago to my relatively brief text Pain As a Means of Grace. On that occasion, I proposed (among other things) that the human capacity for pleasure is likely commensurate with that for suffering. That is, the more of one, then the more of the other. If this line of reasoning is legitimate, then likely only God is capable of more intense pain.
While some would insist that this conclusion is not necessary, it may well be so. For instance, when we allege that God can do anything, this precludes non-entities. So that he cannot create a round square, since this is a contradiction in terms. Similarly, the notion of capacity for rejoicing and suffering may be commensurate.
This invites a reality check. “Shout with joy to God, all the earth!” the psalmist admonishes (66:1). “All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing praise to your name” (v. 4). “We must recognize that, as an expression of praise, this verse makes a statement primarily about God, not about humans. It thus points not to the virtue of human behavior but to the understanding that Yahweh is the one true God” (Craig Broyles, Psalms, p. 274).
Accordingly, it does not imply that persons necessarily recognize divine sovereignty, nor rejoice in it. Such is obviously not the case. On the other hand, it affirms that they should do so. Moreover, it is a matter of prime importance.
“Let not the rebellious rise up against him,” the psalmist further admonishes (v. 7). For in so doing, they worsen the situation—for themselves and for others. Since persons do not live in isolation from one another.
Conversely, “Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard” (v. 8). Praise God for what he has done. In creating and maintaining life; in favorable and less favorable conditions; while encouraging our cooperation. From one day to the next, throughout the various stages of life. Each of which has its distinctive benefits and limitations.
Praise God for what he will do. When shalom (peace, well being) reigns. Likewise, during the interim that leads up to it. Whether of long duration or short, in keeping with his promises. Which anticipates guidance, enablement, and blessing.
Praise God for what he is doing. As epitomized in the lyric regain, “Amazing grace.” How astonishing, how awesome, and how comforting! While inviting the response, “I will come to your temple with burnt offerings and fulfill my vows to you—vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke, when I was in trouble” (v. 13). It thus serves as a reminder that human adversity can result in divine opportunity.
In conclusion, “Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!” (v. 19). In some instances, this appears to be the case. In others, we are assured: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). Consequently, it serves as a cause for rejoicing.
Not all are easily convinced. If not, consider the matter from another perspective. Which is the greater evidence of God’s enablement, to swim with or against the current? In these terms, most would agree that it is the latter.
Just so with life in general, as an evidence of both God’s power and compassion. Consequently, we can conclude with the psalmist that he has not withheld his love. While expressed in creative ways, we might not have imagined. Then if not 20/20 hindsight, something more akin to it.

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