Theodicy 101: Christian Faith and Contemporary Challenges

As a corollary issue to our study on apologetics, the question of evil is inevitable. Without a doubt, the idea of evil will arise in a defense of the faith. Typically, the response will flow something like this: “Well what about evil? How can a good and loving God allow evil to exist?” To which we are expected to give a cumulative and sensible answer. The question is difficult, yes, but Christian theism is not left without an answer. In fact, the reality of evil – at its core – is one half of a dichotomy that would not exist if it were not for a theistic universe. Otherwise, where do we get off calling something evil? This series will therefore attempt to answer the questions of suffering and how we, as believers, can reconcile the coexistence of an all-powerful, all-good, all-knowing God with a universe that so predominantly features pain.

All of the lessons and the corresponding notes can be found below.

Theodicy 101, Part 1 - The Logical Problem of Evil

In the logical problem of evil, we are dealing with just that – the logic of how evil could possibly exist in a world where God also exists. As we will see in our study, there exists no contradiction in both God and evil existing simultaneously.

Theodicy 101, Part 2 - The Evidential Problem of Evil

With the understanding that God and evil can coexist without contradiction, we are still left with the question of evidence. The sheer magnitude of evil we observe in our world today still evokes in us the question “Why would God allow this to happen?” This lesson seeks to answer that question.

Theodicy 101, Part 3 - The Religious Problem of Evil

With the logical and evidential problems in consideration, we must now address the level of the heart and discuss the religious problem of evil, which observes the evil as an obstacle to belief and in response, focuses on how believers should respond to evil.

Theodicy 101, Part 4 - The Cross: The Culmination of Purpose in Evil

The Cross of Christ provides us a fullness of purpose when we consider our suffering. Suffering exists because Christ had to suffer for us. Therefore, in our suffering, we have nought but the foremost kind of opportunity to become more like Jesus.