A Defense of Christian Theology: Answering the hardest questions. The Problem of Hell, the Problem of Predestination and the Problem of Pain and Suffering. A presentation given by John Oakes first in Manila 1/17/2010.
1. A Defense of Christian TheologyA Defense of Christian Theology
APLAAPLA
John OakesJohn Oakes
1/17/101/17/10
2. Course OutlineCourse Outline
Existence of GodExistence of God
JesusJesus
Messianic PropheciesMessianic Prophecies
Claims of JesusClaims of Jesus
Miracles of JesusMiracles of Jesus
Resurrection of JesusResurrection of Jesus
The BibleThe Bible
Inspiration and InerrancyInspiration and Inerrancy
How We Got the Bible, CanonHow We Got the Bible, Canon
Contradictions?Contradictions?
History, Archaeology and the BibleHistory, Archaeology and the Bible
Science and ChristianityScience and Christianity
Christian and Other World ViewsChristian and Other World Views
Defense of Christian TheologyDefense of Christian Theology
Problem of Pain, Suffering and EvilProblem of Pain, Suffering and Evil
Free Will/PredestinationFree Will/Predestination
The Problem of HellThe Problem of Hell
3. Augustine on EvilAugustine on Evil
When accordingly it is inquired, whence is evil, it mustWhen accordingly it is inquired, whence is evil, it must
first be inquired what is evil, which is nothing else thanfirst be inquired what is evil, which is nothing else than
corruption, either of the measure, or the form or thecorruption, either of the measure, or the form or the
order, that belong to nature. Nature therefore which hasorder, that belong to nature. Nature therefore which has
been corrupted, is called evil, for assuredly whenbeen corrupted, is called evil, for assuredly when
incorrupt it is good; but even when corrupt, so far as it isincorrupt it is good; but even when corrupt, so far as it is
nature, it is good, so far as it is corrupted it is evil.nature, it is good, so far as it is corrupted it is evil.
Sin is not the striving after an evil nature, but theSin is not the striving after an evil nature, but the
desertion of a better, and so the deed itself is evil, notdesertion of a better, and so the deed itself is evil, not
the nature which the sinner uses amiss. For it is evil tothe nature which the sinner uses amiss. For it is evil to
use amiss that which is good.use amiss that which is good.
4. Intro to the History of Christian TheologyIntro to the History of Christian Theology
Trinity and the nature of GodTrinity and the nature of God
ChristologyChristology
Nature of sin, grace and redemptionNature of sin, grace and redemption
5. Early Motivations to Christian TheologiansEarly Motivations to Christian Theologians
Apologetics:Apologetics:
Response to GreekResponse to Greek
philosophicalphilosophical
criticism (Celsus)criticism (Celsus)
LogosLogos theology oftheology of
Justin MartyrJustin Martyr
Heresy: OrthodoxHeresy: Orthodox
response toresponse to
heterodox theologyheterodox theology
Origen of Alexandria AD 185-254
6. HeresiesHeresies
AdoptionismAdoptionism (God adopted the man Jesus at his(God adopted the man Jesus at his
baptism)baptism)
Ebionites (Jesus a mere man)Ebionites (Jesus a mere man)
Modalism (Jesus and Holy Spirit modes of God)Modalism (Jesus and Holy Spirit modes of God)
GnosticismGnosticism
Cerinthus, ValentinusCerinthus, Valentinus
DocetismDocetism (Jesus only appeared to be human)(Jesus only appeared to be human)
ArianismArianism (Jesus was not divine—he was created)(Jesus was not divine—he was created)
7. The Orthodox ResponseThe Orthodox Response
Use of Greek terms, modes of argumentUse of Greek terms, modes of argument
Polemical WritingsPolemical Writings
Against HeresiesAgainst Heresies IrenaeusIrenaeus
Appeal to apostolic (later church) authorityAppeal to apostolic (later church) authority
CreedsCreeds
CouncilsCouncils
8. Doctrine of the TrinityDoctrine of the Trinity
Tertullian AD 160-Tertullian AD 160-
220220
The Father and theThe Father and the
Son are different “notSon are different “not
in condition, but inin condition, but in
degree; not indegree; not in
substance, but insubstance, but in
form; not in power, butform; not in power, but
in aspect”in aspect”
9. CreedsCreeds
A second century Roman creed (said atA second century Roman creed (said at
baptism)baptism)
I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty,
and in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son,and in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son,
our Lord, and in the Holy Ghost, the holyour Lord, and in the Holy Ghost, the holy
church and the resurrection of the flesh.church and the resurrection of the flesh.
10. Church CouncilsChurch Councils
Nicaea AD 325Nicaea AD 325
Arianism JesusArianism Jesus homoousioshomoousios With the FatherWith the Father
Constantinople AD 381Constantinople AD 381
Nicene Creed Holy Spirit alsoNicene Creed Holy Spirit also homoousioushomoousious
Ephesus AD 431Ephesus AD 431
Nestorianism condemned, Pelagius anathematized.Nestorianism condemned, Pelagius anathematized.
Calchedon AD 451Calchedon AD 451
Define the “two natures” of JesusDefine the “two natures” of Jesus
Constantinople II AD 553Constantinople II AD 553
MonophysitismMonophysitism
Constantinople III AD 680Constantinople III AD 680
MonothelitismMonothelitism
Nicaea II AD 787Nicaea II AD 787
11. Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of
all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the
Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God;
begotten, not made, being of one substance (homoousios, of the same
substance, consubstantial as opposed to homoiousios) with the Father, by whom
all things were made.
Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was
incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was
crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the
third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven,
and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to
judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from
the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped
and glorified; who spoke by the prophets.
And I believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism
for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of
the world to come. Amen.
Is this what we believe?
12. Chalcedon AD 451Chalcedon AD 451
““InIn agreement with the holy fathersagreement with the holy fathers we all unanimously teachwe all unanimously teach
that we should confess that our Lord Jesus Christ is onethat we should confess that our Lord Jesus Christ is one
and the same Son; the same perfect in Godhead and theand the same Son; the same perfect in Godhead and the
same perfect in manhood, truly God and truly man, thesame perfect in manhood, truly God and truly man, the
same of a rational soul and body; consubstantial with thesame of a rational soul and body; consubstantial with the
Father in Godhead and the same consubstantial with us inFather in Godhead and the same consubstantial with us in
manhood; like us in all things except sin; begotten of themanhood; like us in all things except sin; begotten of the
Father before all ages as regards his Godhead and in theFather before all ages as regards his Godhead and in the
last days the same, for us and for our salvation, begottenlast days the same, for us and for our salvation, begotten
of the Virgin Mary, theof the Virgin Mary, the theotokostheotokos (as opposed to the(as opposed to the
Christotokos of the Nestorians) (the God-bearer, theChristotokos of the Nestorians) (the God-bearer, the
mother of God) as regards his manhood; one and the samemother of God) as regards his manhood; one and the same
Christ, Son, Lord, only-begotten, made known in twoChrist, Son, Lord, only-begotten, made known in two
natures without confusion, without change, without division,natures without confusion, without change, without division,
without separation…without separation…
13. Chalcedon (cont.)
“Without confusion and without change”
to oppose monophysitism/Coptic Christianity
Monophysite = one nature
“Without division, without separation”
to oppose Nestorianism
Q: Are we splitting hairs here?
14. Sin, Redemption, SalvationSin, Redemption, Salvation
Augustine!!!!!Augustine!!!!!
The City of God SoveriegntyThe City of God Soveriegnty
Total depravityTotal depravity
Monoergism (only God)Monoergism (only God)
PredestinationPredestination
Original SinOriginal Sin
Infant baptism required forInfant baptism required for
salvationsalvation
SacramentalismSacramentalism
TransubstantiationTransubstantiation
City and StateCity and State
Opposed DonatistsOpposed Donatists
Augustine of Hippo (from 6th century)
15. Augustine: Evil and Free WillAugustine: Evil and Free Will
About Augustine: “Evil arises from theAbout Augustine: “Evil arises from the
corruption of a nature which is essentially good.corruption of a nature which is essentially good.
What is called evil is good corrupted; if it wereWhat is called evil is good corrupted; if it were
not corrupted it would be wholly good; but evennot corrupted it would be wholly good; but even
when it is corrupted, it is good in so far as itwhen it is corrupted, it is good in so far as it
remains a natural thing, and bad only in so farremains a natural thing, and bad only in so far
as it is corrupted.”as it is corrupted.”
““A man’s free will avails for nothing except toA man’s free will avails for nothing except to
sin.”sin.”
16. Pelagius AD c. 354-430
Works
Salvation?
Affirmed the existence
of free will. “Evil is not
born with us, and we
are procreated without
fault.” Rejected infant
baptism. Taught that
we become holy
through our own effort?
17. Q: What is the nature of “the Fall” of mankind? WhatQ: What is the nature of “the Fall” of mankind? What
happened in the garden?happened in the garden?
Puritans: “In Adam’s fall we sinned all.”Puritans: “In Adam’s fall we sinned all.”
Romans 5:12-19 What “death” is this in v. 12Romans 5:12-19 What “death” is this in v. 12
19. Thomas Aquinas:
“God, therefore, is the first cause, who moves causes both natural
and voluntary. And just as by moving natural causes He does not
prevent their actions from being natural, so by moving voluntary
causes He does not deprive their actions of being voluntary; but
rather is He the cause of this very thing in them, for He operates
in each thing according to his own nature.”
In other words, Aquinas believed in free will and not a strict
monergism.
21. History of the Doctrine of PredestinationHistory of the Doctrine of Predestination
Augustine of Hippo AD 354-430 “The City ofAugustine of Hippo AD 354-430 “The City of
God”God”
Martin Luther (1483-1546): an AugustinianMartin Luther (1483-1546): an Augustinian
monk.monk.
Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531) Reformed Theology.Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531) Reformed Theology.
John Calvin (1509-1564) “Institutes of theJohn Calvin (1509-1564) “Institutes of the
Christian Religion”Christian Religion”
The key: A profound belief in the sovereignty ofThe key: A profound belief in the sovereignty of
GodGod
Double Predestination and TULIPDouble Predestination and TULIP
23. Martin Luther:
“Away with James… His authority is not great enough to
cause me to abandon the doctrine of faith [alone] and to
deviate from the authority of the other apostles and the
entire Scripture.” St. James’ epistle is really an epistle
of straw, compared to these others (Romans, Galatians,
John) for it has nothing of the nature of the gospel about
it.”
25. The Radical ReformationThe Radical Reformation
Separation of Church and StateSeparation of Church and State
Opposed strict predestinationOpposed strict predestination
Opposed infant baptismOpposed infant baptism
Believed in baptismal regenerationBelieved in baptismal regeneration
Menno Simmons
29. Q: Scriptures which appear to support theQ: Scriptures which appear to support the
doctrine of predestination?doctrine of predestination?
Q: Scriptures which prove free will andQ: Scriptures which prove free will and
refute predestination?refute predestination?
31. 1800’s America: Predestination Light1800’s America: Predestination Light
Once Saved, Always SavedOnce Saved, Always Saved
Preservation of the SaintsPreservation of the Saints
Believer’s Prayer.Believer’s Prayer.
Once God saves you, in is impossible to lose yourOnce God saves you, in is impossible to lose your
salvation, no matter what.salvation, no matter what.
32. Predestination?Predestination?
Romans 8:28-30Romans 8:28-30
Romans 8:31-39 Nothing can separate usRomans 8:31-39 Nothing can separate us
(except we ourselves because we(except we ourselves because we
have free will)have free will)
John 10:27-29 No one can snatch them out ofJohn 10:27-29 No one can snatch them out of
my hands…my hands…
Romans 9:10-21 (read v. 14-18)Romans 9:10-21 (read v. 14-18)
33. Hebrews and Falling AwayHebrews and Falling Away
They shall never enter my rest 3:11, 4:5They shall never enter my rest 3:11, 4:5
We have come to share in ChristWe have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly toif we hold firmly to
the end the confidence we had at first.the end the confidence we had at first. 3:143:14
They were not able to enter because of their unbeliefThey were not able to enter because of their unbelief
3:193:19
Be careful not to be found to have fallen short of it. 4:1Be careful not to be found to have fallen short of it. 4:1
Some… did not go in because of their obedience 4:6Some… did not go in because of their obedience 4:6
Let us make every effort to enter that restLet us make every effort to enter that rest so that noso that no
one will fall by followingone will fall by following their example oftheir example of
disobedience 4:11disobedience 4:11
Do you get the point?Do you get the point?
34. Hebrews 6:4-6 Who is he talking to?Hebrews 6:4-6 Who is he talking to?
a. been enlightened (NT church “enlightened” =a. been enlightened (NT church “enlightened” =
baptized)baptized)
b. tasted the heavenly gift (salvation?)b. tasted the heavenly gift (salvation?)
c. shared in the Holy Spiritc. shared in the Holy Spirit
d. tasted the goodness of the wordd. tasted the goodness of the word
e. tasted the coming age (saved)e. tasted the coming age (saved)
Yes, you can fall away! Conclusion: You hadYes, you can fall away! Conclusion: You had
better move on toward maturity in Christ.better move on toward maturity in Christ.
35. Hebrews 6:4-8Hebrews 6:4-8
It isIt is impossibleimpossible… if they fall away, to be brought back… if they fall away, to be brought back
to repentance.to repentance.
They are crucifying the Son of God all over again.They are crucifying the Son of God all over again.
Land that produces thorns… will be burned.Land that produces thorns… will be burned.
36. Falling Away Hebrews 10:26-31Falling Away Hebrews 10:26-31
Crucifying the Son of God all over again.Crucifying the Son of God all over again.
Subjecting Jesus to public disgraceSubjecting Jesus to public disgrace
Trampling the Son of God under foot. (Heb 10:29)Trampling the Son of God under foot. (Heb 10:29)
Insulted the Holy Spirit (Heb 10:29)Insulted the Holy Spirit (Heb 10:29)
Blasphemed (spoken against) the Holy Spirit (MattBlasphemed (spoken against) the Holy Spirit (Matt
12:32)12:32)
Committed the unforgivable sin (1 John 5:16 )Committed the unforgivable sin (1 John 5:16 )
What is the “unforgivable sin?” To willfully, deliberatelyWhat is the “unforgivable sin?” To willfully, deliberately
continue in sin. (Hebrews 10:26)continue in sin. (Hebrews 10:26)
Also; Hebrews 12:14-17, 12:25 you will not escape… ifAlso; Hebrews 12:14-17, 12:25 you will not escape… if
you turn away…you turn away…
37. God’s Assurance: Hebrews 6:9-20
Two unchangeable things:
God’s Word
God’s Oath (Genesis 22:16-18)
Jesus, your anchor, is behind the veil with the
Father
38. God’s Assurance: Hebrews 10:19-23
We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place
Let us draw near to God… in full assurance of
faith.
For he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:35-36 Do not throw away your
confidence; it will be richly rewarded…. You will
receive what he has promised.
39. SummarySummary
Correct theology (God, Jesus, salvation) is harder to findCorrect theology (God, Jesus, salvation) is harder to find
than you think.than you think.
Do not fall into the trap of relying on human reason tooDo not fall into the trap of relying on human reason too
heavily.heavily.
Always protect the mystery.Always protect the mystery.
TrinityTrinity
JesusJesus
Faith, Works and GraceFaith, Works and Grace
40. The Problem of HellThe Problem of Hell
The most difficult questions:The most difficult questions:
Problem of Evil, Problem of SufferingProblem of Evil, Problem of Suffering
TrinityTrinity
Violence for God in OTViolence for God in OT
Problem of HellProblem of Hell
41. Attributes of GodAttributes of God
EternalEternal
OmnipresentOmnipresent
OmniscientOmniscient
OmnipotentOmnipotent
Righteous, HolyRighteous, Holy
LoveLove
JusticeJustice
God is not merely loving, he is loveGod is not merely loving, he is love
42. Love and JusticeLove and Justice
For God so loved the world…For God so loved the world…
The wages of sin is death Rom 6:23The wages of sin is death Rom 6:23
The law of sin and death Rom 8:2The law of sin and death Rom 8:2
We like God’s love, but we are not so fired upWe like God’s love, but we are not so fired up
about his justice.about his justice.
When we reach heaven, we will understand andWhen we reach heaven, we will understand and
fully appreciate, on an emotional level, God’sfully appreciate, on an emotional level, God’s
justice. Rev 11:17-18 Rev 16:5-6 The eldersjustice. Rev 11:17-18 Rev 16:5-6 The elders
are thankful that God’s judgement has finallyare thankful that God’s judgement has finally
come. You are just, O God.come. You are just, O God.
Psalm 94:1-3 David How long, O LordPsalm 94:1-3 David How long, O Lord
43. Here is the Good NewsHere is the Good News
God’s love met God’s justice at the cross. AsGod’s love met God’s justice at the cross. As
far as we are concerned, love won.far as we are concerned, love won.
Romans 3:21-26Romans 3:21-26
44. Here is the Bad News: HellHere is the Bad News: Hell
Romans 3:10f There is no one righteous, not even one.Romans 3:10f There is no one righteous, not even one.
Revelation 20:15 If anyone’s name was not found writtenRevelation 20:15 If anyone’s name was not found written
in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Rev 21:8 …the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is theRev 21:8 …the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the
second death. Rev 20:10 … They will be tormented daysecond death. Rev 20:10 … They will be tormented day
and night for even and ever.and night for even and ever.
Does God choose to send us to hell? No! We chooseDoes God choose to send us to hell? No! We choose
hell and God, in his justice, accepts our decision.hell and God, in his justice, accepts our decision.
Is suffering in hell literally eternal? Is joy in heavenIs suffering in hell literally eternal? Is joy in heaven
literally eternal?literally eternal?
45. The Problem of Pain andThe Problem of Pain and
Suffering (and The Problem ofSuffering (and The Problem of
Evil)Evil)
John OakesJohn Oakes
DavaoDavao
January 15, 2009January 15, 2009
46. The Problem of Pain andThe Problem of Pain and
SufferingSuffering
An apologetic/intellectual problemAn apologetic/intellectual problem
A human problemA human problem
47. Pain and Suffering: An ApologeticPain and Suffering: An Apologetic
ProblemProblem
Agnostic:Agnostic:
God of the Bible is completely good and loving.God of the Bible is completely good and loving.
God of the Bible is all-knowing and all-powerful.God of the Bible is all-knowing and all-powerful.
Conclusion: Given all the pain and suffering in theConclusion: Given all the pain and suffering in the
world, the God of the Bible is not real.world, the God of the Bible is not real.
48. Examples of SufferingExamples of Suffering
Are they truly bad/evil?Are they truly bad/evil?
Are they God’s fault?Are they God’s fault?
49. Kinds of SufferingKinds of Suffering
Physical pain: acute and chronicPhysical pain: acute and chronic
Disease: acute and chronicDisease: acute and chronic
Broken relationshipsBroken relationships
Poverty, hunger, etc.Poverty, hunger, etc.
Violence; terrorism, genocide, violent crime, etc.Violence; terrorism, genocide, violent crime, etc.
Chronic fear (rape, natural disasters, abuse,Chronic fear (rape, natural disasters, abuse,
etc.)etc.)
Disappointment, feelings of failure, loss of hopeDisappointment, feelings of failure, loss of hope
Death of a loved one, mourningDeath of a loved one, mourning
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56. Bottom line, there is a lot of pain and
suffering in the world.
Question: Is this because God does not
care, or is this because he is not
sufficiently powerful to prevent human
suffering and evil in the world?
Caution: There is no simple answer.
57. Causes of SufferingCauses of Suffering
Free WillFree Will
SinSin
Natural DisastersNatural Disasters
StupidityStupidity
58. Free Will: God Gives Us a ChoiceFree Will: God Gives Us a Choice
Deuteronomy 30:15-20Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Joshua 24:15Joshua 24:15
John 7:17John 7:17
Question: What is the alternative?Question: What is the alternative?
Question: Is this a sign that God does not loveQuestion: Is this a sign that God does not love
us?us?
God took a huge risk…God took a huge risk…
60. Cause of Human Suffering and Evil: SINCause of Human Suffering and Evil: SIN
The great majority (but not all) of suffering is theThe great majority (but not all) of suffering is the
result of sinresult of sin
Addiction, lack of self-controlAddiction, lack of self-control
Sexual immorality, perversion and abuseSexual immorality, perversion and abuse
Anger, violenceAnger, violence
GreedGreed
Pride, arrogance, jealousy, desire for controlPride, arrogance, jealousy, desire for control
SelfishnessSelfishness
61. God’s Moral Law is Simple: Sin ProducesGod’s Moral Law is Simple: Sin Produces
SufferingSuffering
Exodus 20:5-6Exodus 20:5-6 You shall not bow down to them (the idolsYou shall not bow down to them (the idols
you have made) or worship them; for I, the Lord youryou have made) or worship them; for I, the Lord your
God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sinGod, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin
of the fathersof the fathers to the third and fourth generationto the third and fourth generation ofof
those who hate me, but showing love to thousands whothose who hate me, but showing love to thousands who
love me and keep my commands.love me and keep my commands.
God is love and God is just.God is love and God is just.
Bear in mind Ezekiel 18:19-20Bear in mind Ezekiel 18:19-20
62. Is Sin the Cause of All Suffering?Is Sin the Cause of All Suffering?
Job: Why did he suffer?Job: Why did he suffer?
John 9John 9
Is AIDS God’s punishment for homosexuality?Is AIDS God’s punishment for homosexuality?
No!No!
64. Causes of Suffering #3: Natural CausesCauses of Suffering #3: Natural Causes
Plate TectonicsPlate Tectonics
WeatherWeather
BacteriaBacteria
These are all very good things.These are all very good things.
65. A Question: Is Pain Evil?A Question: Is Pain Evil?
Touch a burner on the stoveTouch a burner on the stove
Broken BoneBroken Bone
OvereatingOvereating
Emotional PainEmotional Pain
Pain is Good. Pain is from GodPain is Good. Pain is from God
But… Not all pain is explained so easily.But… Not all pain is explained so easily.
66. A Question: Is Death Evil?A Question: Is Death Evil?
For plants and animals, death is a positive good.For plants and animals, death is a positive good.
Isaiah 57:2Isaiah 57:2
Philippians 1:21Philippians 1:21
For humans, death is a transition, not an end.For humans, death is a transition, not an end.
If the atheist is right, then maybe death is evil,If the atheist is right, then maybe death is evil,
but if the atheist is right, there is no evil.but if the atheist is right, there is no evil.
67. Question: Is Suffering Evil?Question: Is Suffering Evil?
Psalm 30:5Psalm 30:5 For Humans, without suffering there is no joy.For Humans, without suffering there is no joy.
John 9:1-3John 9:1-3 Suffering, if received correctly, glorifies God.Suffering, if received correctly, glorifies God.
Romans 8:28Romans 8:28 All kinds of suffering can be used for goodAll kinds of suffering can be used for good
(but be careful how you use this passage)(but be careful how you use this passage)
Romans 5:3Romans 5:3,, James 1:2-3James 1:2-3 Suffering produces goodSuffering produces good
character. No pain, no gain.character. No pain, no gain.
1 Peter 2:20-22, 2 Tim 3:121 Peter 2:20-22, 2 Tim 3:12. Suffering is the natural result. Suffering is the natural result
of doing good.of doing good.
Coll 1:24-29, 1 Pet 4:12-17Coll 1:24-29, 1 Pet 4:12-17 Suffering is how we come toSuffering is how we come to
know Christ and to fill up his suffering.know Christ and to fill up his suffering.
Through shared suffering is how we become close to oneThrough shared suffering is how we become close to one
another.another.
68. Suffering and Evil: The Apologetic ProblemSuffering and Evil: The Apologetic Problem
A SummaryA Summary
Most suffering is the result of free will and our choice toMost suffering is the result of free will and our choice to
sin. It is because God loves us, not because he doessin. It is because God loves us, not because he does
not care or is not powerful enough to stop us fromnot care or is not powerful enough to stop us from
suffering.suffering.
Pain is not evil, death is not evil, suffering is not evil. AllPain is not evil, death is not evil, suffering is not evil. All
of these are gifts from a loving God.of these are gifts from a loving God.
69. The Problem of Pain and Suffering Part IIThe Problem of Pain and Suffering Part II
The Human ProblemThe Human Problem
Our response to suffering depends on our worldOur response to suffering depends on our world
view.view.
What is the Hindu world view?What is the Hindu world view?
What is the Buddhist world view?What is the Buddhist world view?
What is the world view of Islam?What is the world view of Islam?
What is the world view of theWhat is the world view of the
atheist/naturalist?atheist/naturalist?
70. The Christian World ViewThe Christian World View
The physical world is real.The physical world is real.
The physical world is good, not evil. (Gen 1:31)The physical world is good, not evil. (Gen 1:31)
Pain and suffering are very real, but they are notPain and suffering are very real, but they are not
the problem: the human problem is sin andthe problem: the human problem is sin and
separation.separation.
The Christian response: Compassion! MicahThe Christian response: Compassion! Micah
6:8, James 1:276:8, James 1:27
71. God Understands (and so should we)God Understands (and so should we)
God is ready and willing to hear our complaints.God is ready and willing to hear our complaints.
Habakkuk 1:2-4, Jeremiah 12:1Habakkuk 1:2-4, Jeremiah 12:1
Even Jesus cried out in his suffering. “My God, my God…Even Jesus cried out in his suffering. “My God, my God…
Jesus can relate fully to our suffering.Jesus can relate fully to our suffering.
Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 4:15.Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 4:15.
This ought to affect our response to others’ suffering. 2 Cor 5:14-15This ought to affect our response to others’ suffering. 2 Cor 5:14-15
Look at Jesus’ response to suffering: John 11:35 Jesus wept.Look at Jesus’ response to suffering: John 11:35 Jesus wept.
Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem… Compassion.Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem… Compassion.
72. What Should We Do?What Should We Do?
Live with integrity, like Job.Live with integrity, like Job.
Use your suffering as an opportunity to showUse your suffering as an opportunity to show
empathy.empathy.
Alleviate suffering, not because it is evil, butAlleviate suffering, not because it is evil, but
because that is how God responds to sufferingbecause that is how God responds to suffering
Show compassion. Matthew 9:36-38Show compassion. Matthew 9:36-38
