Dr. John Oakes gave a presentation for the South Florida Church of Christ in Miami on 9/1/13 on answering the hard questions (the question of evil, the question of suffering and the question of hell). The power point is attached.

1. Answering the Hard QuestionsAnswering the Hard Questions
MiamiMiami
John OakesJohn Oakes
9/1/20139/1/2013

2.  The most difficult questions:The most difficult questions:
 TrinityTrinity
 Problem of Evil, Problem of SufferingProblem of Evil, Problem of Suffering
 Violence for God in OTViolence for God in OT
 Problem of HellProblem of Hell
These are all theological questions.These are all theological questions.
 One Possible Response:One Possible Response:
 That’s the way it is and if you don’t likeThat’s the way it is and if you don’t like
it tough for you!it tough for you!

3. World ViewWorld View
 One's world view is theOne's world view is the
perspective one uses toperspective one uses to
process and interpretprocess and interpret
information received about theinformation received about the
world. world.
 James W. Sire put it this way,James W. Sire put it this way,
"A world view is a set of"A world view is a set of
presuppositions (ie.presuppositions (ie.
assumptions) which we holdassumptions) which we hold
about the basic makeup of ourabout the basic makeup of our
world." world."

James W. Sire,James W. Sire, The Universe NextThe Universe Next
DoorDoor (InterVarsity Press, 1997)(InterVarsity Press, 1997)
A Jain World
View

4. The Bible and Other World ViewsThe Bible and Other World Views
 If Genesis 1:1 is true, then animism,If Genesis 1:1 is true, then animism,
polytheism, pantheism, dualism,polytheism, pantheism, dualism,
naturalism, deism, postmodernism andnaturalism, deism, postmodernism and
every other ism is false.every other ism is false.
 Conflicting world views cannot beConflicting world views cannot be
accommodated with one another.accommodated with one another.
Biblical theism is incompatible with allBiblical theism is incompatible with all
these other world views.these other world views.

5. A “Good” World View DefinedA “Good” World View Defined
A. It is true.A. It is true.
It is consistent with reality.It is consistent with reality.
It is consistent with what we know to be true from experience.It is consistent with what we know to be true from experience.
It works.It works.
B. It answers satisfactorily the questions people really wantB. It answers satisfactorily the questions people really want
answered.answered.
What is prime reality/the ultimate cause/the nature of God?)What is prime reality/the ultimate cause/the nature of God?)
What is the nature of external reality-the world around us?What is the nature of external reality-the world around us?
What is my value as a human being?What is my value as a human being?
What happens to a person at death?What happens to a person at death?
How do we know what is right and wrong?How do we know what is right and wrong?
What is my purpose?What is my purpose?
What is the nature of my relationship, with the "prime reality?"What is the nature of my relationship, with the "prime reality?"
C. It causes those who hold to it to be better people thanC. It causes those who hold to it to be better people than
they would otherwise have been if they held to competingthey would otherwise have been if they held to competing
alternative world views.alternative world views.

6. The Christian World ViewThe Christian World View
1. The physical world is: a. real b. created out of nothing (ex1. The physical world is: a. real b. created out of nothing (ex
nihilo) and c. essentially good.nihilo) and c. essentially good.
2. There exists an unseen spiritual reality which is not limited to or2. There exists an unseen spiritual reality which is not limited to or
defined by the physical reality. Human beings have a spiritualdefined by the physical reality. Human beings have a spiritual
aspect to their nature.aspect to their nature.
3. The creator of both the physical and spiritual realm is the God3. The creator of both the physical and spiritual realm is the God
who reveals himself in the Bible.who reveals himself in the Bible.
4. Human beings have both a physical and a spiritual nature, The4. Human beings have both a physical and a spiritual nature, The
spiritual nature is more essential as it is eternal.spiritual nature is more essential as it is eternal.
5. God is not easily defined but he can be characterized by certain5. God is not easily defined but he can be characterized by certain
qualities. God is a person. God is love, God is just, God isqualities. God is a person. God is love, God is just, God is
holy, God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent.holy, God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent.

7. The Christian World View (cont.)The Christian World View (cont.)
6. Although all God’s creation, including the physical world6. Although all God’s creation, including the physical world
is good, evil does exist. Such evil is the result ofis good, evil does exist. Such evil is the result of
freedom of will given to created beings and theirfreedom of will given to created beings and their
subsequent decision to use that freedom to rebel--to “sin”subsequent decision to use that freedom to rebel--to “sin”
7. Because of God’s justice and his holiness, those who7. Because of God’s justice and his holiness, those who
choose to rebel against him will ultimately be judged andchoose to rebel against him will ultimately be judged and
separated from God for eternity.separated from God for eternity.
8. The solution to evil, to sin and its eternal consequences8. The solution to evil, to sin and its eternal consequences
is provided by God through the atoning substitutionaryis provided by God through the atoning substitutionary
sacrifice of Jesus Christ.sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

8. Christianity Offers Solutions to the BigChristianity Offers Solutions to the Big
Problems of Human BeingsProblems of Human Beings
 The Problem of Sin (the substitutionary death ofThe Problem of Sin (the substitutionary death of
Jesus)Jesus)
 Romans 7:24,25Romans 7:24,25
 The Problem of Suffering (compassion)The Problem of Suffering (compassion)
 Matthew 9:35-36Matthew 9:35-36
 The Problem of DeathThe Problem of Death
 1 Corinthians 15:54-561 Corinthians 15:54-56

9. A. The Problem of EvilA. The Problem of Evil
What is Evil and Why is There Evil?What is Evil and Why is There Evil?
If God is good, if God isIf God is good, if God is
loving and if God isloving and if God is
omniscient, omnipotent,omniscient, omnipotent,
omnipresent,… why is thereomnipresent,… why is there
evil in the world?evil in the world?

10. Augustine on EvilAugustine on Evil
 When accordingly it is inquired, whence is evil,When accordingly it is inquired, whence is evil,
it must first be inquired what is evil, which isit must first be inquired what is evil, which is
nothing else than corruption, either of thenothing else than corruption, either of the
measure, or the form or the order, that belongmeasure, or the form or the order, that belong
to nature. Nature therefore which has beento nature. Nature therefore which has been
corrupted, is called evil, for assuredly whencorrupted, is called evil, for assuredly when
incorrupt it is good; but even when corrupt, soincorrupt it is good; but even when corrupt, so
far as it is nature, it is good, so far as it isfar as it is nature, it is good, so far as it is
corrupted it is evil.corrupted it is evil.
 Sin is not the striving after an evil nature, butSin is not the striving after an evil nature, but
the desertion of a better, and so the deed itselfthe desertion of a better, and so the deed itself
is evil, not the nature which the sinner usesis evil, not the nature which the sinner uses
amiss. For it is evil to use amiss that which isamiss. For it is evil to use amiss that which is
good.good.

11. 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.”

12. Free Will: God Gives Us a ChoiceFree Will: God Gives Us a Choice
Why? Because he loves us.Why? Because he loves us.
The result: We rebelled and brought evilThe result: We rebelled and brought evil
into the world. Is this God’s fault? Whatinto the world. Is this God’s fault? What
is the alternative?is the alternative?
 This is what happened in the GardenThis is what happened in the Garden
 Deuteronomy 30:15-20Deuteronomy 30:15-20

13. Outline of the Entire BibleOutline of the Entire Bible
 Genesis 1 God made everything, and itGenesis 1 God made everything, and it
was very good.was very good.
 Genesis 2-3 We messed up very badlyGenesis 2-3 We messed up very badly
and brought separation and evil into theand brought separation and evil into the
worldworld
 Genesis 4-Revelation 20 God is fixingGenesis 4-Revelation 20 God is fixing
the problem.the problem.
 Genesis 21-22. God has fixed theGenesis 21-22. God has fixed the
problem.problem.

14. If God is sovereign and
all-powerful…
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.”

15. Free Will, An Illustration: The Prodigal Son

16. Apologetics and Evil: What are theApologetics and Evil: What are the
alternatives?alternatives?
 Dualism: Good and Evil in an unending more orDualism: Good and Evil in an unending more or
less equal balanceless equal balance
 Pantheism: The physical world is evil. Evil isPantheism: The physical world is evil. Evil is
being tied down to the physical—it is missingbeing tied down to the physical—it is missing
the god-likeness in you.the god-likeness in you.
 Naturalism: There is no evil.Naturalism: There is no evil.
 Postmodernism: Evil???Postmodernism: Evil???
 Determinism/Fate God is the cause of evil.Determinism/Fate God is the cause of evil.

17. Christianity and the Problem of EvilChristianity and the Problem of Evil
 Evil is very much real. Quite indirectly, it is theEvil is very much real. Quite indirectly, it is the
product of God’s love. God loved us so muchproduct of God’s love. God loved us so much
that he loved us and that he gave us a choice.that he loved us and that he gave us a choice.
We chose evil, and thus evil came into theWe chose evil, and thus evil came into the
world.world.
 Remember your alternatives:Remember your alternatives:
 Predestination/Determinism God is the cause of evil.Predestination/Determinism God is the cause of evil.
 Pantheism Deny evil existsPantheism Deny evil exists
 Physical creation is evil, but you are GodPhysical creation is evil, but you are God
 An unending battle/balance between good and evil.An unending battle/balance between good and evil.

18. Question #2 The Problem of PainQuestion #2 The Problem of Pain
and Sufferingand Suffering
Haiti, January, 2010

19. Question #2 The Problem of SufferingQuestion #2 The Problem of Suffering
 Does answering the question of evil answer theDoes answering the question of evil answer the
question of suffering? Not quite.question of suffering? Not quite.
 Skeptic’s Challenge: If God is so powerful andSkeptic’s Challenge: If God is so powerful and
so loving, why is there suffering in the world?so loving, why is there suffering in the world?

20. Causes of SufferingCauses of Suffering
 Free WillFree Will
 SinSin
 Natural DisastersNatural Disasters
 FoolishnessFoolishness

21. 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 themYou shall not bow down to them
(the idols you have made) or worship them; for(the idols you have made) or worship them; for
I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God,I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God,
punishing the children for the sin of the fatherspunishing the children for the sin of the fathers
to the third and fourth generationto the third and fourth generation of those whoof those who
hate me, but showing love to thousands whohate 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

22. 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 forIs AIDS God’s punishment for
homosexuality? No!homosexuality? No!

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. The Christian Response to the Problem ofThe Christian Response to the Problem of
Suffering: Compassion!Suffering: Compassion!
 James 1:27 Pure religion…James 1:27 Pure religion…
 John 11:35 Jesus wept. Matthew 23:37John 11:35 Jesus wept. Matthew 23:37
 Jeremiah 12:1Jeremiah 12:1
 Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 4:15. JesusHebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 4:15. Jesus
understandsunderstands
 Matthew 9:36-38 CompassionMatthew 9:36-38 Compassion

27. What are the Alternatives?What are the Alternatives?
 Pantheism/Hinduism Suffering is an illusionPantheism/Hinduism Suffering is an illusion
Dispassion is the answer.Dispassion is the answer.
 Atheism. Suffering is purely random andAtheism. Suffering is purely random and
meaningless.meaningless.
 Islam: Kismet (fate) Inshallah (God wills it)Islam: Kismet (fate) Inshallah (God wills it)
 Christians do a majority of the benevolent workChristians do a majority of the benevolent work
in most countries.in most countries.

28. JulianJulian ““the apostate.the apostate.”” (332-363)(332-363)
““Atheism (i.e. Christian faith) has beenAtheism (i.e. Christian faith) has been
specially advanced through the lovingspecially advanced through the loving
service rendered to strangers, andservice rendered to strangers, and
through their care for the burial of thethrough their care for the burial of the
dead. It is a scandal that there is not adead. It is a scandal that there is not a
single Jew who is a beggar, and that thesingle Jew who is a beggar, and that the
godless Galileans care not only for theirgodless Galileans care not only for their
own poor but for ours as well; whileown poor but for ours as well; while
those who belong to us look in vain forthose who belong to us look in vain for
the help that we should render them.the help that we should render them. ””

29. The Problem of HellThe Problem of Hell
 Romans 3:10f There is no one righteous, notRomans 3:10f There is no one righteous, not
even one.even one.
 Revelation 20:15 If anyone’s name was notRevelation 20:15 If anyone’s name was not
found written in the book of life, he was thrownfound written in the book of life, he was thrown
into the lake of fire. Rev 21:8 The secondinto the lake of fire. Rev 21:8 The second
death. Rev 20:10 … They will be tormenteddeath. Rev 20:10 … They will be tormented
day and night for even and ever.day and night for even and ever.
 Does God choose to send us to hell? No! WeDoes God choose to send us to hell? No! We
choose hell and God, in his justice, accepts ourchoose hell and God, in his justice, accepts our
decision.decision.
 Is suffering in hell literally eternal? Is joy inIs suffering in hell literally eternal? Is joy in
heaven literally eternalheaven literally eternal??

30. 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
God, in his awesomeness is fully love and fullyGod, in his awesomeness is fully love and fully
justjust

31. 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

32. 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