Why do bad things happen? This enduring question has puzzled humanity throughout history. At its core, it challenges our understanding of fairness and justice, especially when considering the impact of one's actions on the collective human experience. We often find ourselves pondering the injustice of suffering that seems to result from Adam's original sin. Is it fair that we all bear the consequences of his actions, actions we had no part in? Could we have chosen differently if we were in his place? These are the thoughts that can shake our faith and make us question the fairness of it all. In "Why Does God Allow Evil?" Clay Jones delves into one of the most profound questions that humanity has grappled with throughout history: the problem of evil.
To unravel this complex issue, we must revisit the beginning, the creation story in the Garden of Eden. In this perfect world, God granted Adam and Eve the freedom to enjoy everything it offered, with just one exception – they were not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. They could play, work, and experience the joy of life, except for that one restriction. However, they defied God's directive and ate from the forbidden tree, setting in motion a series of consequences. Pain in childbirth, struggles in farming, and difficulties in human relationships emerged as the outcome of their disobedience.
The notion of fairness arises when we realize that, in a sense, we are all tied to Adam's actions. This connection mirrors how innocent individuals can be embroiled in conflicts or wars due to circumstances beyond their control. Similarly, Adam and Eve's rebellion extended its impact to all of humanity, making us partakers in the consequences of their actions. In essence, if we bemoan the unfairness of sin entering the world through the actions of a single couple, we must also grapple with the seeming unfairness of Jesus' crucifixion for our sins.
Moreover, our very souls and consciousness trace their origins back to Adam and Eve through the process of reproduction. Since they chose to sin against God, we were born into a world marred by sin, unable to escape its clutches. This concept challenges the idea that anyone is truly good, as our lives are entangled with the consequences of their rebellion. Life has become fraught with challenges, and we have witnessed hardships ever since that fateful act in the garden.
Another facet of the problem of evil is the unequal distribution of suffering. It appears that good people often endure adversity while evil individuals enjoy prosperity. This incongruity between actions and outcomes calls for a closer examination of human nature. Humanity has been marred by violence, wars, genocide, and other atrocities. Even in the last century, we have witnessed countless instances of human cruelty and suffering.
Despite our belief in knowing good people, Jesus reminds us that no one is truly good, implying that we all share in the human condition of sinfulness. Without a change in our ways, we are all destined for the same fate as any other. The sins and violence in the world represent the actions that humans are capable of when separated from God. Acknowledging this reality leads us toward the path of redemption through Christ.
But what about those who have never heard of Jesus? If salvation is contingent on faith in Christ, what happens to those who are unaware of Him? It is crucial to dispel the misconception that Christianity is solely a religion associated with white males in the Western world. In reality, Christianity is a global faith, with adherents in various countries, including third-world nations. The gospel message has reached far and wide, despite the persecution it encounters in some regions.
The story of Jonah serves as a testament to God's capacity to use even unwilling individuals to convey His message. God's knowledge of the human heart allows Him to provide opportunities for those who would accept Him, often in unexpected ways. Thus, we must trust that God's providence extends to all, ensuring that those willing to repent will have the chance to hear the gospel.
Now, let us delve into the concept of hell. It remains a challenging notion to comprehend fully, prompting some to seek alternative explanations. However, it is essential to remember that our perspective is confined to our earthly existence. Hell may appear differently to beings like Satan and demons, who have existed for countless eons. The gravity of sin and rebellion against God cannot be underestimated. While our finite understanding may struggle to reconcile eternal suffering with God's justice, we must acknowledge the severity of sin's consequences. The question arises: Why did God grant us free will, knowing that it could lead to evil and suffering? The answer lies in the intrinsic value of free will. It distinguishes us from mere automatons following a predetermined plan. It allows us to make choices, to determine our actions, and to possess moral agency. In countless science fiction narratives, robots lacking free will are portrayed as lacking the essence of humanity, while characters with free will are celebrated as heroes.
God's intention was to create beings capable of choosing to follow Him out of love, rather than mere robotic obedience. This gift of free will, though fraught with potential for misuse, enables us to engage in genuine relationships with God and one another. It is a reflection of God's desire for authentic, loving connections with His creation.
But can God bestow free will without permitting the existence of evil? This question represents a profound theological dilemma. We, as finite individuals, cannot grasp God's divine plan. While we may ponder alternative scenarios, we ultimately lack the divine wisdom to propose a superior solution. Our understanding is limited, and God's purposes extend far beyond our comprehension.
So, what purpose does earthly suffering serve on our journey towards the eternal kingdom? Early Christians faced relentless persecution, driven by their unwavering belief in the promise of a glorious resurrection through Jesus. They understood that resisting evil and enduring suffering were integral parts of their preparation to reign with Christ.
The problem of evil poses a formidable challenge to Christianity, as it raises fundamental questions about the nature of suffering, justice, and redemption. However, Jones reminds readers that sin finds its ultimate defeat through the boundless grace of Christ, and heaven ultimately solves the problem of evil. It emerges as the supreme solution to the suffering of this world, both in terms of quantity and quality of experiences. The suffering endured on Earth becomes an integral part of our journey towards the eternal kingdom, where we will reign alongside Christ, our Redeemer. This is probably not the answer or solution many want or like, which is fair. But then this begs the question: What better purpose and believable solution is available for the problem of evil and suffering?....When you think long and hard about it, the option Christianity offers does not seem so crazy after all.