The Formal Problem

The logical argument closely associated with theodicy is most commonly seen as follows:

                                 If God is all-powerful and all-good, then not only would He want to get rid of all the pain and evil in the world, but it would be within His                                             power to get rid of all the evil and pain in the world. 

                                Since there is pain and evil in the world, either God is not good, God is not 
                                all-powerful or God does not exist.

This logic puts Christianity seemingly in a quagmire. We believe that God is all-powerful and all-good, and yet there is great pain and suffering and evil that goes on everyday in the world. We cannot say that He is not good or then He would not be trustworthy. We cannot say He is not all-powerful, because then by definition He would not be God. And we most certainly will not concede that God does not exist. So what can we say?

We look at the evidence. Or in this case, the prepositions. Christianity is in accord with the first two prepositions - God is all-powerful. God is good. Christianity is also agreeable with the idea that God wants to get rid of all the pain and evil in the world, indeed Christians believe that day will come. But with these prepositions comes something interesting.

There are hidden, unstated presuppositions in the argument above. It insinuates that not only is God at fault for the pain and evil in the world, but that we rightfully know what is good, for evidently it is not.

It is here, within these unspoken insinuations that Christianity finds fault with the argument. We ourselves, though we can label that which is right and wrong in a limited sense, cannot know metaphysically what is best in this or that circumstances: like a child who wants something inherently dangerous or addicting. Nor can we say that God is at fault for the pain and evil for it was God who placed us in this world with a choice. A choice to choose Him (by doing that which is good) or by disobeying Him (and in here enters pain and evil). 

So what do we do about this pain and evil? If we can only blame ourselves, that does not relieve or relinquish the pain. This is a decision you yourselves individually will have to make. No one can make it for you, and although I can offer advice, this decision has to be your own.

Love. Love is the answer. Do not get swallowed up by self-pity or rile in anger. The pain will not go away, but that does not have to put a damper on you. Turning to God is the only relief I have ever found. Not because of ignorance or a suspension of  logic, but because I have a personal relationship with Him and I Know Him as one I can rely on. One who is trustworthy. The Bible says if you seek after Him, you will find Him. Find Him, get to know Him. Trust in Him and although He does not promise to take the pain away, He does promise to get you through it.

Jared Williams