Definition of Theodicy: God and Suffering
30 November 2009
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Definition and Meaning:
- ‘Theos’ (Gr.) – God
- ‘dike’ (Gr.) – Justice
The literal meaning of ‘Theodicy’ is justifying God or justification of God. Theodicy is the branch of thoelogy which deals with problem of Evil in the world. It explains
- the reasons for presence of evil.
- Why does perfectly good, all-powerful God allows/permits evil?
When it comes to good and evil, there are five possibilities that can exist.
- Good is real, Evil is illusory. It says that cure of evil is essentially just thinking it away. (Christian Science)
- Evil is real, Good is illusory. (Pessimistic world view)
- Difference between Good and Evil is illusory. (Eastern mystical system such as Hinduism)
- Eternal co-existence of Good and Evil. (Chinese Yin and Yang philosophy)
- Only Good is eternally real, Evil is present reality within created universe. (Christian world-view) Christian worldview says that God is good and all powerful. Bible does not deny the presence of evil. Book of Job in Bible deals with the problem of evil. Book of Habakkuk also deals with questioning God about the ever increasing evil. (Hab 1:1-4)
Q. What are the arguments against God in relation with evil and suffering?
- If God is good, evil cannot exist, but evil is the fact of life, therefore God does not exist.
- If God is all good and all powerful, then God should prevent evil. but evil still exists. Therefore, God is either not all good or not all powerful, but both cannot be true.
Q. Are these arguments really against God?
- When one speak of evil, what is inferred? Who gives the standard of good and evil? What is just and unjust? Without universal, divine standard, we call it ‘law’, how can we answer the question of evil?
Q. Can God use evil to do good?
- Joseph in old testament is a great example of God using evil for the greater good (Genesis 50:20).
- Jesus’ death on the cross is ultimate example of God using evil for the greatest good for the mankind.
- God has offered a final triumph over evil and suffering of this world through death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
More Bible Study Lessons:
- Persecuted for Righteousness: Beatitudes Bible Study – Part 8 of 8
- What does Bible say about Atheism?
- Discover God’s Will – Practical Preparation
- Feeding the 5000 | Bible Study
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I think that God respects the free will he gave everyone. The free will to choose to believe and follow him or to not follow him. I do not think that he forces his presence on any of his children, which give people the choice to be good or evil. There are so many demons in this world that if you do not follow God and actively search for his help to fight these demons; evil can easily overtake people.
I dont think God prevents evil because he does not force people to be good and follow him. He calls on Christians, those that already actively believe in him, to build his kingdom by spreading their faith to others so Christians can take people out of evil and bring them to good.
There are demons in this world that people choose to follow and thats why as Christians we need to reach out to these people to show them the truth about God and the ultimate love he can instill in your life.
I believe God also uses the evil in this world to do good as was said above. I do not think he would ever inflict evil on any of his children, but I think those that choose do not follow God are more susceptible and are at the mercy of evil and the demons that exist all around us.
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