Why Do People Suffer?

Why Do People Suffer?
Key Question:
How can a good God allow evil?
Key Thought:
Theodicy - God under judgment.
Four ways that religion deceives people about God: Pantheism, Dualism, Naturalism, Deism

God and Evil

The Nature of Evil
Argument: God is the author of everything. Evil is something;
therefore, God is the originator of evil. I cannot worship a God who is evil.

The Originator of Evil
Argument: A perfect God would not allow evil. Evil was committed; therefore, God is not perfect.

The Purpose of Evil
Argument: There is no good purpose for evil. There must be a purpose for everything; therefore, there cannot be a God.
Answer: What does pain do for us?
1. Pain keeps us from greater pain.
2. Pain can create a greater good.
3. Pain can be used to defeat evil – The Cross.

The Persistence of Evil
Argument: God can't be all powerful if He can't get rid of evil.