Welcome to part two of our deep dive into the pressing question of why a good God allows so much suffering. Pastor Scott Hand tackles this complex issue by offering a thoughtful and rational explanation that aims to reconcile the existence of evil with the goodness and omnipotence of God. This episode builds on the various theodicies discussed in the previous episode, exploring them in greater depth while introducing the creation order theodicy as a compelling answer.

In this episode, Pastor Scott revisits well-known theodicies, such as those by Thomas Aquinas and St. Augustine, pointing out their strengths and limitations. He then presents the creation order theodicy, developed by Dr. Bruce Little, which suggests that God created the universe with an inherent order, including moral freedoms for mankind. This theodicy explains that the potential for evil and suffering stems from humanity's ability to make choices, both good and bad, and upholds God's respect for the order and rules He established. Pastor Scott provides numerous scriptural insights and practical advice to help both believers and non-believers navigate the challenging realities of a world filled with suffering.

Key Takeaways:

Libertarian Freedom: Mankind's ability to choose, including moral freedom, is key to understanding the presence of evil.

Creation Order Theodicy: This view proposes that God created the world with a structured order, wherein human choices have real consequences.

Biblical Support: Scriptures like Romans 8:28 and 2 Corinthians 12:7 provide hope and context for understanding suffering.

Practical Advice for Conversations: Tips on how to empathetically discuss the problem of evil with non-believers, emphasizing the importance of listening and providing hope through the gospel.

Consequences and God’s Sovereignty: A discussion on how God respects the laws He set up and allows the consequences of our choices to be real, highlighting His sovereignty.

Notable Quotes:

"The choice to not love is what creates the choice to love." - Pastor Scott Hand

"If a thing is free to be good, it must also be free to be bad." - Pastor Scott Hand quoting C.S. Lewis

"God respects the rules and the laws that He set up for His creation." - Pastor Scott Hand

"The greatest hope for a suffering world is the gospel, the love and the promises in the scripture that come through faith in Jesus Christ." - Pastor Scott Hand

"To abandon God means none of this is true for you. To neglect Him, to abandon Him, means you're in this alone." - Pastor Scott Hand

Resources:

Professor Bruce Little: Author influential in developing the creation order theodicy.

Book Recommendation: Reason for God by Timothy Keller

Book Recommendation: Joy in the Sorrow by Matt Chandler

For those wrestling with the question of why a good God allows suffering, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. Listen to the full episode to deepen your understanding and prepare yourself for meaningful conversations on this challenging topic.

Stay tuned for more episodes that continue to explore the intersections of faith and culture!