In this third session of Christianity and the Problem of Evil, we turn from philosophical objections and theoretical explanations to the way the Church has historically responded to suffering and evil. Drawing from Scripture, the Early Church, and the Christian tradition, this discussion explores an important distinction: the difference between theoretical answers given in times of reflection and pastoral answers offered in moments of pain.
We begin by examining how the Apostles addressed the reality of evil when speaking to those outside the faith, particularly Paul’s sermon at Mars Hill in Acts 17. Rather than attempting to answer every objection, Paul focuses on the goodness of God, the reality of judgment, and our hope found in Jesus Christ.
From there, we consider how Christians have wrestled with suffering within the life of the Church. While various theological explanations may help illuminate why God permits evil, the pastoral question is often different. Instead of asking Why did this happen?, Christians have instead asked, What will God do with it? and Where is God in it?
Ultimately, we are led to the foot of the cross. The Christian answer to suffering is not merely a theory but the conviction that God has entered into human suffering in the person of Jesus Christ, bearing evil, death, and sorrow for the redemption of the world. The Christian hope, then, is not grounded merely in an intellectual explanation for suffering, but in the conviction that no suffering lies beyond the reach of God's redeeming love.