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Your Question:
Why does God allow such suffering?
Answer:
As a pastor, I've had my fair share of conversations with people who struggle with the question of why God allows suffering. It's a question that has puzzled philosophers and theologians for centuries. One perspective is that God's perfect goodness doesn't preclude him from permitting suffering, even if it seems gratuitous. This is because we can't fully grasp the complexities of God's plan, and every event that occurs sends a ripple effect through history. I recall a conversation with a friend who was struggling with the concept of suffering. He said, "If God is all-powerful and all-knowing, why does he allow suffering?" I replied that it's not for us to say that God has no good reason for permitting suffering. We can't see the bigger picture, and God's reasons might not emerge until centuries later. Only an all-knowing God could grasp the complexities of directing a world of free people toward his envisioned goals. As a Christian, I believe that God uses suffering for our good. He doesn't cause suffering, but he is gracious and loving enough to make it count. I think of the example of Christ, who suffered and died on the cross for our redemption. His willingness to suffer and die is a testament to his great love for us. While I still can't fully understand why God permits suffering, I'm reminded of the words of Scripture: "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" (Romans 8:28).
Sources:
warranted christian belief
alvin plantinga
why does god allow evil
clay jones
depression
edward welch
on guard
william lane craig
confronting christianity
rebecca mclaughlin
raising passionate jesus followers
phil diane comer
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