Why Do Bad Things Happen to You and Me?

The Classical Theodicy and Prosperity Gospel

The classical theodicy, as debated in the biblical story of Job, suggests that human suffering directly correlates with one's sinfulness in the eyes of God. This perspective is echoed in the Prosperity Gospel, which posits that lack of health, wealth, and prosperity signifies unconfessed sin. This premise can be formalized in conditional logic: "If a person is righteous and God is all-powerful, just, and good, then the person will not suffer." However, this logic is flawed as it leads to the conclusion that if a person suffers, they must deserve it, which contradicts the observable reality of virtuous individuals experiencing hardship.

Alternative Theodicies: Decree and Randomness

Another theodicy suggests that God ordains all events, including evil, for reasons beyond human understanding, possibly for His glorification or as part of a divine amusement. This view raises ethical concerns about worshipping a deity who would willfully inflict suffering. Critics argue this perspective mistakenly attributes evil actions to a benevolent God, potentially confusing His nature with that of malevolent forces (Matthew 12:22-32).

Other explanations include:

• Random Universe: This theory posits that events occur without reason, which fails to account for consistent acts of goodness.
• Absence of Good: Here, evil is seen merely as the lack of good, but this does not explain the deliberate malevolence of acts like terrorism.
• Illusion of Evil: Some philosophies argue that what is perceived as evil is merely a misunderstanding by limited human intellects, a view that offers little comfort to those suffering from severe afflictions like cancer.
• Process Theology: This suggests that God struggles to manage His creation, implying that divine omnipotence is limited, which contradicts traditional attributes of an all-knowing God.

The Role of Satan and Free Will

A more nuanced explanation acknowledges the role of Satan and the concept of free will. God created angels and humans with the ability to choose or reject divine will. Within this framework, God allows the consequences of these choices to manifest, affirming the reality of free will. Satan, as a rebel against God, becomes a principal agent of evil, influencing the world and contributing to its fallen state.

The Great Cosmic War

We are participants in a cosmic conflict between spiritual forces of good and evil. This war operates under divine "Rules of Engagement" that limit the extent of harm Satan can inflict, similar to the constraints seen in the biblical account of Job. Prayer is highlighted as a crucial weapon for humans, its effectiveness shrouded in mystery but essential in the spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12).

Theological Implications of Free Will and Divine Goodness

The existence of free will and the presence of evil are not indicators of God's impotence or malevolence but are reflective of a complex creation where free agents play a significant role. The eventual victory over evil was secured through the atonement of Jesus Christ, marking the beginning of the restoration of creation to its intended goodness.

In conclusion, the presence of evil and suffering in the world is a multifaceted issue that cannot be explained by simplistic theological models. Instead, it involves an intricate interplay of divine justice, free will, and cosmic spiritual warfare, with the ultimate hope rooted in the redemptive work of Christ.