Problem of Evil

[Zman084]

Hi,

I have an ex-Catholic friend who doesn’t believe that God is a personal, loving God. He experienced many personal tragedies in his life, including Diabetes, the death of his parents, estrangement from his siblings, and other difficulties. He doesn’t believe that a loving God would allow him to suffer like that. How do I respond to him?

Zach

 

[ncgolf]

Hi,

I have an ex-Catholic friend who doesn’t believe that God is a personal, loving God. He experienced many personal tragedies in his life, including Diabetes, the death of his parents, estrangement from his siblings, and other difficulties. He doesn’t believe that a loving God would allow him to suffer like that. How do I respond to him?

Zach

You need to first understand more about the nature of evil. Try reading this from Peter Kreeft’s website: peterkreeft.com/topics/evil.htm. It is a good intro and give you some ideas.

 

[WestonGrant]

Great book. People just don’t understand suffering. But maybe you can point out a parallel he will understand. People go to the gym and suffer just to get stronger, right? Your muscles actually tear a bit and your body brings them back stronger, building more and all.

The same is true with the mind. Any way you slice it, studying is suffering (at least it is for me). But we get smarter by it.

Same is true spiritually and emotionally.

No, not all suffering is from God, but what *we do *with the suffering determines the meaning of the suffering more than anything.

If it makes us mean and ornery, then it was bad. If we become kinder and more caring, then it was for good.

This is also good for the mind…gives a sense of control and purpose. We can’t always control what comes our way, but we sure can do a lot about our reaction to it!

 

[blessedtoo]

The Book of Job is a wonderful response to the question of suffering.

 

[thistle]

Hi,

I have an ex-Catholic friend who doesn’t believe that God is a personal, loving God. He experienced many personal tragedies in his life, including Diabetes, the death of his parents, estrangement from his siblings, and other difficulties. He doesn’t believe that a loving God would allow him to suffer like that. How do I respond to him?

Zach

Your comments seem to be more on suffering than evil.
I would recommend the following books:

• Making Sense Out Of Suffering by Peter Kreeft
• Arise From Darkness by Father Benedict Groeschel
• The Pain Of Being Human by Eugene Kennedy

If you want one on evil then try this one:

• Why Does God Permit Evil by Dom Bruno Webb