What does Christianity teach about evil and suffering?
Evil and suffering could make Christians question God's omnipotence The all-powerful, almighty and unlimited nature of God., omnibenevolenceAll-loving and infinitely good – a characteristic often attributed to God., or his omniscienceThe all-knowing nature of God.. They might ask the following questions.
- If God was all-powerful, wouldn't he stop natural disasters?
- If God was all-loving, wouldn't he stop suffering?
- If God was all-knowing, wouldn't he know that people were going to do something evil and stop them?
Christians may give one or more of the following answers.
- God has given people free willThe ability to make choices (particularly moral choices) voluntarily and independently. The belief that nothing is predetermined.. He has shown people how they should obey the Ten CommandmentsThe list of rules, revealed by God to Moses, found in the Old Testament books of Exodus and Deuteronomy. The Bible refers to them simply as ‘sayings’ or ‘statements’. Also known as the Ten Sayings or the Decalogue. and follow Jesus' life and teaching. It is then up to human beings to decide whether or not to follow God's instructions.
- God has a plan for people's lives that they may not always understand. This may include evil and suffering but Christians should trust and have faith in God's plan.
- God wants people to follow the example of Jesus and help those who are suffering. God must have a reason for allowing evil and suffering but the reason is beyond human understanding.
- Christians also pray for those who suffer and try to help them.
- Evil and suffering in this life is a preparation for HeavenA place, or a state of mind, associated with God and the afterlife.. Evil and suffering give people a chance to become better people and improve their souls. Christianity teaches that God will reward them in Heaven.