How can there be a good, loving and all-powerful God that allows severe, dehumanizing suffering to occur?
It seems to me that no system of thought has a response to 'The problem of suffering' that is
both complete and satisfying.
Atheism's answer in a nutshell says, "Suffering happens because the world has no purpose."
Eastern religions who subscribe to Karma and reincarnation say, "Suffering happens because you deserve what is happening to you from a previous life."
Both of these answers could be said to be 'complete'... but are certainly unsatisfying for those struggling with suffering. There is nowhere further to go with either of these worldviews for those who are actually in the place of dealing with profound trauma or pain There is little basis on which to hope for redemption or restoration.
The Christian Gospel does not give us a complete answer, but it does give an answer for which there is hope for those in pain. It gives us what I believe to be the most secure foundation for hope, one which is based on the truth of the cross of Jesus. The cross of Jesus does not tell us what the answer is, but it does tell us what the answer isn't.
The Cross tells us the answer isn't that 'God doesn't care'.
The Cross tells us the answer isn't that 'God is distant'.
The Cross tells us the answers isn't that 'God is doing nothing to redeem His world.'
There is SO much more to say, and with that in mind I want to recommend to you today the two best sermons I've heard on the Christian response to pain and suffering.
1. HOPE: WHEN LIFE HURTS MOST
2. TRUTH, TEARS, ANGER AND GRACE | New York, 16th Sept 2001
More brilliance from Dr. Tim Keller in unprecedented circumstances. This is the sermon Tim gave to his Church in Manhattan just 5 days after the September 11th attacks in 2001. Before I listened to the sermon I tried to work out where I would even start on a sermon like this if in the same position... surely trying to speak any truth, any words, any doctrine, is going to come across as trite?
Not so. This sermon was one that really expanded my vision of how big the gospel is, and the huge promises that Christians can claim in the momentary troubles of this world. It is intelligent and explanatory without lacking compassion and empathy. A tough call delivered exceptionally well, and there is so much here for anyone in any circumstance of suffering.
You can download the MP3 (for FREE) from the redeemer.com website (link below). This is the whole service of hope - the sermon reading starts around 29:06.
