40 Questions About Suffering and Evil

40 Questions

by Greg Welty

Both inside and outside the Christian faith, many difficult realities trouble human hearts and minds. By being equipped to answer questions about suffering and evil, Christians can persevere in faith, share their faith, and defend the faith when confronted with these inevitable challenges of living in a fallen world. In 40 Questions About Suffering and Evil, Greg Welty shows the necessity of exploring our vocabulary around evil and suffering so we can clearly see and express the best questions. Welty explores vital ideas, backgrounds, and issues, answering questions like - What is the difference between moral Evil and natural Evil? - What is the Bible's role in helping us understand suffering and evil? - Does God will all suffering and evil? - How is the gospel relevant to counseling those who suffer? Welty provides biblically informed intellectual resources for answering significant questions about suffering and evil, exposing readers to a wide range of influential views articulated by Christians over the past two millennia.

507 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2024

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greg Welty’s 40 Questions About Suffering and Evil offers a comprehensive and thoughtfully structured exploration of the challenging issues surrounding suffering and evil from a Christian perspective. As part of the 40 Questions series, the book addresses complex theological topics in an accessible question-and-answer format. Welty, a professor of philosophy, effectively navigates both common and intricate questions, providing responses that are clear, biblically grounded, and accessible to both lay readers and scholars.

Welty begins by framing the significance of addressing suffering and evil within the Christian faith. These questions, he explains, are not just academic; they are deeply personal and pastoral, shaping how individuals perceive their faith and experience God's presence in times of suffering. The introduction establishes the book’s goal to equip readers with a robust theological framework, helping them face these challenges with confidence and hope.

Part 1: The Nature and Reality of Suffering and Evil

Question 1: What Is Evil?
Welty defines evil, exploring its nature as both a moral and a metaphysical problem. He clarifies that evil is not a substance but a corruption or privation of good, setting the foundation for further discussions.

Question 2: What Is the Difference Between Moral and Natural Evil?
This question distinguishes between moral evil (actions done by free agents that cause harm) and natural evil (harmful events not directly caused by human actions, such as natural disasters). Understanding this distinction is crucial for grappling with the problem of evil.

Question 3: Why Does God Allow Moral Evil?
Welty explores the role of free will in God’s creation, discussing the idea that allowing moral evil is necessary for genuine human freedom, which is a greater good that God values.

Question 4: Why Does God Allow Natural Evil?
Welty considers the reasons God might allow natural evil, suggesting that natural disasters and diseases can serve purposes within God’s broader redemptive plan, even if those purposes are not always apparent to us.

Question 5: Is Suffering and Evil the Result of Sin?
Welty discusses the biblical perspective that suffering and evil entered the world as a result of sin, particularly the original sin of Adam and Eve. This understanding shapes Christian responses to suffering.

Question 6: What Is the Biblical Response to Suffering?
Welty reviews key biblical texts that address suffering, offering a theological framework for understanding how God works through suffering to accomplish His purposes and how believers should respond.

Question 7: How Do Other Religions Address the Problem of Evil?
Welty compares the Christian approach to suffering and evil with that of other religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, highlighting the unique aspects of the Christian worldview.

Question 8: Is Evil Necessary for Free Will?
Welty explores the argument that evil is a necessary condition for genuine free will, discussing whether free will could exist in a world without the possibility of evil.

Question 9: Can God’s Existence Be Reconciled with the Reality of Evil?
Welty delves into the philosophical problem of reconciling belief in an all-powerful, all-good God with the existence of evil, offering insights into how this challenge has been addressed by Christian thinkers throughout history.

Part 2: Theological Responses to Suffering and Evil

Question 10: What Is Theodicy?
Welty introduces the concept of theodicy, which seeks to defend God’s goodness and omnipotence in the face of evil, outlining various theodicies proposed by theologians and philosophers.

Question 11: What Is God’s Sovereignty?
Welty discusses the doctrine of God’s sovereignty, emphasizing that God is in control of all things, including suffering and evil, and explores how this belief provides comfort and assurance to believers.

Question 12: Does God Ordain Evil?
Welty tackles the difficult question of whether God ordains evil, exploring different theological perspectives on how God can be sovereign over all things without being the author of evil.

Question 13: What Is Free Will?
Welty provides a thorough examination of the concept of free will, discussing how it interacts with God’s sovereignty and the existence of evil.

Question 14: Does Free Will Justify the Existence of Evil?
Welty explores whether the existence of free will provides a sufficient justification for the existence of evil, weighing the moral and philosophical implications.

Question 15: What Is the Greater Good Defense?
Welty introduces the greater good defense, which argues that God allows evil because it ultimately serves a greater purpose or leads to a greater good that outweighs the evil.

Question 16: What Is the Soul-Making Theodicy?
Welty examines the soul-making theodicy, which suggests that suffering and evil are necessary for spiritual growth and character development, helping to shape believers into the image of Christ.

Question 17: What Is the Eschatological Theodicy?
Welty discusses the eschatological theodicy, which looks forward to the final resolution of suffering and evil in the world to come, where God will make all things new and just.

Question 18: Does Suffering and Evil Have a Purpose?
Welty considers whether suffering and evil serve a purpose in God’s plan, offering examples from Scripture and history where suffering has led to greater goods.

Question 19: What Are the Limits of Theodicy?
Welty addresses the limitations of theodicy, acknowledging that while theodicies can offer comfort and understanding, they cannot fully explain or justify all instances of suffering and evil.

Part 3: Practical and Pastoral Responses to Suffering

Question 20: How Should Christians Respond to Personal Suffering?
Welty offers practical advice on how Christians should respond to their own suffering, emphasizing the importance of trust in God, prayer, and community support.

Question 21: How Should Christians Respond to the Suffering of Others?
Welty discusses the pastoral responsibilities of Christians when responding to the suffering of others, highlighting the need for compassion, empathy, and practical help.

Question 22: What Is the Role of Prayer in Suffering?
Welty explores the role of prayer in times of suffering, discussing how prayer can provide comfort, strength, and a sense of God’s presence even in the darkest times.

Question 23: What Is the Role of Lament in Suffering?
Welty examines the biblical practice of lament, showing how it provides a way for believers to express their grief and anger to God while still holding on to faith.

Question 24: How Can Suffering Lead to Spiritual Growth?
Welty discusses how suffering can be a catalyst for spiritual growth, encouraging believers to deepen their faith and reliance on God during difficult times.

Question 25: How Should the Church Address Suffering?
Welty provides guidance on how the church can be a source of support and healing for those who are suffering, emphasizing the importance of community and pastoral care.

Question 26: What Are the Challenges of Suffering for Faith?
Welty addresses the challenges that suffering can pose to faith, discussing how doubt and despair can arise but also how these challenges can be met with hope and resilience.

Question 27: How Can Christians Find Hope in Suffering?
Welty offers insights into how Christians can find hope in the midst of suffering, drawing on the promises of Scripture and the example of Christ’s own suffering.

Question 28: How Does the Cross of Christ Relate to Suffering?
Welty explores the significance of the cross in understanding suffering, showing how Christ’s own suffering provides both a model and a means of redemption for believers.

Part 4: Suffering and Evil in Christian Apologetics

Question 29: How Should Christians Respond to the Problem of Evil?
Welty provides strategies for Christians to engage with the problem of evil in discussions with skeptics, emphasizing the importance of a compassionate and reasoned response.

Question 30: What Are the Common Objections to Christian Theodicy?
Welty reviews common objections to Christian theodicy, offering counterarguments and insights into how these challenges can be addressed.

Question 31: How Can Christians Defend God’s Goodness in the Face of Suffering?
Welty discusses how Christians can defend the goodness of God when confronted with the reality of suffering, focusing on the importance of understanding God’s character and purposes.

Question 32: What Is the Role of Apologetics in Suffering?
Welty examines the role of apologetics in addressing suffering, suggesting that defending the faith is not just about intellectual arguments but also about bearing witness to God’s goodness and love.

Question 33: How Can Christians Comfort Those Who Doubt Because of Suffering?
Welty provides practical advice for comforting those who struggle with doubt because of suffering, emphasizing the importance of listening, empathy, and sharing the hope of the gospel.

Question 34: How Can Christians Engage with Secular Responses to Suffering?
Welty explores how Christians can engage with secular perspectives on suffering, offering insights into how the Christian worldview provides a more satisfying and hopeful answer to the problem of evil.

Question 35: How Should Christians Address the Question of Unanswered Prayer?
Welty discusses the difficult issue of unanswered prayer, offering theological perspectives that help to reconcile the reality of unanswered prayers with faith in a loving and sovereign God.

Question 36: How Can Christians Respond to the Suffering of Innocents?
Welty addresses the particularly challenging question of the suffering of innocents, such as children, and offers insights into how this can be understood within the broader context of God’s redemptive plan.

Question 37: What Is the Role of Suffering in Evangelism?
Welty explores the role of suffering in evangelism, discussing how the Christian message can provide hope and meaning to those who are suffering and how believers can witness to God’s goodness in their own times of trial.

Question 38: How Can Christians Prepare for Their Own Suffering?
Welty provides guidance on how Christians can prepare themselves spiritually and emotionally for suffering, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a strong faith and a close relationship with God.

Question 39: How Can Christians Help Others Prepare for Suffering?
Welty discusses the role of the church and Christian community in helping others prepare for suffering, offering practical advice on discipleship, pastoral care, and building resilience.

Question 40: How Does the Hope of Resurrection Relate to Suffering?
In the final question, Welty ties the hope of the resurrection to the problem of suffering, showing how the promise of eternal life and the renewal of all things provides the ultimate answer to the problem of suffering and evil.

Conclusion: Moving Forward with Faith

In his conclusion, Welty encourages readers to hold fast to their faith, even in the face of suffering and evil. While answers to these questions can provide comfort and clarity, he reminds readers that the ultimate hope for Christians lies in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who has overcome evil and suffering through His death and resurrection. The emphasis is on the idea that our hope is rooted not in fully understanding the mysteries of suffering, but in the God who has promised to bring healing and restoration.

Who Should Read This Book:

Laypeople: Those looking for a clear, accessible, and biblically informed exploration of suffering and evil.

Pastors and Church Leaders: As a resource for addressing the questions and concerns of their congregations regarding suffering.

Students and Scholars: For a comprehensive overview of the theological and philosophical discussions surrounding suffering and evil.

Should You Purchase It?

Yes, 40 Questions About Suffering and Evil is highly recommended for anyone grappling with the difficult questions of why suffering and evil exist in a world governed by a good and sovereign God. Welty’s thoughtful and compassionate approach makes this book both informative and comforting, offering a solid foundation for those seeking to understand and respond to suffering from a Christian perspective.

Review Disclosure: I received this book free from Kregel. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive

[Brian Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book in its entirety. As a pastor and a PhD student in the philosophy of religion who has read many works on the problem of evil, I can affirm that this is one of the best treatments. Why? Because it is written by someone who seeks to use much of the relevant biblical material in a way that is philosophically informed and pastorally sensitive. Having read the book, I can say that the statements made in the various endorsements are accurate.

Unlike many books on the problem of evil, this one begins with the Bible. Several of the 40 Questiosns deal with the Bible's descriptions of natural and moral evil. More than that, several Questions deal wtih how the Bible describes God's relationship to these evils. Particularly important is the chapter (Question 14) on dual-agency: at several points in Scripture we are told that both a human agent and the divine agent, God, did a certain action. (Example: Saul's death as described in 1 Chronicles 10. Saul killed himself and God put him to death.)

Welty demonstrates from three key narratives regarding evil, the Joseph story, Job, and Jesus' crucifixion, that God has good purposes (whereas Joseph's brothers, Satan, Judas, the Sanhedrin, Pontius Pilate, Roman soldiers did not have good intentions), that God is able to work all things for good ends (he obtains good ends not obtainable apart from evil), and that God's ways are inscrutable to us--unless he reveals what he has done to us. These three points come up several times in the book. They show us that God is good, he is powerful, and he is wise. They also show us that much of the time we do not know why evil occurs, a fact that should keep us humble.

Welty then turns to the more typical approaches found in Christian books on the problem of evil. He considers several theodicies, critiquing them for their positive insights and their limitations. And then he spends a dozen chapters on the personal elements of suffering. He wisely advises those who suffer--and those who counsel and comfort the suffering--to meditate on God's attributes, to make use of Christian community, and to reflect on the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The writing of this book is clear, such that those who aren't familiar with the philosophical material can understand it. Welty is very charitable to those who hold various positions that are not his own. A dismissive review on Amazon states that this is a work of Calvinism. (It is not clear whether that reviewer bothered to read the book.) Welty briefly considers four models of providence: Calvinism, Molinism, Arminianism, and Open Theism. He says that Arminianism and Open Theism "seem to be in considerable tension with the biblical data surveyed" earlier in the book (p. 126). He says that Calvinism and Molinism are, in his view, viable options. Clearly, he favors the former view, but unlike many books that touch on controversial issues, Welty is respectful of other views.

[Karoline Kilkenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this in a book study through the summer and then missed the last week and just hadn’t finished it by myself. Very well written and fun to discuss.

My favorite quote, “One of the major causes of devastating grief and confusion among Christians is that our expectations are false. We do not give the subject of evil and suffering the thought it deserves until we ourselves are confronted with tragedy. If by that point our beliefs-not well thought out, but deeply ingrained-are largely out of step with the God, who has disclosed himself in the Bible and supremely in Jesus, then the pain from the personal tragedy may be multiplied many times over as we begin to question the foundations of our faith.”

[Judson Kirkpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greg Welty does not disappoint. He faces the hard questions, responds to them clearly, and fairly represents opposing views. His accessible writing, reverence for Scripture, and sharp logical analysis make him uniquely helpful on apologetics issues.

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book on suffering and the problem of evil for people at your church.

However, there are better books for people that are currently going through difficult suffering.

B. Grizenko