The Problem of Evil

Suffering is inevitable; no one escapes it. Moreover, it often seems pointless. So, in a class where we try to reason well about universal human experiences of deep importance, perhaps no topic fits the bill more than suffering. What then ought we to think about it?

Here’s one thing people have thought about suffering: the amount and intensity of the suffering in the world is reason to think that God does not exist. There are natural disasters, there is war, and there is sickness. Surely if God existed, some have thought, he would prevent such suffering. For students who are grappling with their faith, this can be a major stumbling block and so is worth thinking about carefully. Fortunately, there is a long intellectual tradition of reflection on just this question, and, for this week, students will have the opportunity to engage it.

Text: “Divine Omnipotence,” C.S. Lewis

Suggested reading: “What Do You Say to the Sufferer?” David Brooks, New York Times Op-ed