The Problem of Evil: Understanding God’s Goodness Amidst Suffering
Sheila Joine
RLGN 490: Research and Scholarly Capstone
September 22, 2025
Contents
How Could a Good God Allow So Much Evil, Pain, and Suffering?............................................1
Problem of Evil, Pain, and Suffering.........................................................................................1
Historical Perspectives........................................................................................................2
God’s nature and the existence of evil................................................................................3
Moral and Natural Evil.........................................................................................................4
Complexity of the issue...........................................................................................................5
Free Will..............................................................................................................................5
Responsibility For Sin..........................................................................................................6
Power to Choose Path.........................................................................................................7
The Mystery of God’s Plan to Defeat Evil.................................................................................7
Trust in Divine Wisdom.......................................................................................................8
Beyond Human Understanding...........................................................................................8
Greater Good..........................................................................................................................9
Biblical Suffering..................................................................................................................9
Coping with suffering........................................................................................................10
Conclusion............................................................................................................................11
Bibliography..........................................................................................................................12
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1
How Could a Good God Allow So Much Evil, Pain, and Suffering?
The question of how a good and omnipotent God can allow evil, pain, and suffering is a
significant challenge in contemporary theology, commonly referred to as the problem of evil.
The dilemma has perplexed theologians, philosophers, and believers for centuries. The
existence of suffering raises fundamental concerns about God’s character, human free will, and
the moral order. The biblical narrative addresses suffering through various stories, from Job’s
trials to Jesus Christ’s redemptive suffering, offering diverse theological insights into the nature
of pain in human existence.
This research examines various theological frameworks, including the free will defense,
which posits that God allows humans to choose their own paths, even if these choices lead to
pain. This defense suggests that a greater good may require the existence of evil. Scriptural
insights connect divine kindness with the reality of evil, helping Christians understand God’s
sovereignty and plan. Recent scholarship on natural evil, including disasters and diseases,
challenges traditional views of God, prompting a deeper examination of faith and comfort in the
face of suffering as it studies biblical and theological perspectives on a good God in a painful
world. A study of biblical narratives and contemporary theology demonstrates that, despite the
presence of evil and suffering, a benevolent God actively guides and redeems humanity,
providing believers with hope and insight in the face of adversity.
Problem of Evil, Pain, and Suffering
The problem of evil, pain, and suffering presents a significant challenge to understanding
the nature of God, as it contrasts the idea of a peaceful, omnipotent being with the reality of
widespread suffering in the world. Alvin Plantinga writes, “Many philosophers believe that the
existence of evil constitutes a difficulty for the theist, and many believe that the existence of evil
2
(or at least the amount and kinds of evil we actually find) makes belief in God unreasonable or
rationally unacceptable.”1 This struggle is often centered around religious arguments about
theodicy. Which states, “Perhaps evil is necessary, in some way, to the existence of good.”2
Theodicy is the branch of theology that attempts to justify God’s goodness in the face of evil.
An example of this theodicy can be found in James 1:2-4 King James Version, which
emphasizes the tremendous joy that may come from surviving hardships, “count it all joy,”3
implying that such obstacles eventually help to develop and improve one’s faith. This viewpoint
not only encourages believers to welcome problems but also to see them as a means of spiritual
growth and maturity. Similarly, the investigation of this issue aims to reconcile the seeming
conflicts between God’s goodness and omnipotence and the presence of evil in the world. Alvin
Plantinga states, “God creates a world containing evil and has a good reason for doing so.”4
Recognizing that obstacles may lead to deeper faith and knowledge, this reconciliation provides
believers with a framework for maintaining their belief in a loving and almighty God, even in the
face of suffering and injustice.
Historical Perspectives
This complex interplay between evil and faith not only drives theological study but also
has a profound impact on the psychological well-being of individuals navigating their beliefs in a
challenging world. As noted, “Historical viewpoints on this topic have had a considerable impact
on discussions in theology and philosophy, as seen by the works of early church fathers and
1 Alvin Plantinga, God, Freedom, and Evil (Chicago, Illinois: William. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 1989), 14,
ProQuest Ebrary.
2 Ibid., 15.
3 Scott J. Duvall and Daniel J. Hays, “James: True Faith Works.” In Baker Illustrated Bible Handbook (Baker
Publishing Group: 2011), ProQuest Ebrary.
4 Plantinga, God, Freedom, and Evil, 26.
3
subsequent thinkers who have wrestled with issues such as human suffering, divine justice, and
moral responsibility.”5 Aurelius Augustinus’ free will defense suggestion of the “best of all
possible worlds” has substantially influenced theological and philosophical debate. Saint
Augustine was known as one who, “blazed trails in the life of the heart, exploring the
relationship between a loving God and a shattered world.”6 Early church fathers wrestled with
issues of human suffering, divine justice, and moral obligation.
This complex interplay between evil and faith not only drives theological study but also
has a profound impact on the psychological well-being of individuals navigating their beliefs in a
challenging world. Augustine suggests that, “God in his foreknowledge had anticipated both
how evil man, whom he had created good, would become and what good, even so, he would
himself bring forth from man.”7 This perspective highlights that the link between evil and
religion has significantly influenced theological and philosophical arguments, particularly
through the works of Augustine and the early church fathers. Consequently, this relationship
shapes not only theological research and the psychological well-being of individuals as they
negotiate their beliefs.
God’s nature and the existence of evil
The Bible addresses the complex relationship between God's essence and the reality of
evil by exploring various forms of evil, both moral and natural. Moral evil is the outcome of
human activities such as sin and injustice, which “may be traced back to Genesis chapter 3, the
5 Michael Murray, “The Problem of Evil: A Historical Perspective.” Philosophy compass 9, no. 10 (2014),
703-713. http://doi.org/10.1111/phc3.1237.
6 Saint Augustine, and Hans Urs von Balthasar. The City of God: Selections and Introduction by Hans Urs
Von Balthasar (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2021), 63, ProQuest Ebook Central.
7 Ibid., 63.
4
story of the Fall.”8 In this tale, humanity's disobedience to God results in sin entering the world,
demonstrating how human actions may cause misery and pain. It has been observed by J. Hicks,
“Natural evil is the evil that originates independently of human actions: in disease bacilli,
earthquakes, storms, droughts, tornadoes.”9 These catastrophes are not the result of human
activities but rather part of a larger biblical picture of a fallen creation. This notion implies that
the entire universe, including people and nature, is damaged and in need of salvation. Mark
Allan Powell writes, “God rescues and delivers people out of a situation of opposition and peril,
placing them into a situation of recovered prosperity and well-being.”10 This belief aligns with
biblical teachings, particularly in Romans, which illustrates how the existence of sin has led to
creation’s ineffectiveness and emphasizes the urgent need for redemption.
Moral and Natural Evil
Regarding Romans 8:20-22, these passages emphasize creation's futility caused by sin
and the need for redemption. This verse shows that evil, whether moral or natural, is not
outside God's plan but part of the larger story of salvation. The Bible states, “But the Spirit itself
maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered,” (Romans 8:26). From this
perspective, God's kindness can be understood considering this brokenness, as He actively
works to restore and redeem creation. Therefore, distinguishing between moral and natural
evils helps address the question of God's goodness amid suffering. Recognizing that both types
of evil come from a flawed world and that creation longs for salvation can help one better
8 R. W. L Moberly, and Inc ebrary. The Theology of the Book of Genesis (Cambridge; Cambridge University
Press, 2009), https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/liberty/detail.action?docID=442878.
9 J. Hick, Evil and the God of Love (London: Palgrave Macmillan UK, 2010), 78. ProQuest Ebook Central
10 Mark Allan Powell, HarperCollins Bible Dictionary (New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2011), 1790,
ProQuest Ebook Central.
5
understand the complexities of faith during difficult times. This viewpoint offers hope and
purpose, knowing that God is ultimately guiding creation toward healing and wholeness.
Complexity of the issue.
The complexity originates from the interaction of divine sovereignty with human free
will; while God gives people the freedom to make decisions, even committing moral crimes, this
freedom can result in substantial suffering and injustice. Furthermore, the presence of natural
calamities complicates the story and raises questions about the nature of a morally ordered
world. Why do such disasters arise in a world constructed with a moral framework? Support of
this matter can be found in Romans 5:34: “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also:
knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.”
These questions challenge believers to reconcile their understanding of a benevolent God with
life's harsh realities. They also lead to a deeper theological exploration of the purpose of
suffering, the importance of free will for genuine love and moral growth, and the hope for a
future restoration of order and goodness in creation.
Free Will
The paradox of free will emphasizes the tension between the concept of a sovereign God
and the reality of moral responsibility and human agency. “Alvin Plantinga has argued that God,
having created humans with free will, would not preempt their freedom by determining them to
do only what is right all the time.”11 It pushes one to explore how to reconcile God's
omnipotence and wisdom with the existence of evil and human free choice. This debate impacts
one's perspective on morality, divine justice, and the nature of sin. God's command includes and
regulates everything, and He knows everything, as evidenced by several biblical scriptures.
11 Joseph B. Okello, Evil and Pain: A Critique of the Materialistic Account of Evil (Eugene: Wipf & Stock
Publishers, 2017), 125, ProQuest Ebook Central.
6
Proverbs 15:3, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the
good.” This highlights God’s awareness of evil and regulation of moral actions. Free will shows,
“an important part of salvation in having our rebellious minds and wills changed so that they
become compliant to the Word of God.”12 This idea underscores in theology that people have
the choice to select between right and wrong, rather than being coerced into doing wrong.
Thus, the choice to sin exists, making one morally responsible for that sin. The logical framework
of moral responsibility implies the ability to make judgments that are right or wrong.
Responsibility For Sin
God does not tempt; humans are accountable for their own choices. James 1:13-15
emphasizes that temptation does not come from God, who cannot be tempted by evil and
never tempts anyone. Individuals are tempted when they are deceived by their own wants.
These passages explain a progression of when these urges manifest as wicked behaviors, which
eventually lead to spiritual death. Joseph Okello writes, “As long as we still live in this fallen
world, pain and evil will still be a reality.”13 In short, it emphasizes the significance of identifying
the source of temptation and the consequences of giving in to it. As a result, the presumption is
that, while God is aware of human wrongdoing before it occurs, this knowledge does not
absolve humans of accountability. Rather, it asserts that people are accountable for their own
free decisions, and that God, as the last judge, will rightly assess them.
12 Goldsworthy, Graeme. According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible (Downers Grove, Ill: Inter
Varsity Press, 2002). https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/liberty/detail.action?docID=2007087.
13 Joseph B. Onyango. Okello, Evil and Pain: A Critique of the Materialistic Account of Evil (Eugene: Wipf &
Stock Publishers, 2017), 190, ProQuest Ebook Central.
7
Power to Choose Path
The link between God's sovereignty and human accountability in redemption is
complicated. Human responsibility is the concept that people have the capacity and obligation
to make decisions regarding their faith and relationship with God. This implies that humans are
not merely puppets in a divine plan; they have the power to choose their paths. According to
Cornelis P. Venema, “We prefer to believe that we have control over our fate and that our
decisions and deeds determine what occurs in our lives.”14 Although there are differing
perspectives on divine control and human choice, there is a common understanding of the
connection between God's will and human acts. The complex link between divine sovereignty
and human accountability emphasizes the idea that, while God orchestrates salvation, humans
can mold their answers to life's obstacles. The human accountability may pose the question of
how a good God could allow so much evil, pain, and suffering.
The Mystery of God’s Plan to Defeat Evil
The mystery of God’s plan often transcends human understanding, leaving believers
grappling with questions that may never be fully answered. As the Apostle Paul writes, “For my
thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8).
This passage underscores the belief that God’s wisdom operated on a plane far beyond human
comprehension. In times of uncertainty, maintaining faith and trust in divine wisdom becomes
essential. As theologian Cornelis P. Venema suggests, “Trusting in God’s plan entails a reliance
on His goodness, even when circumstances seem confusing or dire.”15 Such trust allows
14 Cornelis P. Venema, “What About Free Will?” Reconciling Our Choices with God’s Sovereignty,”
MidAmerican Journal of Theology 27 (January 2016), 186-190.
https://www.midamerica.edu/uploads/files/pdf/journal/01_venema_journal2016.
15 Cornelis P. Venema, God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility (Chicago: Gaith Publishing, 2020), 27.
8
believers to find hope amid adversity, confidently facing life’s challenges while resting in the
assurance of God’s perfect will.
Trust in Divine Wisdom
Christian theology teaches that God is inherently sovereign and actively intervenes in
history. The Bible states, “The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom
rules over all” (Psalm 103:19). This view affirms that God is all-powerful, omniscient, and
actively involved in human affairs to oppose evil. As supported by Psalm 147:5, “Great is our
Lord, and abundant in power: his understanding is beyond measure.” Additionally, God desires a
personal relationship with humans, which allows for moral and ethical choices aligned with
divine purpose, promoting good. Finally, Christian theism provides a strong moral foundation for
distinguishing between good and evil, guided by scripture and tradition.
Beyond Human Understanding
The idea that God's ways may be beyond comprehension is essential to many religious
disputes. In Romans, the Apostle Paul says, "Oh, the depth of God's riches, wisdom, and
knowledge!" How unsearchable his judgments are, and how incomprehensible his ways!"
(Romans 11:33). This passage emphasizes the enormous difference between heavenly
knowledge and human thinking, implying that God's intentions frequently function at a level
beyond human comprehension. According to theologian N.T. Wright, "God's purposes are often
hidden from us, and we must learn to trust in His greater design"16. Such an approach helps
Christians to be humble in their faith, acknowledging that, while they seek solutions, the
entirety of God's purpose remains a divine mystery.
16 N.T. Wright, Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He Matters (New York:
HarperOne, 2011), 215.
9
Greater Good
The Cross symbolizes Jesus' sacrificial mission, whereas the Kingdom depicts God's
transforming dominion over creation. Together, they demonstrate that Jesus' crucifixion was
more than just an act of atonement; it was a watershed point in God's grand plan to lead and
redeem mankind, even in the face of evil and suffering. N.T. Wright claims that "the kingdom
and the cross unite in a single vision of God's purpose,"17 emphasizing how this connection gives
Christians hope and understanding in the face of hardship. The Gospel's message goes beyond
personal salvation; it embraces God's ultimate desire for justice and restoration in the world,
emphasizing that the merciful God actively strives to restore humanity and inspire hope,
especially in difficult times.
Biblical Suffering
The narrative of Job is a biblical concept that depicts suffering while also illustrating the
nature of a merciful God who provides wisdom and restoration. In the story, Job experiences
enormous loss and suffering; he loses his fortune, health, and family, but he remains firm in his
faith. Joel R Beeke writes, “God presents Job for testing and trial before Satan, not just so that
Job can be presented as righteous, but so that God can be justified in all that He does.”18 His
associates try to justify his suffering using traditional ideas that conflict with Job's concept of
God's justice. Throughout the conversations, Job struggles with God's seeming silence in his
moment of despair, but he eventually asserts his faith by saying, "Though he slay me, yet will I
trust in him" (Job 13:15). This remark exemplifies Job's tenacity and faith in God's larger plan,
revealing that even during great suffering, Job's restoration at the end of the story exemplifies
17 N.T. Wright, The Day the Revolution Began: Reconsidering the Meaning of Jesus’s Crucifixion (New York:
HarperOne, 2016), 123.
18 Joel R Beeke, and Paul Smalley, eds. The Lord of Endurance and Encouragement: Suffering and the
Sovereignty of God (Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 2024), ProQuest Ebook Central.
10
the notion of divine redemption, demonstrating how suffering may lead to greater insight and
renewed confidence in God's love and leadership.
Coping with suffering
In the face of adversity, several biblical passages describe coping strategies that reinforce
faith in a compassionate God. For example, the Psalms often express sadness while also
showing deep trust in God's faithfulness. According to (Psalm 34:18 New International Version),
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit", which
indicates that God is near to people who suffer and offers comfort during their grief. Similarly,
Joseph's story shows a path filled with challenges, including betrayal, slavery, and
imprisonment.
Throughout these events, Joseph maintains his faith and confidence in God, eventually seeing
God's redemptive purpose unfold through his rise to power in Egypt, enabling him to save his
family during a famine. Melissa Spoelstra teaches, “Though we can’t always make sense of the
whys and hows of what we’re enduring when others hurt us, we can rest assured that God will
never leave us or forsake us.”19 These biblical examples demonstrate that, while suffering is
unavoidable in life, faith and trust in God not only serve as coping mechanisms but also act as a
witness to the hope and understanding believers can find through God's guidance in difficult
times.
Conclusion
The question of how a good God can tolerate evil, pain, and suffering remains a
fascinating philosophical and theological dilemma. Through examining other views, such as the
19 Melissa Spoelstra, Joseph - Women's Bible Study Preview Book: The Journey to Forgiveness (Nashville:
Abingdon Press, 2015), ProQuest Ebook Central.
11
free will defense, it becomes clear that pain may serve a larger, divine purpose. Though difficult
to understand, pain may catalyze personal development, empathy, and the pursuit of moral
virtue. God carries responsibility for the presence of evil in His creation by saying, " I am the
Lord, and there is none else. I construct light and create darkness; I build peace and create evil;
I, the Lord, accomplish all these things” (Isa. 45:6-7 KJV). This scripture emphasizes that, while
God is sovereign over all creation, including the existence of evil, His tolerance of suffering is not
an indication of indifference, but rather a component of His overall purpose. While God hates
and despises evil, understanding its devastating consequences, He allows it to occur to carry out
His benevolent and loving intentions. Thus, within the context of divine providence, suffering
may help believers gain a better knowledge of hope and salvation, reinforcing their confidence
in a God who actively guides people through hardship. God provides a way in which His
sovereignty and decreed will are fulfilled, while giving humans the freedom to make meaningful
and significant decisions in harmony.
Bibliography
Augustine, Saint, and Hans Urs von Balthasar. The City of God: Selections and Introduction by
Hans Urs Von Balthasar. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2021. ProQuest Ebrary.
Beeke, Joel R., and Paul Smalley, eds. The Lord of Endurance and Encouragement: Suffering and
the Sovereignty of God. Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage Books, 2024. ProQuest
Ebook Central.
Duvall, Scott J. and Daniel J. Hays, “James: True Faith Works.” In Baker Illustrated Bible
Handbook. Baker Publishing Group, 2011. ProQuest Ebook Central.
Goldsworthy, Graeme. According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible.
12
Downers Grove, Ill: InterVarsity Press, 2002. ProQuest Ebook Central.
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/liberty/detail.action?docID=2007087.
Hick, J. Evil and the God of Love. London: Palgrave Macmillan UK, 2010. Accessed September 20,
2025. ProQuest Ebook Central
Moberly, R. W. L., and Inc. ebrary. The Theology of the Book of Genesis. Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press, 2009. ProQuest Ebook Central.
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/liberty/detail.action?docID=442878.
Murray, Michael. The Problem of Evil: A Historical Perspective. Philosophy Compass 9, no.10
(2014): 1237. http://doi.org/10.1111/phc3.
Okello, Joseph B. Onyango. Evil and Pain: A Critique of the Materialistic Account of Evil. Eugene:
Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2017. ProQuest Ebook Central.
Powell, Mark Allan. HarperCollins Bible Dictionary. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2011.
ProQuest Ebook Central.
Plantinga, Alvin. God, Freedom, and Evil. Chicago, IL: William. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1989.
ProQuest eBook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/liberty/detail.action?
docID=6702724.
Spoelstra, Melissa. Joseph - Women's Bible Study Preview Book: The Journey to Forgiveness.
Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2015. ProQuest Ebook Central.
Venema, Cornelis P. “What About Free Will?” Reconciling Our Choices with God’s Sovereignty.”
Mid-American Journal of Theology 27 (Jan 2016): 186-190.
https://www.midamerica.edu/uploads/files/pdf/journal/01_venema_journal2016.
________. God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility. Chicago: Gaith Publishing, 2020.
Wright, N.T. Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He Matters. New
York: HarperOne, 2011.
________. The Day the Revolution Began: Reconsidering the Meaning of Jesus’s Crucifixion. New
York: HarperOne. 2016.
