Theodicy

Theodicy (theos god + dike justice). Theodicy is an effort to justify God in the face of evil; or as dictionaries define it: “a vindication of the justice and holiness of God in establishing a world in which evil exists.” However, we strongly suggest that the proper identification of the origin of evil breaks the impasse of the classical “triad” or “trilemma” used by traditionalists¾God is good, God is all-powerful, evil exists.

Unfortunately, most theodicies have functioned to obscure the fact that God is the origin of evil. Consequently, they have taken the approach of defending God’s honor, trying to vindicate Him, or exonerating Him of any responsibility for evil. Others have depreciated his goodness or power attributes, while trying to sooth those suffering. Most never attempt to find a divine purpose(s) for evil. Unfortunately, this shifting of responsibility away from God, even partially, leads to passivity, resignation, and cynicism in the face of evil.

Admittedly, and on this side of heaven, we will never be able to account for all suffering and evil with a single model. But a biblically consistent and coherent theodicy must not seek to divert responsibility away from God. Of course, some suffering is avoidable. But some isn’t. Therefore, we must recognize that we are called to resist it, to overcome it, and to reduce and eliminate it wherever possible. But we must also understand that sometimes God creates and sends evil and suffering into our lives and world.

Source:

1 Why Not Evil? (future book – est. 2014) by John Noe