What Does Theodicy Mean in Christianity?

Does the Bible Give a Definite Answer to Theodicy?

 

God’s only answer to Job is the same one we see throughout scripture: God’s ways are not ours. Even Jesus prayed for God to remove suffering, but only if it was God’s will. His prayer is the ultimate example of how we should respond to trials and suffering. Jesus asked for the suffering to be removed if it was his Father’s will, but he was willing to obey whatever the Father asked of him (Matthew 26:39-42).

 

What Are Some Practical Things We Can Learn from Theodicy?

 

We can learn many things from the concept of theodicy, such as the character of God and the purpose of pain and suffering. Here are a few things we can learn:

 

1. God is infinite, and we are finite, so there are some things we will never understand here on earth. Isaiah 55:8 tell us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord” (KNJV). He also works on a different schedule than we do. Second Peter 3:8-9 tell us that God’s timeline differs from ours. A thousand years is like a day to him, but He does not forget. He is long-suffering in allowing people to repent before He brings down judgment

2. Faith by nature requires us to trust God even when we don’t understand. First Corinthians 13:12 tells us that “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”

3. Suffering brings us closer to God and is a source of transformation. Paul and the other apostles all suffered for Christ. On the day Paul surrendered to Christ, God sent Ananias a message, warning that Paul would suffer many things in Jesus’ name (Acts 9:16).

4. Never dismiss someone else’s suffering. As Christians, we are called to support our brothers, sisters, and non-believers, through prayer and a listening ear. Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep”(NKJV). It does not say to offer explanations or criticism.

5. We shouldn’t waste time in vain arguments. First Peter 6:5, Paul tells Timothy to stay away from proud people who like to argue over useless questions and cause strife in the church.

6. We should make the best use of the time we have. Ephesians 5:15-16 tells us that we should “walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (NKJV).

There are some things in this world we will probably never understand this side of Heaven, but our faith is built on trust in God and not on what we can see. While we should diligently study the scriptures and prayer, we shouldn’t allow debates and philosophies to distract us from God’s assignments. The Holy Spirit is the ultimate teacher; we should follow His leadership in everything.

                  This finishes our study. Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Source: https://www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-terms/theodicy.html#google_vignette