What Does Theodicy Mean in Christianity?

What Are Some Places Where the Bible Talks about Theodicy?

While the term theodicy is not found in the Bible, examples can be found throughout the Scriptures, especially in the Psalms. David often cried out to God about injustice and suffering, such as in Psalm 94:3: “Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph?”

Habakkuk also asked the question of how long. He could have been living in today’s time when he penned the following verses: “The burden which the prophet Habakkuk saw. O Lord, how long shall I cry, And You will not hear? Even cry out to You, ‘Violence!’ And You will not save. Why do You show me iniquity, And cause me to see trouble? For plundering and violence are before me; There is strife, and contention arises. Therefore the law is powerless, And justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; Therefore perverse judgment proceeds.” (Habakkuk 1:1-4 NKJV)

However, the best example is found in the book of Job. God declared Job righteous yet allowed him to suffer physically and emotionally. If that wasn’t enough, Job’s supposed friends urged him to confess his sins, and his wife told him to curse God and die. Job asked God why 14 times, but instead, God answered him with a description of who God is. Job repented in ashes and vindicated God, saying:

“You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.” (Job 42:3 NKJV)

 

What Are Christianity’s Major Approaches to Theodicy?

 

There are many approaches to this topic, but according to Dr. Mitchell, some of the more common ones are as follows:

1 - The Free Will approach states that God wanted us to love Him of our own choice, allowing us to choose not to; therefore, evil is the unfortunate result of human free will.

2 - The Soul Making approach sees suffering as a means of growth and improvement, purifying our souls through trials.

3 - The Great Design approach focuses on how God uses all things to work together for a greater good, even if we can’t see it.

4 - The Eschatological Hope approach approaches the problem of evil and suffering as only present for a finite period, but justice will rein in the future.

5 - The Theology of the Cross approach looks at Christ’s suffering on the cross as not only the atonement for sin but also the victory over and judgment upon evil.

6 - The Faith and Trust approach affirms the basic truth that we must have faith that God is good and in control, so He is to be trusted even during trials.

                  Next time we will continue our look at Theodicy as it relates to Christianity. Until then, 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