Let's Explore the Answer
No matter where you find yourself on the spectrum of religious beliefs, (or no beliefs at all), you’ve probably asked this question yourself, wondering how an all-powerful God can allow so many tragic things to happen in the world.
While this question is difficult to answer, there are indications from the Scriptures as to why a loving and just God would allow suffering. Let’s take a look at what both skeptics and atheists have to say, and what the Bible confirms. Our hope is that by the end of this page, you’ll have a better grasp as to why God allows bad things to happen.
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Plan A VisitWhat Skeptics & Atheists Say
For many skeptics, the fact that there are heinous crimes committed in the world, without intervention from God, indicates to them that God is either far removed from people’s lives, or He isn’t who He says He is.
Atheists, who have denied the existence of God altogether, point to tragedy as a confirmation of their conclusions. And sadly, the atrocities of the world around them make it even harder for them to consider the existence of a higher being, let alone a loving God.
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This leads us to the Biblical explanation of why God allows bad things to happen. If we start with the first account of murder, in Genesis 4, we see that Cain had the inherent intention of killing his brother, Abel. Completely outside of God’s will, and despite a clear warning, Cain still chose to kill Abel in a fit of jealousy and rage.
This example shows that mankind was created with free will - the choice to make decisions, both good and bad. Therefore, one Biblical reason why God allows bad things to happen is that people have the freedom to live and act according to their own decisions. While God desires for man to live in peace with Him and others, our own choices are the cause of much pain and grief.
Looking at James 1:2-3, which reads, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance,” we are given another reason why God allows bad things to happen.
As trials come (as they do for us all), they test the strength of our faith. This process can be likened to a silversmith who refines silver. As the heat intensifies, dross rises to the surface and is removed to make the silver pure. So it is with our faith, that in every trial, we are tested, refined, and made stronger than before.
Ultimately, we cannot speak for God or make assumptions as to why He allows bad things to happen. We can, however, rely on the Bible to guide us. And according to verses like Isaiah 30:18, we are assured that “the Lord is a God of justice.”
What would happen if you embraced the possibility that the God of the Bible really did create the world and really does care for you?
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As human beings, we’re all born with an innate need to know others and to be known. Having healthy relationships is essential to having a full and satisfying life, but not everyone has the kind of positive, supportive, and meaningful relationships they need. Many people are even uncomfortable with the process of meeting new people and making new friends.
We believe that life is better lived in an authentic community of people who appreciate the connection to others, we’ve created a variety of environments that make it easy for you to meet new people and initiate new relationships. Regardless of where you are on your faith journey, you’re welcome to explore, learn and grow with us.
Meet PeoplePascal's Wager
In the seventeenth century, a famous philosopher and mathematician, Blaise Pascal, encouraged people to make a wager when it came to belief in God. If a person chose to believe in God and God did exist, that person would gain everything (eternal life). If a person chose to believe in God and God did not exist, that person would lose nothing. On the other hand, if a person chose not to believe in God and he was right, he would lose nothing. But if that person did not believe in God and he was wrong- he would lose everything (lose eternal life).
This wager can be said another way:
Based on this logic, Pascal suggested the rational person would choose to believe in God as believing offers a person everything (eternal life) while losing nothing. Wherever you are in your faith journey, would you consider taking Pascal’s wager? If the good God of the Bible exists, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by believing in Him today.
