National Association of Christian Ministers Summary Series: Theology
Biblical theodicy is the study of the problem of evil and suffering in light of the biblical understanding of God’s nature and actions. It seeks to reconcile the existence of evil with the belief in an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving God.
Biblical theodicy acknowledges the reality of evil and suffering in the world and recognizes that they are a consequence of the human rebellion against God. It affirms that God is not the author of evil, but that he allows it to exist for a greater purpose, such as the free will of human beings or the formation of moral character.
Biblical theodicy also emphasizes the hope and redemption that is offered through Jesus Christ, who suffered on behalf of humanity and overcame the power of sin and death through his resurrection. It affirms that God is actively working to bring about the ultimate triumph of good over evil and to restore all things to their intended state of perfection.
Overall, biblical theodicy seeks to provide a framework for understanding the problem of evil in a way that is consistent with the biblical understanding of God and his actions in the world. It acknowledges the difficulty and complexity of the issue, but affirms that there is ultimately hope and meaning in the midst of suffering.
