How Do You Explain All The Terrible Things That Are Happening In The World? Series

How do you explain all the terrible things that are happening in the world?

The existence of terrible things happening in the world is a complex and challenging aspect of our human experience. We seek to understand this in light of our beliefs about God, the fallen nature of humanity, and the presence of evil:

1. Free Will: Christians believe that God has granted humans free will, allowing them to make choices and decisions, including the potential to do both good and evil. The misuse of free will by individuals or groups can result in terrible actions and events.

2. The Fall and Sin: Christians understand that the world is not as God originally intended due to the Fall, described in the book of Genesis. Adam and Eve's disobedience introduced sin and its consequences into the world, impacting the human condition and the creation itself. The brokenness caused by sin contributes to the existence of evil and suffering.

3. Consequences of Sin: Terrible things happening in the world can be a result of the cumulative effects of individual and collective sin. This can manifest as human cruelty, injustice, greed, violence, and natural disasters, all of which bring pain and suffering.

4. God's Plan and Mysterious Ways: Christians believe that God works through human history to bring about His purposes, even in the midst of suffering and evil. We trust that God is ultimately in control and that He can bring good out of even the most challenging circumstances (Romans 8:28). While it may be difficult to understand God's plan fully, we rely on our faith and trust in His wisdom and sovereignty.

5. Redemption and Hope: Christianity teaches that God has not abandoned the world to its brokenness and suffering. Through Jesus Christ, Christians believe that God offers redemption, forgiveness, and the hope of eternal life. We look forward to the future restoration of all things when God will make all things new (Revelation 21:1-5).

Christians are called to respond to the suffering and injustice in the world with compassion, love, and active engagement. We should strive to alleviate suffering, pursue justice, and share the hope and love of Christ in a broken world, knowing that we are called to be agents of God's grace and healing.

These explanations do not remove the pain or provide easy answers to the problem of evil. We acknowledge the mystery and tension inherent in grappling with the existence of terrible things while maintaining faith in a loving and sovereign God.