Why does a 'Good God' allow Suffering and Evil? Dr Joshua Sijuwade vs Dr Stephen Law

Key takeaways

The problem of evil poses significant philosophical questions regarding the nature of God and suffering.
Dr. Joshua Sijuwade's exemplarist theodicy argues that suffering can lead to moral development and the creation of moral exemplars.
Dr. Stephen Law highlights the evidential problem of evil, questioning the existence of a benevolent God in light of excessive suffering.
The discussion shows the complexity of reconciling suffering—both human and animal—with beliefs about a good and powerful deity.
Both philosophers emphasize the importance of ongoing dialogue and reflection around faith, morality, and the human condition.

Summary

The Problem of Evil and Suffering

In this episode, Andy Kahn leads a lively debate on the philosophical question of why a 'good' God allows suffering and evil. Dr. Joshua Sijuwade asserts that suffering is a challenge to belief in God, as it raises the question of how an omniscient and benevolent deity would permit such pain in the world. He contends that suffering can lead to moral growth and exemplarity, whereby individuals can become moral exemplars in response to their own suffering or the suffering of others.

The Atheist Perspective on Suffering

Dr. Stephen Law challenges the justification of evil and suffering from a theistic standpoint, presenting his view that the excessive levels of gratuitous suffering cannot coexist with a benevolent God. Law distinguishes between the logical problem of evil and the evidential problem, focusing on the latter, which questions whether the scale of suffering evidenced in the world can plausibly have greater divine purposes.

Exemplarist Theodicy

Dr. Sijuwade presents his own theodicy—exemplarism—arguing that God allows suffering to foster human moral development and encourage the formation of moral role models. He emphasizes that individuals can inspire one another towards virtuous behavior and that suffering is integral to the moral fabric of a community. Suffering serves as a catalyst for both personal growth and communal exemplarity.

Debating Moral and Animal Suffering

The discussion delves into the complexities surrounding both human and animal suffering. Law questions the efficacy of suffering in moral development for animals that lack reflective capabilities, arguing that the sheer volume of suffering over millions of years seems excessive and unjustifiable. Sijuwade counters by suggesting that the suffering of animals may lead to growth in human morality, thus linking divine purpose to all forms of suffering.

The Nature of God and Suffering

The episode concludes with the conversation delving into the character of God in relation to suffering. Sijuwade asserts that God experiences suffering alongside humanity, enriching divine qualities like courage and empathy. This perspective aims to address the deep emotional struggles tied to personal suffering and uphold God's active presence and relationship with suffering beings.

Show notes

If God is all-powerful and all-loving, why does so much evil exist?
In this edition of Unbelievable?, Christian philosopher Dr. Joshua Sijuwade debates atheist philosopher Dr. Stephen Law on whether the reality of suffering undermines belief in God - or whether there are good reasons a loving God might allow it.
From moral evil and natural disasters to the evil God challenge and the limits of human understanding, the discussion dives deep into one of philosophy’s most enduring and emotionally charged questions.

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