theodicy
So, here we are, deep within our Theodicy discussion.
It seems like you would have to travel into the desert and live in a cave to escape The Shack these days. I must admit that I've read it, and loved it. I think that the spirit of the book is intact. As for the theology of theodicy? I'm not sure.
That isn't to say that I disagree. On the contrary. I agree in almost every way. I often found myself thinking, "God, surely things MUST be this way." The book is engaging, and it keeps the reader on track. How good does it do at truly relaying a Theodicy?....hmmm...let's ask some more experts.
I wanted to point us in the direction of some critical, current theology discussion on the subject.
One of our very own Theologians, BW3 (or, Ben Witherington, as he is known to the masses) has recently posted his review of The Shack, and people all over the interweb are rejoicing at his glowing review that is also tempered with a realistic theological view.
When starting this discussion, Rob wrote the following words I've extracted. I'd really like to see some involvement in talking about this issue, as I've wrestled with it for years.
To bounce back, I'd like to offer up a couple of counter questions/thoughts on Rob's original post.
Christians believe in a good, loving God who cares for his creation, yet we live in a world that is full of pain. War, theft, murder and rape dominate our cultural landscape. How can an all-powerful God allow such atrocities to occur?
Essentially, you come down to two options:
Either God is all-loving, but is unable to stop the sin in the world, or he is capable of ending the evil that we see in the world, but refuses to do so, rendering him somewhat less than our idea of a loving God.
We have a problem.
The problem is that Christians believe in a good, loving God who cares for his creation, yet we live in a world that is full of pain. War, theft, murder and rape dominate our cultural landscape. How can an all-powerful God allow such atrocities to occur?
Essentially, you come down to two options:
Either God is all-loving, but is unable to stop the sin in the world, or he is capable of ending the evil that we see in the world, but refuses to do so, rendering him somewhat less than our idea of a loving God.
If a man allowed his 4-year-old daughter to run out into the street to play, what would people say about him? Surely they would say, “He is a bad Father. That child could be hurt or even killed!” Anyone who loves their child would never let them be in such danger. Yet God not only allows us to wander into traffic, so-to-speak, but it appears that quite often, he himself throws us into the danger!
