There are some elements about evil (suffering) that are mysterious for sure. But I think there are some things we can believe that are helpful. God allows evil because he allows choice, and He allows choice because love demands that He do so. As a result, sometimes, His creations choose evil rather than good. The results of these choices often causes pain and suffering to even innocents.
Now, the mystery remains because this is not wholly satisfying, especially to the ones in the midst of such suffering. In fact, what is lament other than an expression of the mystery?
Part of that mystery is that somehow, for an unknown or not understood reason, suffering is necessary and beneficial for humans on some level. We don’t understand it and can’t quite explain it, but I think we see it at work. This is where faith and trust must step in so we can agree with Frankl and give meaning to our pain.
I have thought before about the mystery of God, but never about the mystery of evil, and why trying to turn our explanations of evil into hard magic fail. I really like this.
There are some elements about evil (suffering) that are mysterious for sure. But I think there are some things we can believe that are helpful. God allows evil because he allows choice, and He allows choice because love demands that He do so. As a result, sometimes, His creations choose evil rather than good. The results of these choices often causes pain and suffering to even innocents.
Now, the mystery remains because this is not wholly satisfying, especially to the ones in the midst of such suffering. In fact, what is lament other than an expression of the mystery?
Part of that mystery is that somehow, for an unknown or not understood reason, suffering is necessary and beneficial for humans on some level. We don’t understand it and can’t quite explain it, but I think we see it at work. This is where faith and trust must step in so we can agree with Frankl and give meaning to our pain.
Is this point similar to Hart's point in "The doors of the sea"?
I have thought before about the mystery of God, but never about the mystery of evil, and why trying to turn our explanations of evil into hard magic fail. I really like this.
"Evil, to be evil, needs mystery." I'm going to go away and ponder that some more.