Problems of Individual Suffering

La Campagna, Italy, trekearth.com

UWTSD, (2009), PhD Viva for Theodicy and Practical Theology (2010).

My doctoral thesis was challenged by the external and internal reviewers in regard to problems of individual suffering.

I explained to the external and internal reviewers that I reasoned that my Reformed, philosophical, theological, theodicy approach was significantly and largely true. However, as I was both finite and sinful, I did not have exhaustive insights to individual human suffering within problems of evil.

This is a significant reason why my tutors at the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David were correct to strongly suggest I include practical and empirical components along with theoretical ones, within my PhD thesis.

PhD thesis

I can interject and state that academically solving the logical and gratuitous problems of evil by tying them back to God is an ultimate intellectual solution, Wright (1996: 197), but there are still practical ramifications to deal with, such as why certain evils occur. The fact that a sovereignty theodicy can logically and reasonable solve its problem of evil, does not mean that suffering often comes with an explanation. This is where practical and empirical theology can be very helpful when they offer practical assistance to those suffering under the problem of evil.

Henri Blocher explains that philosophical explanations have failed in dealing with the problem of evil. Blocher (1994: 84). Although I somewhat disagree with this comment, I can acknowledge philosophical theodicy does not take the place of effective practical theology that can assist a sufferer in having a true Christian religious experience.

Carl Henry reasons that theistic arguments do not in themselves vindicate God, and God’s revelation is required. Henry (1983: 282). In other words, through the study of Scripture and personal experience with God through revelation, the creator can be better understood, even though he willingly allows evil.
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Problems of individual suffering do not cancel out reasonable, academic theodicy.

BLOCHER, HENRI. (1994) Evil and the Cross, Translated by David G. Preston, Leicester, InterVarsity Press.

HENRY, CARL (1983) God, Revelation and Authority: Volume 6: God Who Stands and Stays, Waco, Word Books.

HENRY, CARL (1996) ‘Image of God’, in Walter A. Elwell (ed.), Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Books.

WRIGHT, R.K.McGREGOR (1996) No Place for Sovereignty, Downers Grove, Illinois, InterVarsity Press.