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2003 The Problem of Evil: Anglican and Baptist Perspectives: MPhil thesis, Bangor University
LEWIS, C.S. (1940)(1996) The Problem of Pain, San Francisco, Harper-Collins.
3. Divine Omnipotence
Within this chapter, Lewis constructed his definition for the problem of pain. He stated:
If God were good, He would make His creatures perfectly happy, and if he were almighty He would be able to do what He wished. But the creatures are not happy, therefore God either lacks goodness, or power, or both. Lewis (1940)(1996:16).
Lewis then set out to deal with the issue of God having the attribute of being almighty or, in other words, being omnipotent. He stated that Scripture portrayed God as having the power to do all things, however, Lewis did not believe that this included the impossible, because even God could not contradict himself. Lewis stated that God’s omnipotence meant that God can do what is intrinsically possible, not the impossible.
McGrath also points out, correctly, that human ideas of happiness are often misconstrued. I see his point. Many of the happy people in the world become happy at the expense of others. Drug dealers are a fine example. The most elite live in mansions, while illegal drug users often suffer from addiction and damaged lives.
It must be remembered that no matter how much God blesses us with this life, it all ends in a single lonely, solitary death. Yes, there is a resurrection, but not before much suffering. Perhaps Christians should not subscribe to happiness that could lead to living as though God is not needed at all times. If Christians are so happy that they are living carefree lives, perhaps they should focus on those suffering and then they will be provided with a balanced perspective, and not be quite as shattered when disaster strikes.
May 31, 2020
This present realm is according to biblical, religious, history, after the fall of humanity (Genesis 3, Romans). It is, of course, before the biblically promised future restoration of creation and humanity (Revelation 20-22. 2 Peter 3). This future resurrection of humanity documented in 1 Corinthians 15, Revelation 20-22.
At this point, happiness is not a primary objective for humanity by God. Personally, I would like to be happier, to be clear.
Instead, for believers, God’s primary objectives include countering the results of the fall and transforming believers from sinful human nature and choices. For those that believe, this should lead to, in varying degrees from person to person, conformity to the will of God and conformity to the image and likeness of God the Son, God incarnate. This accomplished through the applied atoning work of Jesus Christ, including justification and sanctification, and the applied resurrection work of Jesus Christ, to those that believe.
Romans 8:29-30 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
From Genesis 1: 26-27, humanity is made in the image and likeness of God. The fall corrupted this image and likeness,and being conformed to be Christ-like is the divine correction.
LEWIS, C.S.
(1961)(1983) A Grief Observed, London, Faber and Faber.
LEWIS, C.S. (1941)(1990) The Screwtape Letters, Uhrichsville, Ohio,
Barbour and Company.
LEWIS, C.S. (1940)(1996) The Problem of Pain, San Francisco,
Harper-Collins.
LUTHER, M. (1518)(1989) Heidelberg Disputation, in Timothy F. Lull (ed.), Martin
Luther’s Basic Theological Writings, Minneapolis, Fortress Press.
McGRATH, A. (1986) Iustitia Dei, Cambridge, Cambridge University
Press.
McGRATH, A. (1992) Bridge-Building, Leicester, Inter-Varsity Press.
McGRATH, A. (1992) Suffering, London, Hodder and Stoughton Limited.
