Answering the Atheist: Why does God Allow Suffering?

By Sadhika on

Among the plethora of arguments that atheists might give to contest the existence of God, a particularly understandable one is: If God indeed exists, why does he permit the existence of suffering? Does God permit suffering due to a lack of omnipotence, or is it a deliberate choice, suggesting a level of mercy inconsistent with believers' perceptions?

This argument delves into the longstanding question known as the problem of evil. It grapples with the apparent contradiction between the existence of a benevolent, all-powerful deity and the presence of suffering and evil in the world. Some argue that God's omnipotence and benevolence can coexist with suffering if there is a greater purpose or plan that transcends human understanding. This perspective posits that God allows suffering as a means to achieve a higher good or to teach moral lessons.

While I do not disagree with this viewpoint, let’s come to it later. A more compelling argument for me is the priority God puts on free will rather than on ‘happiness’ by default. Assuming that we live in a world where free will is not only possible, but also desirable, the option for individuals to engage in cruel, unfair, or inherently evil actions must remain on the table. It is only in this scenario that true morality can emerge — when individuals possess both the opportunity and capacity for malevolence yet consciously choose not to act on such inclinations. It follows then, that evil and suffering must exist —firstly, to allow the choice of abstaining from such actions and, secondly, as a consequence of those who do enact them.

It is here that my atheist comrade would say: “Fair enough. But what about those who endure suffering not as a direct result of their own actions? What about the little children who die of cancer? What evil did they do?”

From a theological perspective, various explanations may be offered, such as the concept of a greater divine plan that is beyond human comprehension. On the surface of it, such a response may seem overly optimistic, evasive, or even facile in the face of tragedy, I think that is often because it is often not understood well enough. 

One might say: “A divine plan beyond human comprehension seems like a convenient explanation whenever one lacks an answer or when faced with intense evil or tragedy, casting doubt on the mercy of God.”

The answer’s in the question, here. An encounter with malevolence or tragedy is enough to make some believers question their faith, yet it can also be a humbling experience that leads even the most sceptical individuals to contemplate the divine. That is not to say that little children do not die of cancer every day, or that a faith sufficiently strong can shield oneself from witnessing such tragedy. 

The path of faith is portrayed as a choice, perhaps the ultimate one, as asserted by many religions. To enable individuals to make this choice, God cannot constantly manifest in an unequivocal manner. It is the enigma presented through tragedy and the elusive nature of God that transforms faith into a conscious choice rather than rendering it redundant.

So, God could have created every human as an inherently moral being, eradicating suffering from the world. Additionally, he could have manifested in a visible, tangible, and unambiguous form, making faith in God the only logical and evident path. However, a world free of deprivation and longing would also be devoid of free will, morality, and the concept of redemption. It could be a place with endless cake for everyone, but we'd be oblivious to its sweetness, for we would not have known hunger.

“I believe in it, I answer for it, for the whole work of man really seems to consist in nothing but proving to himself every minute that he is a man and not a piano-key! It may be at the cost of his skin, it may be by cannibalism! And this being so, can one help being tempted to rejoice that it has not yet come off, and that desire still depends on something we don’t know?” 
- Fyodor Dostoevsky, Notes from Underground.

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