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Suffering As A Living Parable
Suffering As A Living Parable
Theodicy is the defense of God against the Problem of Evil or Suffering. This is, in my studied opinion, the only argument against God and his goodness, power, or even existence. Contrasting that one argument against faith, is that there are many arguments in favor God’s existence. Alex O’Connor, who was an atheist but is now an agnostic, said the best argument for God’s existence is that there are numerous arguments from every perspective for his existence. Therefore can we offer an acceptable explanation for suffering?
Elsewhere I have written how the inspired oracles of God do not directly answer the question of why there is suffering. The most common answer is Human Free Will (which Calvinists deny which leaves them with no answer!). Instead, God’s word spends time answering the question, “What is God doing about suffering and evil in this world?” The answer to that question is Jesus and his gospel.
Having said that, I would like to attempt to give another Biblical approach which is an answer to both questions – one answer to two questions. That is, suffering exists as a living parable, expressing in an inescapable day to day format, the horrible consequences and effects of sin.
First, let’s prove that God uses living parables as an example of moral evil and suffering. Throughout the Old Testament God has used people to live out the human and spiritual complications caused by sin. The most well-known living parable might be Hosea. He was commanded to marry a woman who, either was a prostitute, or would become a prostitute. The wife, Gomer, even had children that were not Hosea’s as a result of her sinful lifestyle. And yet, God commands Hosea to buy her back from her self-imposed slavery and to love her again as a wife. Hosea represents Yahweh. Gomer represents Israel. Her harlotry symbolizes Israel’s spiritual adultery. Despite all the suffering Hosea and Gomer both experience, God’s faithful lovingkindness overrules. God’s suffering is lived out by Hosea as a living parable.
Second, let’s prove that the earth itself, which is the source of “natural evil”, is used by God as a “living” parable. Romans 8 begins by declaring there is now no condemnation in Christ Jesus. Paul continues expressing that great doctrine by revealing the current state of creation caused by sin, as it too awaits grace:
“For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now” (Romans 8:20-22).
This is expanding upon the ground being cursed in Genesis 3, and the flood destroying the earth in Genesis 6-9. The earth being released from suffering is also a “living parable” of our bodily resurrection when Jesus returns.
Third, humanity itself is a living parable as God’s image on earth (Genesis 1). In the beginning there is chaos which God resolves through bringing structure as seen in the creation week. Towards the end of the week is when God creates man in his image (Genesis 1:26-27). Part of the image of God includes ruling over the animal kingdom (Genesis 1:28). Conquering animals is akin to conquering our own temptations (Genesis 4:7). Bringing about structure in the world around us is a living parable of God bringing spiritual structure within our lives from the chaos of our sin.
Fourth, the Old Testament solution to sin is animal sacrifices. Even animals are suffering for mankind’s evil. No, it isn’t fair that they suffer, and that is the point of what humanity is to learn. When the innocent suffer for the guilty, the guilty are to experience the pain of the innocent suffering. When non-believers deny God is when animal suffering becomes gratuitous.
Fifth and finally, the ultimate living parable of sin is physical death itself. God warned against eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil because it would bring death. Why physical death? It symbolizes spiritual death. Ironically, physical death is a “living” parable of spiritual death.
The above examples of suffering as a living parable are not comfortable, and possibly not intellectually satisfying to a mind bent on denying God. However, I find this to be one of the closest biblical answers to both, “Why is there suffering in the world?” and “What is God doing about suffering in this world?” God is trying to get our attention.
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