COLUMN: Recent tragedies raise questions of why bad things happen
The earthquake that recently devastated Japan and other locations in the Pacific is one in a long string of tragedies having occurred throughout human history. Such times of sorrow often lead us to reflection. Such events have lead believers in a deity to question why such events occur. Some look for meaning in even the most tragic of circumstances, while others argue that sometimes there just is no silver lining. If one believes in a god both good and all-powerful in character a problem seems to arise in the wake of such circumstances. This problem has been famously referred to as the problem of pain or evil.
The first answer to the problem of evil that comes to mind is the classic character-building approach. Most of us have encountered a version of this idea, which states the negative events we encounter in life exist to make us stronger and more resilient to later hardships. The famous saying “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” has arisen along these lines of thinking, and there is no doubt some truth to this saying and this theory as a whole. But, do all negative events truly have potential to build our character and make us stronger? The answer to this is likely no. For example, what does a man gain from losing everyone he loved to genocide or disaster other than inexplicable sorrow? What benefit do victims of abuse and rape receive from their sufferings?
Another of the answers to the problem of evil that comes to mind is the “it will all be worth it” theory, which essentially states that even the most painful life ever experienced in this finite realm will seem like no more than a stubbed toe in relation to the heavenly glory that awaits us in the hereafter. While this theory might be found comforting by some, it still leaves one wondering why such tragedy is allowed during mortal existence and what its purpose may be.
After centuries of speculation by the even the brightest minds humanity has ever produced, a truly satisfying answer to the problem of pain remains undiscovered. If God is truly good and omnipotent (all powerful), why do such horrible atrocities occur?
Perhaps the answer can be found in free will. God, in his perfection, bestowed his creation with freedom to direct itself, and is so committed to maintaining this freedom that, even when the choices of an individual result in the suffering of millions, he abstains from restricting individual freedom. This response has two apparent issues. First, it is hard for me to believe free will is so important to God’s will that the choices of an individual must always be permitted, even when it means the pain and suffering of many more individuals. Second, it does not answer the problems lying outside human choice, such as the earthquake in Japan cited earlier, along with a variety of other natural disasters.
Perhaps our God is most accurately described by deists. God came and created this universe in which we live, and like a deadbeat dad, didn’t care to stick around. Maybe God isn’t as loving as we think God is. His view of humanity might be similar to humanity’s view of lesser creatures like ants which are carelessly exterminated and destroyed. Maybe God cares a great deal about humanity, but lacks omnipotence, and thus is unable to intervene whether he wills it or not. These speculative gods are undoubtedly less appealing than an all-loving god whose power knows no bounds, but would act as a response to the problem of evil.
In the end, my speculations remain those of a human with limited knowledge, and such speculation may very well be futile in a world where even an ancient man named Job who spoke with God couldn’t get a straight answer. Regardless of their purposes, suffering and evil remain a reality in the world we occupy. However, we as individuals can do our part to reduce the proportion of suffering and evil caused by human action, and I encourage all of us to consciously make an effort do so.
As always, I would love to hear thoughts on the matter other than my own. Perhaps one of you has come across more compelling responses to the problem of evil and pain than those I have encountered.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and families of the victims of the recent earthquake in Japan.
Cam Davies is a senior studying political science and religious studies. He can be reached at cam.davis@aggiemail.usu.edu.