It’s not at all hard to see that there is a lot of suffering in the world. Philosophers and theologians over the centuries have considered the question of whether such suffering is consistent with the existence of a God who is all-powerful, and all-good. Some have argued, for example, that suffering is deeply tied to human freedom, or that there are great goods that are impossible to achieve without suffering, such as certain virtues or an especially deep closeness to God or others. Atheists and agnostics have objected to such explanations in nuanced ways.
In anticipation of our HI debate (4/2), this reading group will consider some of the prominent, rival views that have been offered on this question.
Led by Dr. Victor Saenz
Email jprather@houstoninstitute.org, if interested.
