OpenTheo

How Can a Good and Sovereign God Permit Suffering

Making Sense Out Of Suffering
Making Sense Out Of SufferingSteve Gregg

Steve Gregg addresses the philosophical question of how a good and sovereign God can allow suffering in the world. While some believe that God should not permit such hardship, Gregg argues that suffering can serve as a means of growth and development for individuals. He also suggests that God does not control free will and that the bigger picture of life must be taken into account when considering the issue. Overall, Gregg offers insight into the complex relationship between God and suffering.

Share

FacebookTwitterRedditCopy Link

Transcript

Series by Steve Gregg

Galatians
Galatians
In this six-part series, Steve Gregg provides verse-by-verse commentary on the book of Galatians, discussing topics such as true obedience, faith vers
3 John
3 John
In this series from biblical scholar Steve Gregg, the book of 3 John is examined to illuminate the early developments of church government and leaders
Song of Songs
Song of Songs
Delve into the allegorical meanings of the biblical Song of Songs and discover the symbolism, themes, and deeper significance with Steve Gregg's insig
Lamentations
Lamentations
Unveiling the profound grief and consequences of Jerusalem's destruction, Steve Gregg examines the book of Lamentations in a two-part series, delving
The Tabernacle
The Tabernacle
"The Tabernacle" is a comprehensive ten-part series that explores the symbolism and significance of the garments worn by priests, the construction and
Creation and Evolution
Creation and Evolution
In the series "Creation and Evolution" by Steve Gregg, the evidence against the theory of evolution is examined, questioning the scientific foundation
Habakkuk
Habakkuk
In his series "Habakkuk," Steve Gregg delves into the biblical book of Habakkuk, addressing the prophet's questions about God's actions during a troub
Haggai
Haggai
In Steve Gregg's engaging exploration of the book of Haggai, he highlights its historical context and key themes often overlooked in this prophetic wo
Leviticus
Leviticus
In this 12-part series, Steve Gregg provides insightful analysis of the book of Leviticus, exploring its various laws and regulations and offering spi
Isaiah: A Topical Look At Isaiah
Isaiah: A Topical Look At Isaiah
In this 15-part series, Steve Gregg examines the key themes and ideas that recur throughout the book of Isaiah, discussing topics such as the remnant,
More Series by Steve Gregg

More on OpenTheo

Conspiracy Theory and Autodidact Brain (with Susannah Roberts and Derek Rishmawy)
Conspiracy Theory and Autodidact Brain (with Susannah Roberts and Derek Rishmawy)
Alastair Roberts
April 20, 2024
The journalist and writer Naomi Wolf recently posted on Twitter about her reading of a New Testament interlinear: https://twitter.com/naomirwolf/statu
Do You Believe in the Clarity of Scripture?
Do You Believe in the Clarity of Scripture?
#STRask
May 6, 2024
Question about whether Stand to Reason accepts the doctrine of biblical perspicuity (the idea that the Bible is clear in what it teaches about essenti
What Apologetics Strategies Can We Use with Agnostics?
What Apologetics Strategies Can We Use with Agnostics?
#STRask
May 30, 2024
Questions about apologetics strategies to use with an agnostic who says it’s pointless to worry about whether there is a God because we can’t know if
Is It Okay to Cover a Coworker’s Shift so They Can Officiate a Same-Sex Wedding?
Is It Okay to Cover a Coworker’s Shift so They Can Officiate a Same-Sex Wedding?
#STRask
June 6, 2024
Questions about whether it would be wrong to knowingly cover a coworker’s shift so they can officiate a same-sex wedding and whether it’s okay for a C
A Conversation about Christianity and Football with Kirk Cousins
A Conversation about Christianity and Football with Kirk Cousins
Life and Books and Everything
May 13, 2024
Kirk Cousins has been an NFL quarterback for 12 years. Before that he played at Michigan State (where he and Kevin met). Before that he was a barely-r
#216 Dear Tom: What does the Bible say about the Spiritual Gifts?
#216 Dear Tom: What does the Bible say about the Spiritual Gifts?
Ask NT Wright Anything
April 25, 2024
Tom discusses the relevance of spiritual gifts like prophecy and speaking in tongues within our modern context, dives into the significance of signs a
What Should I Say to a Reformed Christian Who Dismisses Many Non-Believers as Lost Causes?
What Should I Say to a Reformed Christian Who Dismisses Many Non-Believers as Lost Causes?
#STRask
June 13, 2024
Questions about the best way to respond to someone who believes in double predestination and who dismisses many non-believers as lost causes and wheth
Lydia McGrew Answered! An Introduction
Lydia McGrew Answered! An Introduction
Risen Jesus
June 7, 2024
In this episode, part 1 of 8 in a series, Dr. Licona describes his research on Gospel differences and introduces us to a critical assessment of his wo
What Does a Personal Relationship with God Look Like on a Practical Level?
What Does a Personal Relationship with God Look Like on a Practical Level?
#STRask
May 27, 2024
Questions about how to explain what a personal relationship with God looks like on a practical level and whether it’s okay to pray to Jesus and to the
#222 What if I’m not really saved? (replay)
#222 What if I’m not really saved? (replay)
Ask NT Wright Anything
June 20, 2024
Can We Lose Our Salvation? Join us this week as Tom addresses common doubts that crop up time and again from our listener's questions. Do you ever que
Was Jesus’ Death Really a Sacrifice if He Knew He Would Rise Again?
Was Jesus’ Death Really a Sacrifice if He Knew He Would Rise Again?
#STRask
June 24, 2024
Questions about why God the Father required a sacrifice (and whether Jesus’ short-term death was really a sacrifice), whether Jesus’ disciples ever of
Pentecost and the Gift of the Spirit (with Rev Benjamin Miller)
Pentecost and the Gift of the Spirit (with Rev Benjamin Miller)
Alastair Roberts
May 17, 2024
My friend Benjamin Miller joins me for a seasonal discussion of Pentecost and the gift of the Spirit. Follow my Substack, the Anchored Argosy, at htt
Are the Crusades Proof That Christians Are Evil?
Are the Crusades Proof That Christians Are Evil?
#STRask
May 16, 2024
Questions about how to respond to someone who says the Crusades are proof Christians are evil, the facts around the church burning people at the stake
Why Would You Say Evolution Has No Purpose?
Why Would You Say Evolution Has No Purpose?
#STRask
May 20, 2024
Questions about the claim that evolution has no purpose and whether the fact that people who have aphantasia are unable to form mental images shows th
Petrus Van Mastricht's Theoretical-Practical Theology with Todd Rester
Petrus Van Mastricht's Theoretical-Practical Theology with Todd Rester
Life and Books and Everything
May 1, 2024
What are you doing with your life? Todd Rester is using a big chunk of his life to translate a seventeenth-century Dutch theologian's magnum opus (all