Is Suffering Proof that God Doesn't Exist?
Or does it confirm that the Bible is true?
The existence of suffering, particularly concerning the loss of innocent lives, presents one of the most profound challenges to faith. This question has been a struggle for many, including theologians and philosophers throughout history.
From a biblical perspective, the story of Adam and Eve explains how suffering entered the world through human sin. (In Hebrew, sin means ‘to miss the mark’ or ‘to go astray.’) The narrative suggests that while God created a perfect world, the gift of free will enabled humanity to make choices that result in pain and suffering. In this framework, God does not actively cause suffering but allows it as a consequence of free will. This truth underscores that it is the choices individuals make that result in suffering - not God.
Initially, I viewed the story of Adam and Eve as mere folklore until I grasped its deeper significance. Contrary to popular belief, this narrative is not solely about the first man and woman from whom all humanity ‘apparently’ descends; it conveys a more profound message. The story illustrates God’s gift of free will, not only enables the choice to be loving, caring, honest, and trustworthy but can also make us impressionable and susceptible to manipulation.
Adam and Eve were deceived by the serpent (Genesis 3:1-7) and failed to heed the divine law intended to maintain the paradise of Eden. This narrative suggests that the absence of a harmonious existence on earth stems from our free will. It implies that while the world was once perfect, humanity's actions have gradually marred it. Recognizing this fact allows us to understand that perfection is not inherent to our nature; even a single misplaced comment can create ripples that disrupt a once-perfect world. Ultimately, the suffering in our world is a result of human decisions
The story of Adam and Eve confirms an undeniable truth - that human beings, are the architects of the world's problems, not God. We are all responsible in some way, shape, or form for contributing to the world's issues. Therefore, if God were to intervene, it would require Him to erase every single individual from existence.
However, with His immense love for us, God has provided a path to redemption without disrupting our free will. This redemptive opportunity is prophesied throughout the Old Testament and culminates in the person of Jesus Christ. All we need to do is choose to follow Him.
The necessity of Jesus lies in understanding that the wages of sin —essentially a rejection of God —lead to death and destruction, as illustrated in the Adam and Eve narrative. Because we are incapable of achieving sinlessness, God took it upon Himself to pay that debt through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, promising His resurrection as the pathway to our salvation. Through Jesus, God offers forgiveness and we can once again experience the paradise of Eden, but this time is God’s heavenly Kingdom.
The dialogue surrounding God, suffering, and free will invites us to reflect on the consequences of our actions. While the presence of suffering is a reality we must confront, by taking personal responsibility, we recognize that God can co-exist in a world alongside suffering. The story of Adam and Eve explains that our suffering is a by-product of man's inability to follow God's law - not evidence that God doesn't exist. Our finite and fallible human nature determines our potential to create suffering. The world we live in today validates this truth, which is illustrated throughout the Bible.
“There will be no mourning, crying, or pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no longer be any death; and there will no longer any mourning, crying or pain.” - Revelation 21:4
Thank you taking the time to read my post. I appreciate your response and thanks for sharing.
Hi David, thanks for such a great post. It's such a massive thing to admit to ourselves that we are the reason that the world has gone to ruin, but accepting Jesus as our saviour is so much bigger than that. He overthrows every feeling of ruin and destruction in us so we can be new creations and lights for this dark world. Thanks again for a great post.