Meditation

In the face of evil we are often haunted by the question, “Why O God?” Why do the innocent suffer? Why does evil seem to have free reign in our world?

Often, when faced with tragedy, we hear things like, “It was God’s will.” Or, “This was God’s judgment.” While pat answers may work for some, they don’t work for me. Whether it is a toddler drowning in a pool or horrific events like 9-11, Katrina, or the massacres at VA Tech and Fort Hood, how can we think that God is somehow responsible? Is God the author of evil and human suffering? What is the difference between tragedy and judgment? What is evil and what is its role in human tragedy and suffering? I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but here are some thoughts.

We don’t often say it, but we think it. That is, we often assign a cause/effect relationship to victims and their suffering. In the O.T. book of Job, Job’s three friends had a cause/effect theology. Bad things don’t happen to good people (Job is described in the prologue of the book as blameless and upright, one who feared God and shunned evil), so therefore, there must be some secret sin Job you haven’t confessed, otherwise you wouldn’t be suffering like this. The best thing Job’s friends did was to sit in silence with him for seven days and nights because they saw how great his suffering was. It’s when they opened their mouths and tried to explain Job’s suffering that they failed.

We at times are very much like those well-meaning friends. While some things are certainly God’s will, and there is clear biblical evidence that God does indeed, cause judgment to come upon individuals and entire nations, including his people Israel, these explanations seem hollow in the face of national tragedies. While it may be easy to ascribe events like VA Tech and Fort Hood to God’s will or even His mysterious judgment, I think that borders on intellectual and theological laziness.

The Bible tells us that God is a God of grace and compassion who withholds judgment so that we have the opportunity to repent and be saved:

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)

Though we have God’s promise and vision of a new day, evil and sin are still on the loose. While I can think of many words in response to events like 9-11, Columbine, VA Tech and Fort Hood, only one adequately describes those events: “Demonic.” Yes, Virginia, there is a Satan. While many religious teachers and institutions downplay or even deny the existence of Satan, there is no doubt in my mind that demonic forces are at work.

We never seem to have adequate answers in the face of tragedy and innocent suffering. While God is indeed transforming lives and creation, the Bible reminds us that there is at the same time evil in the world. “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground.” (Ephesians 6:10)

As the spiritual battle rages around us, pray for one another, for our nation, and for the family and friends of those who are victims of evil.

Commander Swanson is a Navy Chaplain and a 1976 graduate of Stanwood High School. He is currently the Regional Chaplain for Commander U.S. Naval Forces Japan.