Theodicy is the practice we humans have of trying to
justify God. When we look at the world
and we see things that don’t make sense to us people come to conclusions that
either God is not almighty, or He is not paying attention, or He must not be
good.
We ask questions like:
Why do the wicked prosper? Why do
the innocent die? Why is there
injustice? How can God allow a
tsunami/earthquake/tornado to take so many lives?
You can see where people might come to the conclusions
above. You can probably also feel that
internal tug that says, “Yes, but….!” It
is that tug where we feel like we need to justify God in the face of what is
happening that is theodicy. It is also
in that response that we often find ourselves saying things beyond what the
scripture teaches.
Just one “for instance”:
How can God allow natural disasters?
If we say He doesn’t, does that not imply that God is not all-powerful,
and He is not in control of this world?
If say that that God turns a blind eye to allow such things to happen in
a sinful world, does that not imply that He is not good?
Uncomfortable, huh?
Disconcerting, isn’t it? The
problem with theodicy is that we’re trying to give answers to questions that
God has not necessarily directly spoken to.
We’re leaning on our human understanding instead of God’s Word. Instead of letting God speak, and that be
enough for us, we delve around to give an answer that is speculation at best,
and heresy at worst. Theodicy is dangerous
because it takes us outside of what the Word of God says.
So, how do we respond to such confusing things in the
world? I think Psalm 5 gives us a good
picture.
King David is the author of this Psalm, and as he sees
the things going on around him he just calls to God, “Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning.” He sees the injustice and he feels that tug
of confusion and sorrow as he lives in a broken and sinful world. But as his prayer goes on he does not argue
with God or try to explain his situation.
He simply clings to and calls upon God to act according to His Word and
Promise.
“You hear my voice,” he says. God does not delight in wickedness. Evildoers, beware! You will be excluded from God’s loving
presence! There are those around us
whose mouths lie, whose throats are an open grave, and who flatter with their
tongues, therefore we need God to lead us in righteousness. It may look like such people are powerful,
wonderful, and prosperous, but they will bear their guilt.
As for we who believe, we take refuge in God’s love and
mercy. We rejoice in His salvation. No matter how confusing and painful our
experiences are in the world, God has spread his protection over us. In our baptism we are clothed in Christ, his
blood covers us and the angel of God’s wrath passes over us. In His righteousness we are blessed, and God
covers us with favor as a shield.
God’s Word is enough.
We cling to His promises for He is almighty, imminent, and good. How do we know? Because Jesus came to dwell among us. We have seen His glory; the glory of the one
full of grace and truth. He has revealed
and fulfilled the Father’s love for us in his cross and empty tomb.
Father, help me to
trust you. I see what happens in the
world and sometimes I doubt you. Give me
Your Spirit to strengthen my faith so I may declare Your love in my life. Amen.
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