Divine Paradoxes: Resolving Seeming Contradictions in Christian Theology
Category 2: Divine Attributes vs. Human Limitations
1. Introduction
One of the most difficult theological and philosophical challenges is reconciling the goodness of God with the existence of evil. Scripture proclaims that God is good (Psalm 145:9), just (Deuteronomy 32:4), and righteous in all His ways (Psalm 145:17). Yet the world is marked by suffering, sin, injustice, and death. If God is all-good and all-powerful, why does He allow evil? This paradox goes to the heart of the doctrine of God’s nature and His purposes in creation and redemption.
2. God Is All-Good
2.1 Scriptural Foundations
- “The Lord is good to all; and his tender mercies are over all his works.” – Psalm 145:9
- “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” – 1 John 1:5
- “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” – James 1:17
- “The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.” – Psalm 145:17
2.2 Theological Meaning
- God’s goodness refers to His moral perfection, gracious disposition, and active benevolence.
- He desires justice, righteousness, and the flourishing of His creation.
- His goodness is expressed in both creation and redemption, as well as in His patience and mercy.
3. Yet He Allows Evil
3.1 Reality of Evil in Scripture
- The Bible does not deny evil—it describes it extensively:
- Moral evil: sin, rebellion, violence (Genesis 6:5)
- Natural evil: suffering, famine, disease (Job 1–2)
- God permits evil but is not the author of evil (Habakkuk 1:13; James 1:13).
3.2 Divine Sovereignty and Evil
- “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” – Genesis 50:20
- “Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken… and crucified.” – Acts 2:23
- Evil is often used by God to fulfil greater redemptive purposes, even if it is committed freely by moral agents.
4. The Paradox Explained
| Divine Attribute | Apparent Contradiction |
|---|---|
| God is all-good | Yet evil exists in His creation |
| God is omnipotent | Yet He does not stop all evil immediately |
| God is just and merciful | Yet allows the innocent to suffer |
Resolution: God permits evil in a fallen world to accomplish greater goods—such as moral growth, free love, and redemption. He restrains, judges, and ultimately overcomes evil without compromising His goodness.
5. Historical Theological Perspectives
5.1 Early Church (Augustine)
- Evil is a privation of good (privatio boni); it has no independent substance.
- God allows evil to exist so that greater goods—like grace and redemption—may shine brighter.
5.2 Medieval (Aquinas)
- God wills the permission of evil to respect human freedom and allow the emergence of virtues.
5.3 Reformation (Calvin)
- God is sovereign over all, including evil acts, but remains blameless, using them as part of His decree.
5.4 Modern (Plantinga, Leibniz)
- Free will theodicy: Evil is the necessary possibility in a world where genuine love and virtue can exist.
- Leibniz: This is “the best of all possible worlds,” given God’s purpose to reveal grace and justice.
6. Doctrinal and Devotional Implications
6.1 Trust in God’s Providence
- Even when we cannot explain suffering, we can trust that God is good and wise (Romans 8:28).
6.2 Hope in Final Justice
- God will judge evil and wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4).
6.3 Invitation to Compassion and Action
- Christians are called to resist evil, comfort the suffering, and embody God’s goodness in the world.
7. Conclusion
The paradox of a good God allowing evil cannot be solved through simplistic answers. It requires faith, reverence, and trust in God’s revealed character. Scripture assures us that evil does not have the final word. The Cross, where God’s goodness met the world’s worst evil, proves that God can bring ultimate good out of unimaginable wrong.
References
- The Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV)
- Augustine. Confessions, Book VII
- Aquinas. Summa Theologiae, I, q.49
- Calvin, J. Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book I
- Plantinga, A. God, Freedom, and Evil
- Leibniz, G.W. Theodicy
- Piper, J. Spectacular Sins and Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ