If God is good, why so much suffering?

Eli: If God is good, why do wars and hurricanes happen?

Eli: It's a fair challenge, and I won't pretend it's easy.

Eli: The best-known version of this challenge is attributed to Epicurus: a good, powerful God and pain seem not to fit.

Eli: Most philosophers say the claim that God and evil can't coexist fails.

Eli: Another reason: on one view, an all-powerful God still can't cause someone's free choice, and murder is a choice.

Eli: But hurricanes aren't choices, and philosophers still debate if this much pain makes God unlikely.

Eli: I won't pretend that makes the pain smaller.

Eli: Christians believe God didn't stay distant: Jesus suffered and died on a cross.

Eli: Here's a promise from the book of Revelation.

Eli: He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away.

Eli: If you're curious, read a Gospel, an account of Jesus' life, openly.

Eli: Or talk with a Christian friend or a local church.