A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity The Case for Faith Owning Your Worldview Considers A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity By: Lee Strobel

Session 4 Evil and Suffering Part 2: Escape, Endure, or Embrace

–Augustine of Hippo, theologian “Since God is the highest good, he would not allow any evil to exist in his works unless his omnipotence and goodness were such as to bring good even out of evil.” –Augustine of Hippo, theologian

Why do people believe that if God loves us He will spare us from experiencing pain? Can you share a time when you felt like God had abandoned you or let you suffer? What was the result?

Why do some people buckle under pain and suffering yet others grow stronger and wiser? Do you believe there is a connection between the notion that we should live pain free and the number of people suffering from depression and anxiety?

Can being a witness of pain and suffering help us to learn from it and avoid it in the future?

Do you believe the comparison between suffering and an inoculation to be fair and sufficient? Think about someone you know who has truly suffered. Do you think they become more immune to this world?

According to His Purpose Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Peace In Suffering John 16:31-33 Jesus responded to them, “Do you now believe? Look: An hour is coming, and has come, when each of you will be scattered to his own home, and you will leave Me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

Why did Jesus have to suffer rejection and crucifixion? Why was it necessary?

What is the difference between: Do you believe that the suffering of Jesus enhanced God’s connection with our suffering? What is the difference between: “I understand every detail of suffering.” “I understand, because I have also suffered.”

Without Jesus could God have personal and direct knowledge of brokenness, suffering, and physical pain?

Can you accept the idea that God was in the gas chamber of Auschwitz? Does this impact your idea of God as holy and righteous?

Momentary & Light 2 Corinthians 4:17 “For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.” Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

“In light of heaven, the worst suffering on earth, a life full of the most atrocious tortures on earth, will be seen to be no more serious than one night in an inconvenient hotel.” –Mother Teresa

Do the growth and positive results of suffering take away from the reality of the hurting? Should we feel obligated to deny the intensity or negativity of our suffering?

Trials & Maturity James 1:2-4 “Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

–C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain “We can ignore even pleasure. But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is his megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” –C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain

Does this prove their worldview is incorrect? The Atheist has no meaningful answers for those dealing with suffering and loss. Does this prove their worldview is incorrect? How does the Atheistic worldview address our deeply held intuitions about suffering?

What if it was only to give that person a chance at salvation? How much would you be willing to suffer if you knew a person would be saved for eternity? What if it was only to give that person a chance at salvation?

Questions?