Why does God allow?

This discussion, written by Rev Dr Paul Severs, contemplates this statement so often given as a reason or proof that there is no God worthy of acknowledgement. Over a series of articles Paul will consider this question based on the bible's teaching as he approaches the subject through a series of questions.

A Valid Question?

How often have you asked a question beginning like that? Perhaps it was when you saw some sad or even disastrous item of news, or lost a friend or family member to an untimely death. Why did you ask it? For many, that question is a way of justifying their unwillingness to believe in God. For others, it is a real puzzle, which makes it hard to accept the Bible’s teaching about

God. If only they could see a proper reason for why the Bible’s teaching seems to contradict what they see with their eyes; an explanation which is not shallow or trite. Then they might be able to believe.

What is God like?

What I hope we established in the first part is that if you claim the right to ask questions beginning, ‘Why does God allow...?’, you are accepting that God is responsible for what happens in the world because of His claim to be all-powerful, and that He claims to be all-loving, and therefore would surely want to exercise His power for the benefit of those who suffer; if you do not accept these two things, you have no reason to ask the question.