Suffering
Where Is God in a Tsunami?
In the aftermath of any natural disaster, especially one so brutally and indiscriminately devastating as the Japan tsunami, the cries “Where was God?” and “How could a loving God . . . ?” grow louder than usual. Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden is the ultimate cause of the death and suffering we see in the world today.
Why So Much Violence?
The peace, or shalom, of the original creation’s order was disrupted by humanity’s early insurrection against our Creator. When the man and the woman exalted themselves as gods—in league with the serpent—God pronounced a curse upon everything under the rule of humans—and that curse impacted everything.
Is God There When I Suffer?
We are not going to have all the answers as to why things like sickness have been allowed to happen. God has a sovereign plan far greater than we could imagine. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort
” (2 Corinthians 1:3).
A Lesson From a Hurricane
Reach out and help where you can as the Bible commands us. Be ready to give answers about how Christians can reconcile a God of love with death, suffering and destruction. But the most important issue that we should all make our highest priority concerns the state of people's souls. After all, each soul will live forever in heaven or hell.
Suffering Topics
-
Disease
Disease, an enemy in a once-perfect creation, does not provide evidence of evolution but rather shows the destructive and often deadly effects of sin.
-
God Is Good
Skeptics often claim that the God of the Bible is a cruel, vindictive God, but the Bible paints a different picture—God is a good and loving God.
-
Natural Disasters
How should we understand the horrible devastation and human suffering caused by natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods?
Articles About Suffering
-
Oct. 1, 2023 from Answers Magazine
Facing my mortality has reminded me to follow Christ’s example rather than Hezekiah’s as I spend my “extra time.”
-
June 30, 2023 from Answers Magazine
At some point, everyone struggles with tragedy. Without the Bible’s account of creation, there are no good answers.
-
June 25, 2023 from Answers Magazine
Aging is a result of Adam’s fall. But can we do anything to ease the effects of aging or extend our life span?
-
Jan. 22, 2023 from Answers Magazine
It seems you can’t turn on the news without hearing about another disaster.
-
Jan. 1, 2023 from Answers Magazine
As our loved ones walk through the valley of death, how do we endure to find joy at God’s table of grace?
-
May 25, 2022 from Countering the Culture
We know death and suffering aren’t God’s fault—they are the result of living in a sin-cursed world. And Bible-believing Christians have hope in the midst of pain.
-
Jan. 1, 2021 from Answers Magazine
Why do innocent people and animals have to face the consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin?
-
March 1, 2020 from Answers Magazine
Only God’s Word can give us answers about suffering—and offer comfort.
-
June 30, 2019 from Answers Magazine
Nature isn’t all peace and beauty. But even the dark side of creation can tell us something about God’s grace.
-
March 23, 2018 from Feedback
Ken Ham’s Twitter post and the accompanying post on Facebook pertaining to Dr. Stephen Hawking’s death quickly garnered dozens of responses.
-
March 6, 2018 from Answers Magazine
If God is so good, why is this world filled with suffering and death? The answer is plainly described in Genesis 1–3. God created a “very good” world, but Adam’s rebellion brought a curse and death. The disease and death in the fossil record reflect this curse.
-
Jan. 1, 2018 from Answers Magazine
Do Christians accuse God of calling cancer, brain tumors, and death “very good”?
-
March 22, 2016 from Answers Magazine
This world is broken and can’t seem to find its way. Where is the all-knowing, loving Creator God in the midst of all this pain and suffering?
-
Sept. 11, 2015 from The New Answers Book 1
Why do bad things happen? Human beings seek to reconcile their understanding of an all-powerful, loving God with the seemingly endless suffering around them.
-
Bill Nye’s Undeniable and the Fear of DeathDec. 1, 2014
Bill Nye not only connects fear of death with rejection of evolution but even explains this seemingly “irrational” notion as a result of human evolution!
-
The Intensive Care UnitJune 16, 2013
When times are great, we should praise God and thank Him for His goodness. When times are tough, we should do the same and lean completely on Him.
-
Parent’s Worst Nightmare in Newtown, ConnecticutDec. 22, 2012 from News to Know
Every parent’s worst nightmare strikes in Newtown, Connecticut.
-
School Tragedy in ConnecticutDec. 14, 2012
The tragic school shooting in Connecticut is another vivid reminder that we live in a fallen and sin-cursed world. Our hearts go out to those affected by this tragedy.
-
Were They “Worse Sinners”?Sept. 11, 2012
Each year on September 11, Americans recall the horror of the 2001 terrorist attacks against the USA.
-
Tragedy in ColoradoJuly 21, 2012 from News to Know
Tragedy in Colorado is a stark reminder of the sin and death that clouds this world.
-
Death and Steve JobsJan. 16, 2012 from Answers Update
Our mission is to equip people to stand on the authority of the Word of God and to understand the Bible’s answers to the problems that perplex individuals and plague our world.
-
Steve Jobs’ Views of Religion Shown in BiographyOct. 29, 2011 from News to Know
Steve Jobs, like so many described in AiG’s book Already Gone, did not get the answers to the questions troubling his heart and so walked away from God.
-
Ten Years Later—Remembering 9/11Sept. 11, 2011
It’s one of the most sobering anniversaries that Americans (especially those over the age of 18) will ever commemorate—recalling the horrible terrorist acts that struck America 10 years ago today.
-
Aug. 3, 2011 from Answers Magazine
When children grow up around violence, they need to see that this is not the way it's supposed to be. This isn't normal.
-
A Valentine’s Love Story . . . with a Poignant TwistFeb. 14, 2011
We look back on appreciation for Paul’s talent and ministry that will continue inside the museum.
-
Magazine Department ArticleIs It Really a Beautiful World?Oct. 31, 2010 from Answers Magazine
Sometimes Christians give the wrong impression that the existence of a “loving and wise Designer” is obvious simply because we see so much “beauty” in creation.
-
A Young Earth—It’s Extremely RelevantAug. 18, 2008
Many Christians have been led to believe that the debate over the age of the earth is unimportant because it is “just a side issue.” In reality, however, this thinking is erroneous.
-
Book ChapterNow, But Not YetJune 19, 2008 from How Could A Loving God...?
When we understand the beauty and perfection of Eden, and how sin changed everything, we are forced to be consistent when we talk about good and bad, and right and wrong.
-
Book ChapterBowing the KneeJune 12, 2008 from How Could A Loving God...?
When “the fog” becomes so thick that we can’t see any of God's promises, we have no choice but to return to His living Word to give us the full, big picture.
-
Book ChapterBeauty from AshesJune 5, 2008 from How Could A Loving God...?
For some reason, many Christians have picked up the notion that everything should work out the way they want now that they have given their lives to Christ.
-
Book ChapterBeyond the GraveMay 29, 2008 from How Could A Loving God...?
Sometimes facing reality can be discouraging. It’s disillusioning when we see that life is not what we thought it would be.
-
Book ChapterA Voice from the PastMay 22, 2008 from How Could A Loving God...?
Facing a serious illness and the certainty of death is a humbling experience and wakes us up by shattering the illusion of security and health that surrounds us
-
Book ChapterThe Big PictureMay 15, 2008 from How Could A Loving God...?
In the midst of the difficult details of what we were facing, I needed to put things in the context of the “big picture.”
-
Book ChapterOnly “Time and Death”?May 8, 2008 from How Could A Loving God...?
A question as important and integrated as the one dealing with pain, suffering, and death cannot be answered superficially.
-
Book ChapterAnd It Was GoodMay 1, 2008 from How Could A Loving God...?
The words of Genesis chapters 1 and 2 present to us the incredible chronicle of the first six days of existence.
-
Book ChapterForewordApril 17, 2008 from How Could A Loving God...?
Humanity is always looking for someone else to blame, and it seems that it may as well be God. Do you notice, though, that the blame is always laid before a “loving God.”
-
Magazine Department ArticleIt Started in EdenApril 1, 2007 from Answers Magazine
The ongoing spate of violence in America’s public schools saw tragic manifestations last year, including the murder of five Amish girls.
-
Feedback ArticleIs This Answer in Genesis?Sept. 15, 2006 from Feedback
A response to the question of why suffering still continues today.
-
September 11, 2001—Five Years OnSept. 12, 2006
The events of September 11, 2001 are etched on my mind. I know precisely what I was doing on that day, when the airplanes were crashed into the Twin Towers. I was planning my father’s funeral.
-
September 11—An Anniversary of Death and SufferingSept. 11, 2006
“Why is there death and suffering?” is an oft-asked question, but there is little doubt that exactly five years ago, it was on the minds of nearly everyone.
-
Living After the LossApril 4, 2005
How can the tragic, totally unexpected death of a 17-year-old young man produce anything good?
Support the creation/gospel message by donating or getting involved!
Answers in Genesis is an apologetics ministry, dedicated to helping Christians defend their faith and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.
- Customer Service 800.778.3390
- © 2024 Answers in Genesis