Unbelievable? Cancer, War and the God Question: why so much suffering? Prof Richard Norman vs Sara Stevenson hosted by Andy Kind
May 2, 2025
Richard Norman, an Emeritus Professor of Moral Philosophy, debates Sara Stevenson, a Christian thinker with expertise in religious studies. They tackle the tough questions surrounding suffering and divine violence, especially in the context of the Old Testament. Is suffering a product of free will or a challenge to the existence of a loving God? The discussion probes deep philosophical and emotional responses to pain, emphasizing empathy and the complex interplay of faith and morality in addressing human suffering.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Suffering's Unique Challenge to Christianity
- The problem of suffering is especially acute for Christianity due to its claim of an all-powerful, loving God.
- Other religions may not see suffering as problematic because their gods have different attributes or dualistic origins.
Understand God's Vulnerability
- Do consider the concept of God's vulnerability in allowing humans free will and the possibility to reject Him.
- Embrace that this creates a world where love and rejection coexist, illuminating the nature of good and evil.
Leukemia Story Challenges Theodicies
- Richard Norman shared the story of a young man dying from leukemia, exemplifying arbitrary, unmerited suffering.
- This case challenges Christian theodicies and the notion of a loving, all-powerful God.
