The hosts discuss the problem of evil and suffering in the world, examining the biblical perspective and different explanations found in the New Testament. They also promote Bart Ehrman's online course on Genesis and share information on an upcoming academic cruise. Additionally, the hosts provide recommendations for resources on New Testament studies.
The New Testament offers various explanations for the existence of evil and suffering, including human sin and divine punishment, the belief that suffering can serve a higher purpose, and the concept of the Son of Man.
The complexity and ongoing debate surrounding the problem of evil and suffering is acknowledged, with different perspectives presented in the New Testament and potential disparities between ancient and modern understandings.
The podcast explores the question of why evil and suffering exist in the face of an all-powerful and benevolent God, delving into the New Testament's explanations such as divine punishment, the potential for suffering to bring about good, and the role of Jesus as the Son of Man and the Messiah in addressing this issue.
Deep dives
The Problem of Evil and Suffering in the New Testament
In this podcast episode, the problem of evil and suffering is discussed in relation to the New Testament. Christians have grappled with the question of why evil and suffering exist if God is all-powerful and benevolent. The New Testament offers various explanations, including the idea that suffering is a result of human sin and divine punishment, and the belief that suffering can lead to a greater good or serve a higher purpose. The concept of the Son of Man is also explored, with Matthew's Gospel seeing Jesus as both the Son of Man and the Messiah. While the New Testament provides different perspectives on the problem of evil and suffering, the complexity and continuing discussion of this issue are acknowledged.
Exploring the Source of Evil and Suffering
The podcast delves into the question of the source of evil and suffering in the world. It is emphasized that the explanations presented in the New Testament may differ from modern understandings due to cultural and conceptual differences. The theological concept of theodicy is introduced, which seeks to reconcile the existence of evil, God's power, and God's benevolence. Various explanations are examined, such as the belief that suffering is a result of sin and divine punishment, the idea that suffering can lead to greater good, and the role of free will in allowing for evil. The discussion highlights the complexity and ongoing debate surrounding the problem of evil and suffering.
Different Views on Evil and Suffering in the Bible
This podcast episode explores the different perspectives on the problem of evil and suffering found in the New Testament. The biblical accounts offer various explanations for the existence of suffering, including divine punishment for sin, the role of suffering in bringing about good, and the presence of evil forces in the world. These explanations are presented as a response to the philosophical problem of reconciling an all-powerful and benevolent God with the presence of suffering. It is acknowledged that the New Testament's explanations for evil and suffering may differ from modern understandings, and the complexity of the issue is emphasized.
The New Testament's Perspective on Evil and Suffering
In this podcast episode, the New Testament's perspective on the problem of evil and suffering is discussed. The focus is on how the New Testament addresses the question of why evil and suffering exist despite God's power and goodness. The concept of the Son of Man is examined, and it is noted that Matthew's Gospel sees Jesus as both the Son of Man and the Messiah. The various explanations for suffering in the New Testament, such as divine punishment and the belief that suffering can lead to a greater good, are explored. The complexity and ongoing debate surrounding the problem of evil and suffering are acknowledged.
Understanding the Problem of Evil and Suffering in the New Testament
The podcast episode delves into the issue of evil and suffering in the New Testament. The question of why evil and suffering exist despite the power and benevolence of God is explored. The New Testament presents different explanations for this dilemma, ranging from the belief that suffering is a result of divine punishment for sin to the idea that suffering can lead to a greater good. The concept of the Son of Man is discussed as it relates to Jesus' role in addressing the problem of evil and suffering. The complexity and ongoing discussion of this topic are acknowledged.