The problem of evil is classically formulated in terms of three propositions.
Any two, but not all three, are held to be compatible: ...
God is all good
God is all powerful
Evil exists
Now to the book of Job.
The 'resolution' in the closing chapters is a revelation by God of himself.
The 'why?' question of Job's suffering is never answered to Job (although the reader of Ch 1-2 is well aware if the 'why?' and how it is the inversion of the theodicy advocated by Job's friends).
Note however the resolution: God reveals himself in precisely those attributes that are seen as problematical in the classic formulation of the 'problem'.
Thus, as with the Cross of Christ, the 'solution' is in the puzzle and the problem.
2 comments:
Hi Rev Burke,
Good day. As I was preparing for my exam's question on the theodicies in the OT, I chanced across Eleanor Stump's interpretation of the divine speech (Job 38-42) in second person context and second person experience.
She concludes that God's answer to Job is to show him God's caring, loving and steadfast relationship with the creation (for eg. God created the Behemoth and loves it and provides for it).
Hence Stump suggests that at the end of the book, God is not merely asserting his sovereignty over Job and the creation, but appealing to Job as a father appeals to a son to trust God that he is taking care of him no matter what have happened. So, it is not that God scolded Job, "You who are made of dust, dare you question me!?" Instead, God was saying to Job, "My child, look at how I have loved everything in this world. I have will their good. So it is also with you. Trust me."
I find Stump's interpretation fascinating. So, just to share with you. The MP3 can be found here: http://www.bethinking.org/suffering/job-and-the-problem-of-evil.htm
Thanks Joshua ... that is insightful and also gels with where I am heading. Job is never told why he suffered by is reassured re the divine character and comes into a strong right relationship. And that is enough to comfort him. I read an interesting note on 42:6 which suggests that it could be translated not in terms of repentance but comfort, which links with the friend's purpose
in coming to Job.
Post a Comment