Summary

The coronavirus pandemic has caused enormous pain and suffering across the globe. Many in our country and around the world are grappling with big questions about life and God because of the pain caused by this crisis. Even for those who are only witnesses to the tragedy, these events are alarming and begging certain questions. In this three-part series, Aaron is going to confront the question of if God is good, then why did he allow the coronavirus? In Part 1, we will consider the uniqueness of the COVID-19 pandemic and why it is so difficult to make sense of it. We will also briefly articulate the classic “problem of evil” and consider it in terms of the current situation. Check out the show notes below for highlights and resources. Show Notes Many of us assumed that plagues and pandemics were relegated to history or less developed parts of the world. Therefore, the coronavirus has made us feel vulnerable. “We thought that our modern, scientific world was a fortress but it turned out to be a house of cards.” “We can ignore even pleasure. But pain insists upon being attended to. God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world” -- C. S. Lewis (The Problem of Pain, 81). The problem of evil distinguishes between two different types of evil. “Natural evil” is the tragedy, catastrophe, and frailty of life. “Human evil” is the evil done by the hands of men. It is malevolence. Often these two types of evil can mix and exacerbate one another. “EPICURUS's old questions are yet unanswered. Is he willing to prevent evil, but not able? then is he impotent. Is he able, but not willing? then is he malevolent. Is he both able and willing? whence then is evil?” -- David Hume The problem of evil is “an argument only against the existence of a good God” -- Richard Dawkins (The God Delusion, 135). We need an answer that brings intellectual, emotional, and spiritual insight; so that by making sense of the coronavirus, we can progress in character formation. “Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart.” -- Fyodor Dostoevsky Resources I am greatly indebted to John Lennox’s Where is God in a Coronavirus World? “Where is God in a Coronavirus World? John Lennox, Michael Ramsden | #RZIMLIVE | RZIM” Ravi Zacharias International Ministries on YouTube “How Do We Make Sense of the Coronavirus? // Ask Pastor John” Desiring God on YouTube Subscribe and Connect If you’re in the Acadiana area, visit us at Redeemer City Church.  Spotify Follow Aaron on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter at @aaronmshamp. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/filterpodcast/message