Jewish Attitudes to Evil and Suffering

Question 1

What are some non-religious attitudes to evil and suffering?

Answer 1

1. God is omnipotent, must be able to remove all evil
   2.God is omnibenevolent, must want to remove evil
2. If God exists there should be no evil or suffering
3. Either God lacks any of those qualities or he does not exist

Question 2

What are some Jewish (from the Torah) responses?

Answer 2

1. The Tenakh teaches that there is no point about worrying about it, humans cannot understand
2. Book of Psalms teaches that suffering is intended to be part of life, pious people suffered
3. Sadness and joy are part of God’s plan
4. The Torah teaches that God created man with free will

Question 3

What are other Jewish responses to evil and suffering?

Answer 3

1. Suffering can be beneficial, make up for the wickedness of humanity
2. Test of one’s faith in God

Question 4

Teachings:

Answer 4

1. “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy.”
2. “my eyes are dim with grief.”-Psalms
3. “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted.”
4. “learn the extent of their spiritual strength.”
5. “only to people God knows are capable.”