Understanding Divine Omnipotence and the Nature of Suffering: A Paradox or Divine Will?

Questions about why God does not help in times of suffering often lead to profound theological discussions. Theories and interpretations vary, from the idea that God loves all and intervenes, to the belief that He may derive pleasure from observing our suffering. This piece explores these perspectives, providing insights grounded in faith, reason, and personal experience.

Divine Omnipotence and the Love Dichotomy

Many people question why God does not intervene to alleviate suffering, often contradicting the notion that He is loving and all-powerful. The belief that 'God loves everyone' is sometimes challenged, as the existence of hell and the eternal torment of billions can be seen as contradictions to this belief. If God truly loved all, one might expect Him to prevent suffering and intervene when asked for help.

God says He hates sin. When someone prays for help to stop sinning, He should assist, yet He often ignores such pleas.

This observation prompts deeper inquiry into the nature of divine omnipotence and the role of free will in human suffering. Some interpretations suggest that God, being omniscient and omnipotent, may work through cause and effect, allowing humanity to learn and grow through experiences.

Personal Reflections on Suffering and Empathy

Personal experiences, such as supporting children during challenging times, illustrate the importance of empathy and resilience. Parents often face the difficult task of enabling their children to learn and grow, even when it causes temporary distress. Similarly, suffering can serve as a teacher, providing opportunities for personal growth and compassion.

Writer and blogger Bethany Neal shares a perspective emphasizing the value of suffering. She writes, 'Perhaps they failed at first because they hadn’t learned or practised some aspects - I forget. Life is about Cause and Effect. In order that we do not deliberately or carelessly cause suffering we need to understand what it is like.'

Celestial Assistance and the Role of Pain

Beliefs in divine assistance during prayer and the concept of united suffering offer a different lens. The idea that God may provide support through strength and courage resonates with many religious individuals. Suffering can be seen as a path towards empathy, comfort, and ultimately, the potential to provide solace to others. United suffering in prayer with Jesus on the cross is thought to diminish its impact and potentially save souls.

'God helps us by giving us the strength and courage to carry on,' Neal asserts. 'Suffering can be reduced by uniting it to Jesus's suffering on the cross, and your pain can save souls.'

Atheist Perspectives and Divine Dereliction

Not all views are religious. Some individuals interpret God's inaction during suffering through a more secular lens, suggesting a lack of benevolence. The atheist perspective posits that God's non-intervention is not a sign of love but rather of indifference or dereliction of duty. This viewpoint offers an alternative explanation, often backed by empirical evidence from the real world.

Because God is an asshole. He gets off on watching us suffer. I wish he was benevolent but he’s not — we are his entertainment. Nothing more or less.

This perspective is grounded in the belief that if a being were truly benevolent, it would demonstrate intervention in times of need. The idea that suffering is a form of entertainment or a test of character is one that many find difficult to accept but serves as a rational argument against certain theological views.

Conclusion: Finding Peace in Understanding

The difficulty in reconciling the concept of a loving, omnipotent God with the presence of suffering lies in the complex and often paradoxical nature of existence. Whether through faith, reason, or secular understanding, finding peace with these questions is a journey worth exploring. Whether for comfort, growth, or questioning, these perspectives encourage a deeper engagement with the human condition.

Remember, sufferings can be reduced by uniting them to Jesus's sufferings on the cross and your pain can save souls. Devote yourself to pleasing God and you will be blessed and rewarded. God is very near you and He knows you are suffering; you just have to bring yourself closer to Him by praying more for others who are also suffering and thanking Him for the things you have.

May this exploration of divine omnipotence and suffering bring clarity, compassion, and peace to your journey.