The Problem of Evil and Innocent Suffering in Children
The problem of evil and innocent suffering in children is a complex and deeply troubling issue that has puzzled theologians and believers for centuries. The Bible acknowledges the reality of suffering, particularly in children, and provides various perspectives on its causes and consequences.
One approach to understanding the problem of evil is to examine the biblical concept of the "children of the wicked one" [1]. This phrase, used in 1 John 3:8-10, suggests that those who commit sin are under the influence of the devil. Torrey's Topical Textbook notes that the Bible uses various terms to describe the wicked, including "children of Belial," "children of the devil," and "children of disobedience" [2]. These descriptions imply a connection between sin and the presence of evil in the world.
The Bible also teaches that children can be affected by the sins of their parents. Proverbs 17:25 states that "a foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him" [5]. Matthew Henry's commentary on this verse notes that wicked children can be an affliction to both parents, causing anger and sorrow [5]. This understanding is echoed in other biblical passages, such as Exodus 20:5, which states that God visits the iniquity of the fathers on the children.
However, the Bible also acknowledges that not all suffering is a direct result of sin. The story of the lunatic child in Matthew 17:14-21 is a case in point. The child's condition is described as being caused by a demon, and Jesus heals him [6]. This narrative suggests that suffering can have a supernatural origin and that God's power can overcome it.
The New Testament also teaches that believers should expect to face trials and hardships, including those that affect their children. 1 Peter 4:12-13 exhorts Christians not to be surprised when they face trials, but to rejoice in their participation in Christ's sufferings [3]. This perspective is echoed in other New Testament passages, such as Romans 8:17, which states that believers are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, but also suffer with him.
Theodicy, or the attempt to justify God's ways in the face of evil, is a complex and contested issue. Different Christian traditions have offered various explanations for the problem of evil, including the idea that suffering is a result of sin, either personal or inherited. The Eastern Orthodox tradition, as represented by John Chrysostom, emphasizes the role of spiritual warfare in understanding the problem of evil [4].
Sources
- I John “I John 3:8 (BBE) — The sinner is a child of the Evil One; for the Evil One has been a sinner from the first. And the Son of God was seen on earth so that he might put an end to the works of the Evil One.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Titles and Names of the Wicked — Adversaries of the Lord -- 1Sa 2:10. Children of Belial -- De 13:13; 2Ch 13:7. Children of the devil -- Ac 13:10; 1Jo 3:10. Children of the wicked one -- Mt 13:38. Children of hell -- Mt 23:15. Children of base men -- Job 30:8. Children of fools -- Job 30:8. Children of strangers -- Isa 2:6. Children of transgression -- Isa 57:4. Children of disobedience -- Eph 2:2; Col 3:6. Children in whom is no faith -- De 32:20. Children of the flesh -- Ro 9:8. Children of iniquity -- Ho 10:9. Children that will not hear the law of the Lord -- Isa”
- 1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 4:12: 4:12-19 Peter instructs Christians one last time about the way to face the trials that will inevitably come. 4:12 don’t be surprised: Christians, especially those seeking to lead godly lives, can expect to face the hostility of a sinful world (see John 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom 8:17; Phil 1:29).”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: 13:17 13:23 James 1:6 2:13 2:19 2:26 3:11 4:3 1 Peter 1:3 1:12 2:13 2:21 2:21 2:22 2:22 2:22 5:5 5:8 5:8 5:8 2 Peter 2:4 3:13 1 John 2:9 3:2 3:8 4:8 Revelation 1 1:4 1:9 1:11 1:16 1:20 2 3 3:12 14:1 14:4 14:13 15:6 20:9 22:16 Tobit 12:9 Wisdom of Solomon 1:4 1:14 11:23 11:24 14:16 Sirach 2:2 2:2 2:4 2:10 2:11 2:27 3:10-12 3:11 5:6 6:14 6:16 6:34 7:6 7:31 9:13 9:15 10:9 10:12-13 11:1 11:2 11:3 11:3 11:4 11:15 11:28 12:13 13:15 14:9 15:9 16:3 18:13 18:13 19:14-15 20:20 21:2 22:21-22 23:17 23:17 25:1 25:1 25:11 26:27 28:6 31:1 32:10”
- Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 17:25: Observe, 1. Wicked children are an affliction to both their parents. They are an occasion of anger to the father (so the word signifies), because they contemn his authority, but of sorrow and bitterness to the mother, because they abuse her tenderness. The parents, being joint-sufferers, should therefore bring mutual comfort to bear them up under it, and strive to make it as easy as they can, the mother to mollify the father's anger, the father to alleviate the mother's grief. 2. That Solomon often repeats this remark, probably because it was his own case; howe”
- Matthew (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Matthew 17:14: We have here the miraculous cure of a child that was lunatic and vexed with a devil. Observe, I. A melancholy representation of the case of this child, made to Christ by the afflicted father. This was immediately upon his coming down from the mountain where he was transfigured. Note, Christ's glories do not make him unmindful of us and of our wants and miseries. Christ, when he came down from the mount, where had conversation with Moses and Elias, did not take state upon him, but was as easy of access, as ready to poor beggars, and as familiar with the multitude”