Christianity
Islam
Judaism
Hinduism
Buddhism
Theodicy & Divine Justice
If God is good and all-powerful, why do the innocent suffer? This ancient question — theodicy — has produced some of the most profound philosophical and theological reflection in human history. Each tradition offers distinct frameworks for reconciling divine goodness with worldly pain.
Across the World's Religions
Christianity
- Практика
- Theodicy — suffering redeemed through the Cross
- Key Text
- Romans 8:18-28; Job 38-42
Islam
- Практика
- Divine wisdom (hikma) behind suffering; test of faith
- Key Text
- Quran 2:214, 21:35
Judaism
- Практика
- Tzadik ve-ra lo — why do the righteous suffer?
- Key Text
- Job 1-42; Psalm 73; Habakkuk 1:13
Hinduism
- Практика
- Karma resolves theodicy — suffering as fruit of past actions
- Key Text
- Bhagavad Gita 4:11; Brahma Sutra 2.1.34
Buddhism
- Практика
- No creator-god theodicy; suffering explained by dependent origination
- Key Text
- SN 12.17 (Acela Sutta); MN 63