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
- Practice
- Theodicy — suffering redeemed through the Cross
- Key Text
- Romans 8:18-28; Job 38-42
Islam
- Practice
- Divine wisdom (hikma) behind suffering; test of faith
- Key Text
- Quran 2:214, 21:35
Judaism
- Practice
- Tzadik ve-ra lo — why do the righteous suffer?
- Key Text
- Job 1-42; Psalm 73; Habakkuk 1:13
Hinduism
- Practice
- Karma resolves theodicy — suffering as fruit of past actions
- Key Text
- Bhagavad Gita 4:11; Brahma Sutra 2.1.34
Buddhism
- Practice
- No creator-god theodicy; suffering explained by dependent origination
- Key Text
- SN 12.17 (Acela Sutta); MN 63