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