Equipping University

Whatever the reason, all Christians must come face to face with the difficult question: "Where was/is God in all evil?" The act of providing an answer to that question is called a theodicy. This strange word comes from the Greek: theos (God) and dike (justice). A theodicy, in its attempts to offer the reason God has for allowing evil to exist in the world, defends the righteousness or justice of God in light of accusations of unrighteousness or injustice. The question is famously phrased thusly: "Is [God] willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is impotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Whence, then is evil?" Most people do not like to ponder such troublesome issues. It is for that reason that we change the channel with certain images appear (the starving child, the politician from the opposing party that "gets under your skin," the images of actual abortions). However, Christians must ponder such issues.

The attack of the New Atheists is led by four men who have attained world-wide acclaim with the publication of their beliefs that God not only does not exist but those who believe that He does are a danger to all the sane and rational people in the world. These four men have been nicknamed "The Four Horsemen of New Atheism." They are Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens. If you have not heard of them, you will. It is vital to realize that many of the people you will meet are influenced to some degree by at least one of these men. You will see their books in major displays at our chain bookstores, being read in airplanes, lying on desks at work, and exhibiting remarkable staying power on several best-sellers lists. Learn what they are saying as we prepare to give an answer.

Al Mohler has written that while it is doubtful we will ever enter into an age of complete secularization, it is obvious that we live in an increasingly secular age. Secularization theory has failed in its major claims but in two senses it was exactly right. First, the theorists were correct in their understanding of geographic origin and advancement. Western Europe has followed the theory perfectly. Second, the theorists were correct in their understanding of the avenue of advancement: the cultural and intellectual elite. Even with the distinctions above, we must admit that we live in a different age than our grandparents. These are the conditions of belief in which we now live.

On September 11, 2001, nineteen terrorists hijacked four commercial jets with the intent to crash them into multiple targets on American soil. There are no known survivors from any of the flights and 2,974 people died in the four attacks. Around the world, the terrorist activity was roundly criticized and denounced. At the same time, the terrorists believed they were acting in pious obedience to the command of Allah. Terrorism continues today and Americans and others around the world continue to denounce such activity. However, when we who are Christians do so, can we avoid charges of hypocrisy? After all, individuals who reject Christianity often take glee in reminding Christians of the blood that stains history because of the followers (alleged and real) of Jesus Christ. How do we reconcile the bloody events of the Old Testament with our revulsion of terrorism and jihad?

Death is a difficult subject but we must talk about it. The only sure word on this highly emotional subject is the Word of God. It is only through the teachings of Scripture can man find victory over the fear of death and over death itself (1 Cor 15:55). However, while the Bible is very clear about the spiritual and eternal aspects of death itself, there is little instruction as to the disposition of the body at the time of death. If the Christian is to make a God-honoring decision in this matter, he or she must do so without allowing the emotions to overrule reason. The worst thing to do in this area is to make a decision during the actual time of mourning. It is for that reason that we hope you will read this and find it beneficial.