Episode 197, here are a few more examples that deal with the basic and special principles of my approach to theodicy. The Apostle Paul views the notion of greater good from an eternal perspective. In quote 12 he writes, I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us. And then Paul says, for our light and momentarily troubles are achieving for us and internal glory that far outweighs them all. And then Paul adds, all things work together for good to those who love God. It's important to note that Paul refers to all things, and this would include moral evil and horrid natural realities. He also puts these in perspective by arguing, if there is eternal life, then our complains in this life will look quite insignificant. Emma Darwin, the wife of Charles Darwin, connects Spiritual Development and the Hope of Eternity in her approach to theodicy. In a letter to her husband she writes, in Quote 13, I am sure you know I love you well enough to believe that I mind your suffering nearly as much as I should my own. We have to remember that Charles Darwin was very ill throughout his entire life. Continuing, Emma says, I find the only relief to my mind is to take it as from God's hand. And to try to believe that all suffering and illness is meant to help us to exult our minds, and to look forward with hope to a future state. Clearly, this is a pedagogical theodicy, in that it reflects the importance of faith in theodicy. And indeed, Emma Darwin was a very religious woman. The Book of James in the New Testament views our trials as contributing to spiritual development and the testing of faith. In quote 14 James states, consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds. Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. And perseverance must finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Here's another example of the radicality of Christian theodicy. How often do we consider our trials pure joy? Continuing with the notion of the radical nature of theodicy, Christianity affirms the goodness of discipline. Quote 15 comes from the book of Hebrews Chapter 12. God disciplines us for our good that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who've been trained by it. And Quote 16 appears in Psalm 119. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word, that is God's word. You are good and what you do is good, teach me your decrees. It was good for me to be afflicted, so that I might learn your decrees. In your faithfulness, you have afflicted me. Christians are notorious for praising God for toys, cars, careers, homes, etc, etc, but do we ever hear Christians praising God for disciplining them? Our final example of the passage dealing with theodicy comes from the famous Christian writer C.S. Lewis. And it deals with spiritual awakening. In quote 17, Lewis writes, God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain. It is his megaphone to arouse a deaf world. I think that C.S. Lewis is correct. In my experience, pain forces most people to think seriously about the largest questions in life. For example, questions like, is there a God? Is there life after death? And is eternal life attainable? End of episode.