Analysis Of Tim Keller's 'The Reason For God'

In the second chapter of Tim Keller’s “The Reason for God”, he addresses the question of how a good God could allow suffering. Keller’s arguments for why suffering and injustice are necessary to have an understanding of what is just and good are strong. However he also argues that maybe God allows for suffering because experience with suffering leads people into becoming stronger or later growing from that experience. This logic is not sound, however it does not disprove God’s existence. Keller uses the example of Joseph in Genesis. Keller states that because God allowed Joseph to suffer, Joseph emerged a stronger more humble leader. Therefore God can allow suffering to facilitate growth and learning. Whilst it is true that many learn from suffering, many also are led astray and are lost in their suffering. What about these people? Does God care about people who are defeated by suffering, and if so why does he not relieve their suffering? If God allows suffering so people can grow from it, then how are victims later become offenders in their rage explained? If say both parents of a child died violently and was left with no one, he/she would suffer …show more content…
A woman came up to him and told him her story. That she and her family had suffered through the death of her husband and how that suffering just led to more. There was no silver lining. However he does not elaborate on the fact that some people do not get any good out from suffering. Instead he begins the story of Christ experiencing human suffering. He continues to make a strong point of the suffering of God for us. Yet the question of what about those who the suffering in their lives are not turned to good remains. Perhaps God allows suffering because how one responds to suffering is a vital part of who they are. Suffering can reveal true character. It has the potential for great lessons to be learned yet also having the potential to destroy the person