two types of "evil, bad, or suffering"

When we discuss the problem of evil, we must determine what kind of evil are we talking about. For there is one kind of evil we call "moral evil" in that it comes from the moral choice of human beings usually upon other human beings, but may also be exercised upon plants animals and the natural world. Moral evil then is from humans toward things or people outside of themselves, and at times against themselves.
There is a second kind of evil as well we call "natural evil" It is that suffering or evil that is not prompted by the will moral choice of humans but comes as a consequence of living on a broken earth. This would include all kinds of sicknesses, natural disasters (e.g. hurricanes, tsunamis etc) accidents etc. These "troubles" find no source in the moral choice of mankind but in random external events. They may find their source in the course of weather patterns. They may  find their source in a stronger being (God) acting upon this finite world. The distinction is that you cannot trace the end of the matter to some willful act of man.
Now when we discuss the problem of evil and our all powerful, loving God we will discuss it from these two different angles.
As we have been looking at the life of Job and the Book of Job, we will need to first of all determine into which of these categories the problem or troubles that Job faces are suffering from the Moral or Natural category. I vie for the later. What about you?

some important definitions

As we tackle the problem of evil and suffering we will need to define some terms. Namely because they are often confused categories:
EVIL: 

· The absence of what ought to be…

· It is a lack in good things…

· “It is in the will, the choice, the intent, the movement of the soul, which puts a wrong order into the physical world of things and acts…” Handbook of Christian Apologetics, pg 132

TYPES OF EVIL:

 For a proper understanding of evil we must make a distinction between types of evil. .

“

  the evil we are not.” Handbook of Christian Apologetics, pg .132

SUFFERING:

Experience or be subjected to (something bad or unpleasant)

- he'd suffered intense pain

- he'd suffered a great deal since his arrest

Be affected by or subject to (an illness or ailment)

- his daughter suffered from agoraphobia

Become or appear worse in quality 

-his relationship with Anne did suffer

Undergo martyrdom or execution

Tolerate

- France will no longer suffer the existing government

Allow (someone) to do something

- my conscience would not suffer me to accept any more

Tomorrow we will discuss the 2 kinds of evil (as mentioned above) MORAL & NATURAL.

So how do we view the idea of Suffering? (part 1)

Let me begin by asking you the same question that I have to ask myself. How do I view the world in which I live?

• (1) Is it a world where suffering should not exist and if it does; it is out of order... ( a perfect world gone bad)?
• (2) Or do I live in a world in which suffering and evil exists normally and when it doesn't that seems out of order (a bad world experiencing temporary good) ?

Why is this question necessary? Because it establishes our worldview and how we will not only approach the problem of suffering and evil but how we will interpret the data. I am convinced that those of us who have been raised in the "secure west' will approach the question from the first position. Because of faith in progress, medicine, military and money we have been promised that eventually we can rid ourselves of all injustices, suffering and evil. While I can only speculate on this point I think that parts of the world racked with suffering, hunger, evil and pain might approach the problem from the second position stated above. Our presuppositions on this are very important. It determines how we state the question of suffering and evil. It determines how we go about solving it.
How would you think that Job views the world? would he choose option 1 or 2 above? Because he was so wealthy, satisfied etc. wouldn't he naturally view it from view 1? Does this effect the way you interpret this ancient book?
Let me give you two possible hints that Job may have viewed the world from position 2, (contrary to his station in life.)

• Job 1:5 "Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God..." Here Job seems to very realistic about the nature of sin in the world and in the human heart. His "perfect" world did not shield him or his children from sinful acts or destruction.
• Job 1:21 "Naked I came from my mothers womb and naked I shall return there." Naked is not a biological or physical description only here. It also refers to how pitiful is our basic station in life is at the beginning and ending of life.

Enough to chew on for one day. Tomorrow we will define some terms because I have already made too many assumptions with the terms used. 
Tell your friends to visit that blog and let's see what they think!
Scott

thinking about suffering

As we engage the story of Job and the issue of suffering, I heard a remarkable statement by the worship leader and musical artist at church yesterday. The artist name is Danny Oertli. His story is quite amazing and touching. He wrote a song that encourages his son Jack to embrace struggles and with his faith work through them. Is this normal? Well, probably not normal and yet extremely biblical and deeply spiritual. The song he wrote for his young son is called "Thought You Should Know" from his "Nothing Left To Prove" album. Normally we don't expect contemporary Christian artists to be the source of deep theological "stuff" but Danny breaks that mold. Does he begin to understand James words "to count it all joy my brethren, when you encounter various trials" (Ja. 1:2)?  Does our dear friend Job understand something of this as well, when he states "the Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord"? (Job 1:21)
So, I am learning. I like so many others have struggled to embrace the difficulties of life and question why I have had to face tough things. But alas, God is patient and I am not.  By the way f you want to see Danny's website it is www.dannyoertli.com.
Bless you all and keep on keeping on.