Sometimes when bad things happen some ask why God allowed this when God could have stopped such a catastrophe? Others may even say that God pre-determined for events - even terrible events - to occur for some greater good whatever that is. And still others appeal to the 'mystery card'.

I say that the third possibility of mystery while true in many cases as we are not God does unfortunately not adequately at least for me answer the question of evil occurring under the reign of a good God.

The second answer is not pastorally suitable for many as people want to believe in a good God and how can a good God pre-determine say wars which lead to mass casualties or loved ones who die of serious illnesses for some greater purpose. Is there really any greater purpose which outweighs such heinous evils? I'd dare say no. My beloved wife and I have discussed this many times.

The first option which is to answer the question by stating that God did just that - allowed it. it is in my opinion a cop out as the problem still remains: either appeal to a mystery card or appeal to a 'greater good' argument in the face of evil and suffering being allowed.

If you can, do you remember a time when you have asked such questions? I know I have asked such questions and have come to a tentative conclusion that God indeed never allows or causes evil but instead cannot prevent it. God squeezes every good that may come out of a bad event to God's glory. God has an infinite arsenal so to say that God can use in God's infinite wisdom to prevent all evil that is possible to prevent. Remember, I use the term 'possible' and I would add 'feasible'. What I mean is that God can heal an illness with a miracle or with the tools of science we have at our disposal but cannot create a triangular circle or a married bachelor for example as they are impossibilities. God knows all possibilities of how things could turn out or how we may act in a situation and actively intervenes in history in a manner that is persuasive towards humans (and possibly towards animals) - not coercive.

But why should God not be coercive to prevent evil? Because God cannot violate free-will that He gave to humanity out of God's love. All actions of good and evil are ultimately in relation to how much we love God and neighbour. Love cannot ever be forced and violating free-will to do or not do something bad or good is 'forcing love'. True love is persuasive not forceful. Therefore, humans are responsible for their own actions, not God, unless we are persuaded towards doing good, then we can thank God for God's guidance. God therefore does not allow evil; God sometimes cannot prevent it after all God has used at God's disposal due to feasibility or logical impossibilities.

This means that when you sit down to talk with someone and only if someone asks, then you may have the answer they are looking for without appealing to mystery or giving some sort of unsatisfactory answer. If someone is grieving, then it is best to listen to them and be as kind as possible without jumping straight to an answer unless they ask perhaps - at your own discretion and responsibility. The question could be answered if asked by a questioning Christian or someone of another faith or non-faith. It is not that we should shun questions, quite the opposite! Instead, we must seek to work through doubts and questions without shutting them down with an over simplistic answer.