Why does a benevolent and all-powerful God allow evil and suffering to exist?
Is evil a necessary counterpart to good?
Does free will justify the existence of evil?
Why does a benevolent and all-powerful God allow evil and suffering to exist?
Does free will justify the existence of evil?
Why does a benevolent and all-powerful God allow evil and suffering to exist? Is evil a necessary counterpart to good? Does free will justify the existence of evil? Why does a benevolent and all-powerful God allow evil and suffering to exist? Does free will justify the existence of evil?
Why do the innocent suffer?
Is there a greater good that justifies evil and suffering?
Is suffering a result of human sin, or is it a part of God's plan?
Why do the innocent suffer?
Is there a greater good that justifies evil and suffering?
Why do the innocent suffer? Is there a greater good that justifies evil and suffering? Is suffering a result of human sin, or is it a part of God's plan? Why do the innocent suffer? Is there a greater good that justifies evil and suffering?
How can God's omniscience coexist with human free will?
Is there a future resolution to evil and suffering?
How can God's omniscience coexist with human free will?
What is the role of human responsibility in the face of evil and suffering?
Is there a future resolution to evil and suffering?
How can God's omniscience coexist with human free will? Is there a future resolution to evil and suffering? How can God's omniscience coexist with human free will? What is the role of human responsibility in the face of evil and suffering? Is there a future resolution to evil and suffering?
- J.L. Mackie -
“The problem of evil is the most serious obstacle to belief in the existence of God.”
Through seven distinct parts, The Suffering God delves into the complexities of pain, evil, and loss, uncovering profound truths about God’s presence in the midst of our deepest struggles. From the origins of human suffering to the pain caused by forces beyond our control, we will unpack the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of suffering, addressing topics like natural disasters, war, and betrayal, alongside the silent battles of loss, mental illness, and the trauma of spiritual abuse.
Amid this exploration of pain, we find our anchor in hope: a God who not only suffers with us but does more than that. He collects our tears. By illuminating God’s redemptive plan and His promise to make all things new, we invite viewers to wrestle truthfully with doubt, embrace healing, and discover a faith that endures.
Part 1: The suffering God
Explore a profound reality: a God who suffers alongside humanity. From the fall of man to His ultimate plan of redemption, examine the cost of original sin and how God bears the greatest weight of suffering in His pursuit to restore creation.
Part 2: The blood we draw
Delve into the pain inflicted by human choices, from the first murder to the war and violence that plague history. Unpack how human actions, such as betrayal and abuse, amplify the brokenness of the world.
Part 3: The biggest questions
Look deep at the anguish brought by natural disasters, disease, and seemingly unexplained suffering. Wrestle with the question of why innocent lives, like those of infants and animals, endure pain seemingly outside of human control.
Part 4: The closest pain
The death of a loved one, the pain of miscarriage, the shattering of health and innocence. Explore how grief shapes the human experience and our understanding of God’s presence in loss.
Part 5: The struggle within
Addressing the unseen battles of the mind, we explore the depths of mental illness, depression, and cognitive disorders, asking how faith intersects with such profound internal struggles.
Part 6: The betrayal
Explore the devastation of spiritual abuse, manipulation, and religious exploitation. Address the damage done in God's name and the path to healing and reclaiming authentic faith.
Part 7: The future hope
In the midst of pain, we offer a vision of ultimate hope, focusing on God’s promise to renew all things and wipe away every tear, highlighting the assurance of a future where suffering is no more.
Interview Subjects
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John Andrew Bryant
Author & Pastor
John Andrew Bryant is the author of A Quiet Mind to Suffer With, a CT 2024 Book Award Winner: a memoir where he frames his recovery from severe OCD as a spiritual journey.
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Dan Allender
Professor & Therapist
Dan B. Allender is an American Christian therapist, author, and professor focusing on sexual abuse and trauma recovery. He is an author and the founder of The Allender Center in Seattle and The Allender Method of therapy.
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William Paul Young
NYT Best-Selling Author
William Paul Young is a Canadian author who wrote the novels The Shack, Cross Roads, Eve, and the religious book Lies We Believe About God. He has been featured on Oprah’s Super Soul podcast and his books have been translated into over 50 languages.
Meet the Team
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Eric Esau - Director
Eric Esau is an American film director known for the docu-narrative feature film The Heart of Man, which screened internationally in 800 theaters across 30 countries. He also directed the award-winning documentary Rape for Profit, executive produced by Jada Pinkett Smith.
Through his production company Mew Studios, he has directed documentaries and commercials for international brands like Amazon, Microsoft, and Costco.
His latest film, Saturn, an award-winning original feature which he wrote and directed, is currently in the festival circuit.
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Jason Pamer - Producer
Jason Pamer (p.g.a) is a member of the Producer’s Guild of America and the Co-Founder and CEO of Sypher Studios, a boutique full-content studio with offices in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Jason has produced content with international figures like Steph Curry and worked with Academy Award-winners like Laura Dern and Golden Globe winners Paul Walter Hauser, Michael C. Hall, and Annette Benning.
He's produced multiple theatrically-released documentaries with NY Times Best Selling Authors about poignant stories around human trafficking and climate change. His film, After Death, had the 3rd largest release in history for a documentary (2,745 screens) and is the highest grossing faith-based doc of all time.
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Douglas Haines - Producer
As the lead producer at Mew Films, Douglas Haines helped manage the release of Rape for Profit, the award-winning documentary executive produced by Jada Pinkett Smith that set the US record for dollars grossed per screen during its theatrical run.
He is also the COO at Mew Studios, a boutique commercial and creative studio that produces commercials, advertising spots, and international PR announcements for major brands in the tech sector.
Saturn, his latest film, a sci-fi drama that he co-wrote and produced, has won best-of-fest awards at festivals across the country, including screening at the Newport Beach and Heartland Film Festivals.