Is God Fair?

One of the constant questions I face as a pastor and a student of theology is this question that deals with the justice of God. In theological terms, we call this theodicy. But, it is a question that merits pondering because it goes to the root of evil and suffering in a world trying to eradicate such nuisances. The flip side of the coin is why do bad things happen to good people? Why do wicked people seem to prosper and flourish? It creates an interesting dilemma because I preach, teach, and counsel people who wrestle with these questions, which has an impact upon their life and faith. If there is a God, and if God is a good, wise, and omnipotent God, then why do we have to deal evil and suffering? When I read biblical texts that create some schizophrenia in my theology like the story of Job, I come to the conclusion that the problem of evil is also the problem of good which point to the fairness or just-ness of God.

Is God fair? This question for me as a human being and an African American male should prompt me to be a callous atheist rather than a preacher of the gospel. When I examine the historical arc that impacts my life with my ancestors experiencing the worst form of slavery ever known to humanity; dealing with being an educated African American male, but still being judged by the color of my skin; being pulled over by the police because of driving while black; and dealing with some health challenges while trying to serve God should cause me to say, “the hell with God and religion.”

As one reflects upon a world that has so much turmoil and tension, the issue of the fairness of God can do one of three things. First, it can draw a person to God. Secondly, it can push a person away from God. Thirdly, it can cause a person to become stuck in neutral and not care one way or the other. I contend the reason it shakes out like this is because of how we view evil.

N. T. Wright in his book, Evil and the Justice of God states so poignantly that there is a new problem of evil. He writes, “First, we ignore evil when it does not hit us in the face. Second, we are surprised by evil when it does. Third we react in immature and dangerous ways as a result.”

While I think Wright is on to something, I think the question of evil boils down to the issue of humanity. When a person looks at the news, or gets an update from USA Today on his/her smartphone, or talks to someone about the latest “gossip”, there is a negative human element that is part of the equation. Violence, political tricks, economic disparities, rising murder rates, dilapidated urban school systems, power hungry people, sexual perversions, disregard for genuine community, and a downward spiral into the abyss have created a nihilistic view that has become the framework of postmodernity. In other words, we live in a culture of suspicion to the point that we are even suspicious about God.

I have said before that God’s biggest problem is us. If this world did not have the human element, it would probably be a much better world. Nevertheless, this world is filled with humans who are deeply flawed but have the power of choice. Humans have taken what is right and good and reconstructed it into something wrong, horrible and even subhuman. Humans have polluted oceans, rivers, and streams with chemicals and other toxins. Humans have engaged in behavior that has created the onslaught of sexual diseases and biological infections. Our actions have created atmospheric instability with weather patterns through global warming and carbon dioxide emissions.

Even though I have gone through a litany of things we have done, the question of the fairness of God has not been answered. Is God fair? I would have to answer unequivocally NO! If God were fair, I would not be writing this article and you would not be contemplating these words. If God were fair, God would have wiped us off the face of the earth a long time ago.

The fairness of God is demonstrated in the understanding of God’s consistent forgiveness toward us through grace. When you think about it…forgiveness is not fair. It goes against human inclination. Yet, forgiveness is the divine element that works despite flawed humanity and a desecrated creation. God’s forgiveness of us, which should lead to our forgiving others, is the blade that severs anger, death, retaliation, and fear.

Fairness means that everyone receives exactly what he/she deserves. People would be treated the same. Because I am a sinner, I would be condemned to eternal separation from God. However, God’s grace in our lives empowers us to live an existence of forgiveness and mercy, knowing we deserve neither.

Is God fair? NO.

Am I glad God is not fair? YES.

What about you?