Suffering and evil are common topics that cause people to question their beliefs. Theodicy provides a logical solution to the existence of evil on Earth, although some may take this philosophy as an explanation of people’s misery. One’s traumas and death may cause alienation from God among those affected by the incident (Leonard, 2010). However, it is essential to remain strong in spirit to survive such critical events. This paper will summarize the key themes from Where the Hell is God? and analyze its link to the topic of one’s health and passing. In healthcare, patients and workers alike may be impacted by their experiences in a way that will harm their religious views, while such a mode of thinking is based on incorrect conclusions.
Death or significant traumas are the experiences that challenge people’s faith, yet recovery is what genuinely changes one’s character. The book presents a dire situation in which the author found himself and began exploring the topics of theodicy and death. The connection that he saw between these subjects is that people strive to seek answers and often come to incorrect ones (Leonard, 2010). It is easy to blame others, even God, for the evil that one experiences. However, the Bible explains that there is no evil intent in any of God’s doings, which makes it impossible for God to punish people through incidents that others often attribute to him (Leonard, 2010). In healthcare, both workers and patients may experience a desire to renounce faith, while they could instead use it as protection against mental instability.
Seeking logical explanations for random, tragic incidents is not a productive path forward. God is not set out to punish people or kill them, neither does he test them through suffering (Leonard, 2010). However, the conflicting ideas that stem from people’s irrational behavior under duress may lead to such a trail of thoughts. God is not a mentor that forces people into obedience by torturing them. Understandably, some people may see suffering as a direct result of their actions, yet such realization can become a blessing if one’s mind is set on the path of healing. God can give a purpose when senselessness may be a traumatizing notion. Instead of blaming, those who deal with grief may invoke the emotional connection they have with God to raise their spirits and push past the negativity in their lives.
Pain is an inevitable part of humanity’s existence on Earth, as it is not Heaven. Loss and grief are not the challenges that God sends to people but a part of humanity’s reality (Leonard, 2010). This separation plays a critical role in one’s logical thinking, as it enables people to avoid deepening their grief and holding onto it when the opposite behavior must be promoted. One’s death is an extreme event that brings the worst emotions to the surface and causes others to rationalize what has happened. Healthcare settings can benefit from theological concepts when assisting people with stress is essential. Leonard (2010) writes that God is not “the direct cause of everything” in people’s lives, yet he is not removed from them (p. 65). It is up to society to use faith as a force for good and self-improvement, in which humans can become closer to God.
Incorrect views on theodicy in healthcare may be a detrimental factor to one’s healing. Losing one’s faith in God is a step in a direction away from the healing process itself, as one’s beliefs provide the mental support and stability that are needed to push through hardships. In healthcare, such a framework can alleviate one’s suffering and help them to reintegrate back into society. Moreover, workers in this industry also need to keep a positive outlook on life, as their moral ethics affect the well-being of patients. The future of healthcare may be improved by accounting for this connection. The author recognizes the value of scientific research and ushers people to understand it as well, as all knowledge stems from God’s act of creation (Leonard, 2010). By comprehending that God represents the power of good, people can stop blaming him for what has happened, pray for the betterment of what is now, and find support that will improve their future.
In conclusion, the book presents the principles that can lead people through hard times and preserve their faith in God. One’s moral code is what sets one on the path where God can play a supportive role in one’s life, yet he can not do harm. There are no God-made diseases, disasters, and incidents, yet there are people whose understanding of God makes them susceptible to losing their faith in a critical situation. In suffering and grief, the best course toward the healing process can be set through one’s belief that God is on their side. The relevancy of this notion to healthcare can be represented through the need for medical personnel to encourage and support their patients in their attempts to rationalize pain.
Reference
Leonard, R. (2010). Where the Hell is God? Paulist Press.