What does 'theodicy' explain in relation to the problem of evil?

The concept of theodicy fundamentally explores the tension between the existence of a benevolent, omnipotent God and the presence of evil and suffering in the world. By definition, theodicy seeks to provide an explanation for why God allows evil to exist, especially if that God is both good and all-powerful. This inquiry is crucial for theological discussions, as it aims to reconcile the apparent contradictions between faith in a loving deity and the observable reality of suffering.

Benevolent qualities attributed to God—such as love, mercy, and justice—seem at odds with the reality of evil. Theodicy attempts to address this paradox by proposing possible reasons for the coexistence of divine goodness and human suffering. It may suggest that suffering has a purpose, perhaps for personal growth, the testing of faith, or as a consequence of human free will.

In contrast, the other choices either misinterpret the purpose of theodicy or focus on aspects that do not directly address the core issue of reconciling God’s nature with the existence of evil. Thus, option B accurately captures the essence of theodicy as a critical theological response to one of the most challenging questions in religious thought.