The Problem of Evil: Suffering, Faith, and the Search for Meaning with Dr. Douglas Groothuis

Why does a good God allow suffering?
It’s one of the oldest—and hardest—questions we can ask.

In this episode of The Philosophical Cowgirl, I sit down with philosopher and apologist Dr. Douglas Groothuis to explore the problem of evil from both an intellectual, deeply personal, and Christian perspective.

Dr. Groothuis doesn’t just approach this topic academically—he has lived it. He shares reflections from his journey walking alongside his wife through early onset dementia, offering a perspective that is both philosophically rich and profoundly human.

We discuss:

Why the problem of evil is such a serious challenge

Common responses (and where they fall short)

The role of suffering in a Christian worldview

How to think clearly—and honestly—about pain, loss, and faith

Whether you’re a believer, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this conversation invites you to wrestle with one of life’s deepest questions.

Dr. Groothuis is the Distinguished Researxh Professor of Applogetics and Christian Worldview at Cornerstone University. 

Check out his website for more resources: www.douglasgroothuis.com

Books by Dr. Groothuis mentioned in the show:

📘 Christian Apologetics
A comprehensive and accessible guide to defending the Christian faith
👉 https://a.co/d/07D5bXPy

📘 Walking Through Twilight: A Wife’s Illness—A Philosopher’s Lament
A powerful, personal reflection on love, loss, and enduring faith
👉 https://a.co/d/01zz0zuS

📗 Coming Soon: What If Jesus Was Right? (with Lindsey Medenwaldt)
A fresh exploration of Jesus’ teachings and their implications for truth and reality

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who might be wrestling with these questions.

Chapters: 

00:00 Wrestling With Suffering

00:45 Meet Dr Groothuis

03:14 Defining The Problem

05:47 Worldviews Under Pressure

10:34 Creation Fall Redemption

13:40 Personal Suffering And Trust

17:36 Where Evil Comes From

18:40 Greater Good Defense

20:20 Inscrutable Not Meaningless

23:18 Augustine On Privation

26:24 Hope In New Creation

29:28 Desire For Heaven

31:52 Good Needs God

33:58 Atheism And Meaning

35:20 Best Explanation Standard

36:34 God Who Suffers

38:28 Toxic Positivity Myths

39:55 What To Say Instead

42:39 Grief Has No Timer

44:30 Purpose Without Platitudes

49:35 Lament And Real Hope

53:41 Anger With God

55:38 Staying Engaged

56:47 Books And Writing Life

#PhilosophicalCowgirl #ProblemOfEvil #FaithAndReason #ChristianApologetics #Suffering #Philosophy

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