Questioning Faith

Where it’s Okay to Ask

Conversations: Why is There No Justice?

Bethany:

Seven years ago I lost my best friend in a car accident and I feel that justice was never served for her and the young man that caused it is not remorseful. I question my faith because I feel that God would never really take away such a wonderful person. There is now a law in her name that pertains to her accident, so justice will be served if this type of accident ever happens again, but I feel that this boy received only a slap on the wrist. Why would God let him live and kill her? I just can't stop thinking about it and I feel that it has everything to do with my faith in God and the reason that I am questioning if it is real. I feel like a horrible person, but I believe that she was not supposed to die that day and I just don't think I will ever let it go. It's tearing me apart to know that I have these doubts. Do I just try to make peace with the accident and with him in my own way or do I dig deeper within myself and realize that "everything happens for a reason?"

Ruth:

I am very sorry for the loss of your best friend. Seven years may be a long time, but I'm sure there are many reminders every day of the good times you're missed with her all these years. Your question is the most common one asked by those who are struggling with doubts. How can an all-powerful (and good) God allow such a thing to happen. The easy answer is free will. Adam and Eve sinned and we all are sinners. Reckless driving, lack of remorse and the failed justice is part of a fallen world where, apart from the grace of God, sin reigns. But such an answer is superficial—as is my stock answer: God is beyond understanding; the mysterious ways of God are not ours to comprehend.

I'm not sure that you can ever "make peace" with the accident or that you will gain ground in your doubt and sorrow by digging deeper within yourself to understand "everything happens for a reason." What you must continue to do is to never forget your dear friend. Share the wonderful memories, and let the law in her name be a monument to her.

Why does God permit such things to happen is a painful question that the psalmist asked thousands of years ago and will be asked as long as there are folks to around to ask questions. A related is why does God allow professing Christians to treat each other so badly. I've struggled with that in my work situation, continuing to wonder why the guilty continue on in their highly-paid positions without punishment—without justice being served.

We must respond in ways that seek to prevent such injustice from happening again. The story of your dear friend is a powerful example.