By DAYO ADESULU
ILISHAN-REMO, OGUN STATE, Nigeria — The age-old question of why a loving and all-powerful God allows suffering in the world dominated discussions at the West-Central Africa Division (WAD) Bible Conference and Leadership Summit held at Babcock University.
More than 3,000 delegates from 22 countries attended the summit, where Dr. Frank Hansel of the General Conference Biblical Research Institute in the United States addressed one of Christianity’s most challenging theological questions during a presentation titled “The Problem of Suffering.”
The conference, themed “Grounded in the Bible, Focused on the Mission,” brought together pastors, church leaders, scholars and administrators to strengthen biblical understanding and prepare participants for missionary service across the region.
Why Does God Allow Suffering?
Addressing the audience, Dr. Hansel acknowledged that many believers and non-believers alike struggle to understand why suffering exists if God is both loving and all-powerful.
He described the issue as one of the most difficult questions in Christian theology.
According to him, human beings often seek complete answers to realities that extend beyond the limits of human understanding.
He compared the challenge to explaining love to someone who has never experienced it, noting that some realities can only be fully appreciated through faith and personal experience.
Despite the complexity of the issue, Hansel insisted that Scripture consistently presents God as perfectly good, even in a world marked by pain, tragedy and injustice.
Bible Rejects Misconceptions About God’s Character
Hansel warned against explanations that, in his view, contradict biblical teachings.
He identified three common misconceptions: that God is not completely good, that God lacks the power to stop suffering, or that evil is somehow necessary to reveal God’s goodness.
Instead, he argued that the Bible presents a consistent message about God’s character.
“The biblical response is very clear that God is good, and that gives us hope because His goodness endures forever,” he told participants.
According to him, understanding suffering should begin with confidence in God’s goodness rather than questioning His character.
Free Will and the Origin of Evil
Hansel explained that the Bible traces the existence of evil to humanity’s misuse of free will.
He said genuine love cannot exist without freedom of choice, arguing that God created human beings with the ability to choose rather than forcing obedience.
Because of that freedom, he said, sin and suffering entered the world.
He also referred to the biblical concept of the cosmic conflict between good and evil, describing present suffering as temporary rather than permanent.
“The Bible does not minimize pain,” Hansel said. “But it does affirm that God’s character is not in question because of our pain.”
Hope Beyond Human Suffering
Hansel further challenged the belief that people suffer eternally after death, arguing that such an idea is inconsistent with the character of a loving God.
Instead, he said Scripture teaches that evil, death and suffering will ultimately be destroyed.
According to him, this promise offers hope to believers facing hardship, persecution, illness and personal loss.
He encouraged Christians to remain grounded in biblical teachings instead of relying solely on human reasoning when confronting difficult questions about suffering.
Summit Reinforces Biblical Mission
Organisers said the presentation reflected the broader objective of the WAD Bible Conference and Leadership Summit.
The event focused on equipping pastors, theologians and church leaders with a deeper understanding of Scripture while strengthening their commitment to Christian mission across West and Central Africa.
Delegates from 22 member countries participated in Bible studies, leadership sessions and theological discussions designed to reinforce biblical faith and prepare participants for future ministry.
The press statement was issued by Josephine Akarue, Deputy Director of the Department of Communication, Media and Branding at Babcock University.
Conclusion
While the question “Why does God allow suffering?” continues to generate debate among believers and scholars, Dr. Frank Hansel urged participants to approach the issue through the teachings of Scripture. He maintained that although pain and evil remain realities in today’s world, the Bible presents God’s goodness as constant and offers hope that suffering will one day come to an end.
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