“If God exists, then why does He allow the innocent to suffer?” is a question that has been asked by many a skeptic. It’s a good question. And, it should not be posed by just skeptics or atheists trying to bolster their position. It should be a question that all Christians ask, and consider.
Whether you are a Christian or not, the historical novel Silence by Shūsaku Endō just might change your perspective on suffering of innocents and the God of the Bible. Silence was originally published in Japanese, but William Johnston’s English translation loses nothing of the novel’s intended impact. You can get it here.
In November, Martin Scorsese’s adaptation of Silence is scheduled for release. Scorsese is talented. But, Endō is an artist.
I highly recommend that you read Silence, reread Silence, and then decide if Endō’s answer to the existence of suffering could ever be fully portrayed on screen.
(I’m skeptical.)
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