The Loud Absence: Where is God in Suffering? | John Lennox at Harvard Medical School 

Quoting the words of my mother when I asked her, "Mom, why does God allow the good people to suffer?" (She was suffering from cancer at the time) Her response was, "God wants us to completely understand the true nature of sin, of evil. And make a rational choice throughout eternity that we will not choose that path over the one that God offers. Satan accused God of being unfair. So God allows this life to exist, even knowing that many will reject His pattern of love. But those who place their reliance on God will be given an eternal chance to live in 100% love."

I love his answer to the question: on what grounds are you so certain that there is God? - Well, on what grounds am I certain that my wife loves me? Now, after 43 years of marriage I am certain that she loves me. But, there is no way that I can prove that she loves me with a mathematical equation...

My friend introduced me to John Lennox recently and I'm so glad he did. Dr. Lennox is an incredible voice and teacher of Christianity. LOVE HIM. I wish him all of the Lord's blessings and peace be upon him.

I don't know why, but this is the first video I have found myself constantly stopping and rewinding to catch what I've missed rather than continue on. I have needed this

He exhibits joy and peace.

One of the greatest defender of the Christian faith.

Cant not love him - one of the best minds, hearts and souls ever to live on the face of planet. ❤

Isn’t it strange ….? In todays world of false prophets, social media moguls, financial gurus and the like, you may be able to identify the REAL leaders and believers by the way that their conversation NEVER revolves around themselves nor their interests. Christians focus all of their efforts to help those around them - be it with food, strength, guidance, protection, etc. It is just so refreshing ! 🙏🏼❤️

John is a lovely soul...never intrusive and very respectful to the opposing views....

PSA: I'm from Orlando, Florida and my mom is friends with Ryder's mom (mentioned at 52:40). It has now been well over 12-14 months and by the grace of God, Ryder is not only still alive, but he is making his best recovery yet. Just wanted to mention that if anyone was interested. Prayers for both him and HO who was also mentioned here would still be appreciated. Thank you!

His tone changed completely after and hour and three minutes. I am absolutely sure he was taken with empathy and it's the most compelling argument for God that I've heard.

I discovered John Lennox a couple of days ago and I'm truly grateful. The man is so likable and an inspiring speaker. His reasoning with difficult questions is brilliant for example, I've heard him say when he finds it difficult to find an answer to a complicated mathematical problem sometimes he just changes the question. I find that humorous while also being a brilliant answer. God bless him.

John Lennox always manages to give his testimony . Awesome brother of Christ

I must say one thing, whenever I see Prof Lennox speak, apart from his mind, he always shows REAL empathy. In this speech more than others, maybe, because he talks about pain. But his empathy is real, and I have no doubt. I can't say the same about Dawkins, who connects to his principles, but to me sounds like the "lumbering robot" he so much aspires to be.

The way he treated the questions on suffering (48:40 - 1:06:50) was really awesome

Whether you believe or not one has to appreciate the wisdom and humility of this man !!

What an amazing discussion. Thanks for uploading this. This is my first time hearing about John Lennox. What a great human being.

John Lennox plenty of respect for you Sir ...you inspire me

What a treat to hear an "Irishman" talk about God. I mean this in all sincerity. The type of man you hope to meet in heaven.

Been watching him every night for 2 years helps me sleep and answers allot of my questions i could never figure out

What a wonderful man. Christ shines in him

The last 10 minutes is the best. It's a completely different God view then how the majority of the world sees God. In my opinion, having suffered much, I see suffering as a very special pathway to communicating with God, you get quieter and He gets louder. God's outpouring of His love is immeasurable and can not be expressed in mere words. As birthing a child is full of pain, the resulting love is a billion times worth the suffering. There is no greater joy in this world than to know Him. peace.

What a lovely speaker and man of wisdom. Enjoyed listening to him very much. Thank you for this video.

Beautiful talk: I come back to this every now and then.

John Lennox makes me cry... what he says moves me...his certainty of God's Love... I feel loved at that moment, when a moment before I felt unloved and unlovable...

John is a good man who explains god in a way i understand

I respect this man, and the Christ in him and how he represents Him 👌🏽

One after the other, he answers every question with a silent invitation for us to get to know God by experiencing a relationship with Jesus! Hence, this is probably the best Q&A session I have ever heard in my life! Praise God for being so kind and so patient with our demands and misrepresentations of Him!!! So where is He, God, when it hurts? He is right here with me and right there with anyone who dares to ask Him to come and stay!

A brilliant holy spirit filled talk.

John Lennox is man with gentle spirit as well with the knowledge of God. His beautiful life of humility is a result of his living relationship with Jesus Christ. His faith led him towards this transformation.

Pain is something that we have no control over; but we always have control over how we suffer in responds to the pain.

Praise God for the life and faith of Prof. Lennox. I've heard that part of acceptance and merit in the final minutes from his other interviews, but it was today that it hit home. That is God accepts us and then molds us over time through repeated forgiveness until He perfects His way in us. We just can't fathom that as humans, because we are naturally incapable of such great love. And also, we share our faith not because we hope for acceptance, but because we have already been accepted. Praise God.

Oh my goodness! Mr John Lennox, sir, you moved me to tears with your explanation of your confidence in God 🙇‍♂️ you are a beautiful soul and I'm so glad to have discovered your talks... My family has been through a very traumatic time last year and when it is battle of life and death it is only God who can see us through. How great is our God 🙇‍♂️ Peace be with you all.

What a man! “It actually works” Amen John.

I was lucky enough to hear him live some years ago, at the CSLewis Institute in Annapolis. It was such a great night 😊

Wow. Hard to put into words how much wisdom, grace, and gospel truth John Lennox put into his answers to the professors questions. Such a powerful video. So thankful for the way Jesus has built up John Lennox to be such an amazing steward of Gospel truth. Truly inspiring.

Iv recently started listening to your interviews since I heard you on the hoover institute interview with Behe and Meyer... Thanks for quoting 1 John 5v13 for your confidence in God.. Thanks for your faith and how simple you explain and how compassionate and loving you are. Only Jesus can transform us to that.

I love John Lennox I could listen to him for hours

Our small minds will never be enough to properly discern God’s thoughts

Dr. Lonnoxes lectures are timeless treasures.

I really like the way of how he describes his points and how he prove it He such a brilliant man !!!

Boy, I needed this. Coming into the New Year with estranged family members and other loved ones is shattering. I know there are other people going through this, as well, and I firmly believe it is the enemy looking to divide and conquer, making talks such as this one all the more necessary for the times in which we live to counteract that treachery. Lennox's heart on the matter of suffering is even more vital than his mind, which is formidable by itself. But it is the way his face lights up when speaking of his wife, or seeing his head hang ever slightly when discussing his niece, his humility expressed by admitting to not having all of the answers, yet reminding everyone that God was and is in the midst of our suffering with us, and the act of the crucifixion and resurrection has provided us the only way to one day rise above it all. Lennox did not bring up human beings' original sin, nor God's option of free will to choose Him or not, as well as Satan's interference, all of which spawned suffering on Earth to begin with, but everything else he spoke to and showed empathy toward more than made up for these obvious oversights. Also, he has mentioned them in other talks, especially debates. The more I see John Lennox, the more I truly see the Heart of God working in him. That is powerful, meaningful, and wonderful. Thank you, Veritas Forum, for sharing another lovely post.

"what makes you so sure...confident?" . His explanation ....The Gospel! 🙏😌

Dr Lennox speaks with sureness and unwavering certainty in his discourse and yet there is a sense of tenderness when he converses about our Heavenly Father. Dr Lennox has a very delightful way of glorifying God. May our Lord and God and Savior bless him always and continue to strengthen him in his good works! Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit!!

He's a great and refined soul, capable of looking at, and expanding understandings of the most difficult concepts and conditions. I truly appreciate him and his generosity of spirit and mind. Rare...

So inspiring and full of God’s love. I found myself clapping my hands with the audience at the end.

I find it troubling when people who never made any effort to trust God, to get to know Him ask the question : where is God? He is there where you left Him! On the cross! Only only there you can find Him, in the suffering!

My hero, John Lennox - I thank the Lord for this man's wisdom and intellect! His talk is comforting and insightful.

I had the privilege of meeting John Lennox here in Canada years ago, brilliant and well thought.

Appreciate yall airing this! John Lennox has been instrumental in the development of our worldview and our approach to answering the tough questions.

Glory to God for raising such brilliant individuals

Listening to John Lennox brought tears to my eyes. It is bad enough mankind go through suffering due to illnesses, diseases, natural disasters and human carelessness, why then would governments inflict unnecessary suffering on their citizens and PEACE loving people of the world with intentional killings in conflicts and wars?

Mr Lennox is a brilliant Irish man

The people calling John Lennox a fool and delusional based on what? Their opinion. The true nature of a critic is revealed when they attack the person instead of his opinion. If PHD's are so easy to get why isnt everyone with one?

Each time I talk to God about my pains He responds with amazing assurance in a a wonderful language which sounds like, "shammah! Shammah! Shammah!! This means "I am right there with you!" Thank you so much Lord Jesus for your Holy spirit.

God bless you John Lennox: A biblical and rational defender of the Christian Faith.

He is amazing! Keep preaching the word:-)

This man is amazing! I have listened to about 20 of his lectures and learn something new every time.

I Love listening to Dr Lennox. Such a brilliant mind.

Brilliant....simply brilliant.....what a great great man of God ....thank you John

Forget about those fake preachers out there this man is the genuine article, touching so many with sheer simplicity and depth of understanding.

What I wouldn't give to be able to explain faith with his clarity and intelligence.

One of the most brilliant minds. God bless John Lennox.

John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

If we as humans had the brains to understand everything and why everything happens we would be as clever as God . Thats why certain people such as John lennox are chosen by God to understand more than most to teach us about the bible . In the end its down to choice and faith . Without either there would be absolutely nothing to live for , or die for . I'm so glad I have faith in God and made the right choice

Wow! Amazing discussion... I am very thankful for this Man of God... brilliant! Ps. 115:1 Not unto us O' Lord, not unto us, but to your name give glory, because of your mercy, because of your truth!

What an amazing talk. Brilliant and so lovingly thought provoking.

I love you brother John Lennox. You are a very rich resource that helps us respond to intellectual minds that have decided to slipp away from God's Grace .

I have stage 4 cancer and have never been sad about it because I know where I'll be in eternity !! HOPE in Jesus Christ and eternity with Him in PARADISE is something an atheist can never ever claim and I feel so very sorry for that.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Brilliant! Loved this.

Such a wonderful conversation that I have listened to this again and again. Thank you all!

This brought tears to my eyes that such an amazing GOD AND FATHER loves me so much. Well explained, always fascinates me when people of all walks of life experience this WONDERFUL, POWERFUL AND LOVING GOD. That HE wound come to earth, and die for my sins and raise from death so that I can live forever. I so love this LORD AND my personal LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST❤❤❤

When we are suffering God is in the same place when we are flourishing... In our HEART ❤

what a nice man. such a kind energy he has. very wise talk.

I love this man! I never tire of hearing him speak. My heart is always touched. Thank you!

It is worth the listening to the end where he tells about his confidence in God in all circumstances over the years.

God blessed you!!!

Thank you Dr. Lennox, I am so moved by what you shared about suffering, and choice.The longer I live, and seek God, I find Him, and I do not blame or reject God as in past when suffering knocks at my door. I know God loves me, and this gives me the motive every day to get up and make a difference in the world, thank you for your humility, and compassion, it is evident

The easy of answers and love that flow from John’s heart is utterly inspiring, comforting and real. I was beyond blessed to hear this!❤❤❤❤❤❤

This is amazing evangelical messages .. thank you Sir !! To God always be the Glory !! Good bless all of us .. ❤

I appreciate his efforts to explain this conundrum-- which is not merely theoretical for me--Being so sick 😞 ( in fact, only getting sicker), tho I beg a seemingly deaf Heaven to heal me....

Cuanta admiracion siento por el Dr. Lennox. Una sabiduría milenaria impresionante.

This was absolutely AMAZING! Gotta watch it again.

Take a good long look and listen folks. Brilliant honest minds like this man here are fast disappearing from the world.

What an amazing human being this man is, he speaks the truth in so many ways

Just saw this last night with my wife and we agreed it was a Masterpiece.....Just wish this kind of thought was taught is Public Schools.

What I know is Jesus loves me so much.

The young man that fed questions to Dr. Lennox started out so bold and self-assured with an air of superiority as he placed trap after trap before his guest. By the end, as I write this comment, he sits unsure and sheepish as he brings Buddhist beliefs of suffering before his guest. Each question scripted beforehand, without the benefit of prior knowledge of the answers to be expressed; he continues down his prescribed path in vanity. For Dr. Lennox has already painted an understanding that dwarfed the young Doctor's knowledge and made simple what is complex. The young man's head aimed down, eyes on the ground, the ridgity of his jaw gone.... he sits before a master, but that master claims apprenticeship of a Great Master and the young doctor has become a young boy at his feet.

Thank you John Lennox. So wonderful final statement.

Great show great speaker. Terrific questions. Fascinating and encouraging, hope shines through.

Outstanding presentation by a brilliant man who reconciled suffering with how Jesus also suffered but resurrected to give us people HOPE. These type of conversation travel a long distance if practiced often. Science is great but greater is our GOD.

I have a strong testimony that God wants us to learn and to grow and to strengthen our relationship with him throughout our lives. I know that as we seek knowledge and understanding and we ask God for help, He leads us to the sources of truth that he wants us to receive. I consider myself a devoted follower of Christ. However, lately I’ve struggled with understanding why God allows so much suffering. This beautiful man and his words have enlightened my understanding and brought me some much needed comfort. I hope that I will have the opportunity to meet this extraordinary man, in this life or the next, and thank him for spreading the truth and light of Christ’s teachings. 💕 Thank you #JohnLennox. I look forward to learning more from your tremendous example.

Excellent interview. So warming to hear John Lennox speak so biblically and also so humbly. Blessed assurance Jesus is mine. Maranatha

This is the Pre-Woke Harvard. This couldn't be done now, without loss of life or limb.

Im not born in the age of CS Lewis time, which misses the understanding n sharing of his faith, but im glad im able to hear this man, John lennox's faith, that boast mine n builds more confidence in Christ. Im acceptance not because what i have done but what Jesus did.

He is there. He is there specifically for people to turn to Him, to lean on Him completely, to get through the suffering or endure the suffering, with Grace and the knowledge that time on Earth is fleeting, a blip in eternity. It may feel like your suffering is eternal, but when you lean on God in your suffering, it's endurable. Spoken from experience.

Funny how humans are prompt to declare God responsible for whatever bad thing happens and yet so few of us have enough sense to praise the Lord when something good happens. It's vanity, that's what it is, our emptiness echoing itself.

Starting at 45:00, John Lennox addresses the self righteous Christian who makes the dangerous statement to someone bearing a physical suffering that their illness is due to sin. I have heard this judgment proclaimed by a follower of Jesus over another. I was young and lost my temper when these words were spoken. John Lennox calmly points to the suffering of Job. An infinitely better response to such a one. I have just recently become acquainted with John Lennox’s teaching. With all his knowledge he remains extremely humble, and takes great care not to stray into strident dogmatism. He is truly a man of God.

This should be required viewing by every church youth group in the nation.

Thankyou Brother John my family is from Northern Ireland.... The lord cause His Face to shine apon you.....