What is skeptical theism?

Answer

Skeptical theism asserts that human beings are not omniscient and that their limitations should be taken into account when evaluating God’s decisions. The focus of this skepticism is on human beings themselves, implying that we should approach objections to God’s actions or existence with caution. This perspective positions skeptical theism as one of several responses to the “problem of evil.”

The problem of evil posits that unjustified evil cannot coexist with the existence of God. Skeptical theism argues that the assumption “there is no conceivable justification for God to permit this apparent evil” is unreasonable. According to skeptical theism, the problem of evil essentially states, “I cannot see a valid reason to allow that evil; therefore, no all-powerful, all-knowing being could see one either.”

A common analogy used to explain skeptical theism is the “parent analogy.” It suggests that just as a parent may have valid reasons for allowing a child to experience suffering or perceived “evil” that the child does not comprehend or accept, God may have reasons beyond human understanding. For instance, a three-year-old might adamantly believe there is no good reason for strangers to restrain him and place him in a frightening, noisy machine. However, undergoing an MRI is not automatically unjustified just because the child perceives it as such. This analogy can also be applied to scenarios involving vaccinations, surgery, and other complex issues.

Critics of skeptical theism may argue that good parents provide explanations for their actions. Dismissing a child’s fears with a simple “you wouldn’t understand” may seem unjust and unreasonable. They also point out that the evils in question are not minor inconveniences but rather serious matters like genocide, disease, and rape. These critics often contend that since God is capable of “anything,” He should offer any necessary explanations that align with our limited understanding.

However, skeptical theism maintains that such objections are based on the assumption that God must conform to human standards of justification and explanation.Many miss the mark. The essence of the parent analogy—and skeptical theism by extension—is that only within the child’s perception are there no good reasons for the “evil.” Those with more advanced perception can clearly see some good reasons (1 Corinthians 13:11-12). Limited knowledge can make it impossible for certain minds to fully understand certain justifications, no matter how strong the justification or how thorough the explanation. Thus, it’s logically possible that an omniscient, omnipotent being has justifications that we do not fully perceive.

The relative scale of various “evils” is also irrelevant, but not because skeptical theism rejects the reality of pain and suffering. Rather, it’s because we are not God (Isaiah 55:8-9) and cannot claim to be infallible judges of His actions (Job 38:1-7). As we grow into adulthood, a great many issues that once seemed simple reveal themselves as more complex and nuanced (1 Corinthians 13:11-12). God’s infinitely more advanced perspective makes it unreasonable to claim there cannot be justification for God to allow some particular evil. The parent-child analogy is used simply because the situation is so familiar; a more apt comparison for God and man might be adults and bacteria.

Another point often missed by critics of skeptical theism is that explanation does not compel acceptance (John 5:39-40; James 2:19). Someone can encounter clear, logical, concise explanations and still reject them—even those that 99 percent of others would accept. Or, as in the case of children, simple selfishness or emotion might override all other considerations.

Once again, this demonstrates a specific point: simply stating, “I do not perceive good reasons for this,” does not prove that such justifications do not exist or cannot exist. Sufficient reason is a subjectively inherent expression, and conflicting desires often influence our perceptions of what we will or will not accept.

Skeptical theism elicits various criticisms and defenses beyond those mentioned here. There are more profound conversations to engage in regarding our understanding of God and when to question our conclusions—such as issues like solipsism. Nevertheless, the fundamental concept of skeptical theism is both biblically and logically valid. An all-powerful, all-knowing being is not invalidated simply because the actions of that being do not perfectly align with the understanding of fallible humans (Romans 9:20-21).