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Kid asked why God lets bad things happen - how'd you answer?

2w ago·1 min read

Out of nowhere my 11 year old asked me why God lets bad things happen. We were just sitting at dinner. I don't think she was asking about anything specific just the big question. I gave her some answer about faith and trust but honestly I don't even know if I said the right thing. How do you talk to your kids about suffering and faith in a way they understand?

3 comments148 views

Comments(3)

TTrevor M.New Dad2w ago

Man, that's the question right? I told my kid that bad things happen because we live in a broken world, but God is there in the middle of it with us. Eleven is old enough for a real conversation but simple enough that they don't need a theology degree. What did you end up saying?

PPaul W.New Dad2w ago

This one kept me up at night when my kid asked it. I think the honest answer is that it's a mystery and it's okay to not have all the answers. Kids respect honesty more than perfect Christian talking points. The fact that he felt comfortable asking you is what matters.

DDerekNew Dad2w ago

Deep question for a dinner conversation. I'd probably lean into the free will angle but also that God can bring good out of hard things. Eleven year olds are smart enough to smell BS though, so whatever you say needs to feel genuine.