People witnessing suffering may feel tempted to doubt or reject God's existence, while those experiencing pain often cling to God as their source of comfort and hope. This contrast highlights the complex relationship between faith and suffering, showing that faith can both be challenged and strengthened in difficult times.
"Those who observe suffering are tempted to reject God; those who experience it often cannot give up on God, their solace and their agony." The large turnout at church on a cold night illustrated this point, emphasizing that belief in a good God underpins efforts to protest against evil. Volf notes, "You can protest against the evil in the world only if you believe in a good God," suggesting that faith provides the foundation for moral resistance and hope amid suffering.