The Holocaust, also known as the Shoah, was the genocide of European Jews during World War II. Over 6 million Jews were systematically murdered by the Nazi regime. This horrific event raises difficult questions for many people about God’s goodness and the problem of evil and suffering.
The Bible does not give a simple, direct answer to why God allowed the Holocaust. However, Scripture does provide perspectives that can help us think about this enormously complex issue. Here are several biblical principles that are relevant when considering why God allowed the Holocaust:
1. God gave humans free will
According to the Bible, God created humans with free will and does not override our freedom to force us to do good or prevent us from doing evil (Genesis 1-3; Joshua 24:15; John 5:39-40). With free will comes the ability to commit terrible acts of evil. Unfortunately, humans have chosen to rebel against God from the beginning, bringing sin and suffering into the world.
The Holocaust was an example of human free will and depravity being taken to horrific extremes. While God is sovereign, He allows human freedom and does not prevent all evil actions in history for mysterious reasons. This means horrible events like the Holocaust can and do happen.
2. The world is fallen and affected by sin
The Bible teaches that when the first humans rebelled against God, all of creation fell under the curse of sin, death, and brokenness (Genesis 3:14-19; Romans 8:20-22). We now live in a fallen world filled with suffering and tragedy not how God intended it to be.
The profound evil and devastation of the Holocaust highlights the depth of human sin and depravity. While God did not cause it, He allowed this horror to occur in the context of humanity’s broken and sinful world.
3. God can bring good out of evil
Though God does not cause evil, Scripture shows how He is able to use suffering to bring about goodness and redemption (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28). This does not excuse evil, but provides hope that God can overcome evil with good.
We may not fully understand how, but God can ultimately use something as terrible as the Holocaust to fulfill His sovereign purposes. The formation of the modern state of Israel and the remarkable perseverance of the Jewish people after near annihilation are possible examples.
4. God will judge evil in the end
The Bible promises that one day God will pour out His judgment on all evil, sin, and rebellion against Him (Revelation 20:11-15). He will avenge the innocent and punish the wicked. Justice will ultimately prevail.
The Holocaust cries out for divine justice. We can rest assured that one day God will right every wrong and bring perpetrators of horrific evil like the Holocaust to judgment. The victims will see God’s justice and vindication in the end.
5. God mourns with those who suffer
Scripture reveals God’s heart of compassion for those who suffer. When His people hurt and cry out, He hears their pain and promises to be close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 63:9; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5).
God’s character does not change; He mourned with and comforted Holocaust victims in their agony like He does for all who suffer. And He eternally remembers the horrific suffering of those millions of precious souls.
6. God provides eternal hope beyond suffering
The Bible teaches that earthly life is not the end and gives hope of eternal life without pain or suffering for those who trust in God (John 11:25-26; Revelation 21:3-5).
For victims of the Holocaust, this promised hope of resurrection and eternal life with God provided comfort amid immense suffering. Life on Earth is temporary, but eternity awaits where God “will wipe away every tear” (Revelation 21:4).
7. Jesus suffered to defeat evil
In His incarnation, God came down to experience human suffering in Jesus Christ. On the cross, Jesus willingly suffered and died at the hands of evil men to conquer sin and death (Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 2:14-15).
Through His suffering, Jesus identifies with victims of evil and ultimately achieved victory over evil for those who trust in Him. The innocent suffering of the Holocaust points ahead to Christ’s sacrificial suffering to defeat evil once and for all.
8. Believers are called to show love to those who suffer
As Christians who have received God’s love and comfort, we are called to extend His love and care to those hurting around us (2 Corinthians 1:3-5; Galatians 6:2).
The immense suffering of Holocaust victims compels us to love and support those suffering from injustice and persecution today. Practically caring for and defending the vulnerable honors the victims’ memories.
9. We cannot fully understand why God allows evil
While Scripture provides guidance, our finite human minds cannot fully comprehend an infinite God and why He allows terrible evils like the Holocaust (Deuteronomy 29:29; Isaiah 55:8-9). But we can still trust God’s wisdom, sovereignty and redeeming purposes.
The Holocaust forces us to grapple with profound questions about evil and suffering. This side of eternity, we will not find complete answers. Yet even in our confusion, we can cling to God’s promise that one day we will understand fully (1 Corinthians 13:12).
In conclusion, while the Bible does not provide a simple explanation for why God allowed the Holocaust, it does provide theological perspectives that offer insight and hope for those wrestling with this incredibly difficult issue. We may not understand why, but we can be assured from Scripture that God is good, just, sovereign and compassionate. He mourns with those who suffer and will one day right all wrongs. We must cling to God and His eternal promises that one day there will be no more pain or suffering for those who trust in Christ.