The aim of this article is to examine the reasons why theodicy, as we understand the term today, is virtually absent from ancient Mesopotamian literature. The purpose is to discover what factors in that culture led to the exclusion of theodicy and the idea of innocent suffering from their worldview and literature.

What is the "problem of evil" (theodicy)? This essay works towards a formulation of the nature of the problem of evil, with the purpose of achieving a more unified answer to a pervasive problem.

This article argues that a lot of discussions on theodicy make no reference to Jesus Christ; they simply theorize on the nature of a deity who can scarcely bring meaningful comfort to people. Rather, the problem of evil and suffering in the world should be resolved in Jesus Christ and his cross.