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Arts & Communication Theodicy and music

the therapeutic powers of music and music therapy, the the source of evil and absence of good, grace (unearned
relationship between theodicy and music has received riches to unworthy individuals), free will (the extent to
less attention. In this perspective paper, I explore the which humans can make decisions), sovereignty (the
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following question in the context of theodicy: How should authoritative power over everything), and justice (that
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we choose the music to engage with while suffering? This which is fair and reasonable). However, it was not until
paper presents the background and meaning of theodicy, 1710 that German moral philosopher Gottfried Leibniz
reviews the related literature, and offers a perspective coined the term “theodicy” while grappling with ideas
on how different views of God relate to the use of music of suffering and various biblical doctrines. The term is
during suffering. derived from the Greek words theo (meaning God), and
dike (meaning justice). 4
2. Background and meaning of theodicy
In the early 1920s, German social economist Max Weber
The study of classic theodicy begins with questions such expanded on the concept of theodicy in The Sociology of
as “If there is a loving, omnipotent, omniscient, and Religion. Weber believed that all religions were primary
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omnipresent God, why is there so much evil and suffering causes of suffering; therefore, he regarded theodicy more
in the world?” and “If there is a just God, why should unjust broadly than its classic definition, which focuses on a
suffering occur?” Theodicy, therefore, is deeply rooted in singular God. Weber explored the theodicies of other
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the Jewish and Christian traditions, as these faiths instill religions, including those with multiple deities or beliefs in
the doctrine that there is a single, all-powerful, loving, and non-omnipotent beings. Consequently, many theologians
just God. While the Jewish Tanakh and the Christian and philosophers use theodicy to explore various religious
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Bible explore the attributes and works of God, one specific or spiritual premises, including those with multiple gods, a
book stands out as fundamental to the study of theodicy: non-powerful god, or no god at all. 8,9
the Book of Job. 5
3. Review of related literature
The Book of Job is considered a historical and poetic text,
focusing on the problem of suffering under the authority of Numerous studies have explored the relationship between
an omnipotent God. The central character, Job, is described theodicy and literature. These studies range from examining
as a prosperous man who is “perfect,” “upright,” and “God- classic works such as Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice,
fearing” (Job 1:1). However, unbeknownst to Job, Satan Dostoevsky’s Brothers Karamazov, and Camus’ The Plague
argues before God that Job’s righteousness is solely due to contemporary works such as Morrison’s Beloved and
to God’s protection and blessings. Satan contends that if Young’s The Shack. 10-12 However, few studies have explored
Job were stripped of his wealth and health, he would curse the relationship between theodicy and music. This may
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God. God addresses Satan’s hubris by allowing him to be because theodicy is rooted in ancient sacred texts and
bring calamities on Job, leading to the loss of his wealth, aligns with the fundamental literary theme of good versus
children, and health. Seeing his misery, Job’s wife urges evil. Furthermore, American theologian and educator
him to “curse God, and die” (Job 2:9). Job is then visited Carol Lakey Hess argues that students can challenge their
by three friends and a young acquaintance; within a week, philosophical assumption of truth by exploring theodicy
they tell him that his suffering is caused by his egregious alongside literature. 12
sins against God and that he needs to repent. Job denies Many musical works also reference the broader theme
these accusations and maintains his innocence. Eventually, of good and evil; therefore, exploring theodicy in relation
God appears before Job in a whirlwind, posing a series of to music can yield valuable insight into what is true.
rhetorical questions about creation, such as “Where wast Among the existing studies on this subject is Spencer’s
thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?. Whereupon God in Secular Music Culture: The Theodicy of the Blues
are its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, as the Paradigm of Proof. Spencer, an American popular
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when the morning stars sang together…?” (Job 38:4,7, humanities professor, argues that theodicy in blues music
KJV) Throughout the questioning, Job acknowledges God’s is rooted in the lived experiences of the singers, their
sovereignty and authority over all creation, leading to an encounters with evil and suffering, and their knowledge
increase of his faith and depth of relationship with God. of the Bible. By presenting and analyzing various texts
God then intervenes to end Job’s suffering, restoring and from blues songs, Spencer suggests that blues singers
multiplying his prosperity and health while blessing him. 5,7 view suffering as the result of corrupt human actions.
Theologians and philosophers in the past and present Meanwhile, British theologian, Jonathan Arnold examines
often refer to the Book of Job when addressing the problem the various ways in which music is used while suffering
and dilemma of suffering to answer questions regarding and discusses the approaches of composers Arvo Pärt and

Volume 3 Issue 1 (2025) 2 doi: 10.36922/ac.3830