The most valuable goods in our world require, risk, or result in the sufferings that we see.
The greatest goods include...
• …free will in a moral arena
• …best forming our own character
• …God's atonement for people like Paul
• …worldly people turning to seek God
• …love-bonds forged in suffering
• …solidarity with Christ in suffering
• …true evil-conquering stories
• …a knowable unfolding natural order
• …sacrifices for good causes
• …being of use to those in need
• …appreciating heaven (no suffering)
The world would be better in the absence of at least some of the sufferings we see occuring. This is relevant because, if and all-good God existed, then that God would opt for making the world better when possible.
By way of response, however, couldn't it simply be that…
• …there is no best world so God would not opt for one.1
Choosing to prevent some sufferings that we see would be more humane/loving of God (even if it makes the world worse). This is relevant because God has a duty to treat his creation humanely.
By way of response, however, couldn't it simply be that…
• …God has no duties.[Forthcoming]