I think that theology, the study of God, was created out of people’s need to make the contradictions of life fit together:
Q. Why is there evil in the world?
A. Because a fallen angel decided to avenge God by getting people to disobey God and thus causing evil in the world that God wanted to be loving and peaceful.
Q. Why do people suffer so?
A. Because they sin, of course. God punishes them because they deserve it.
Q. Why do innocent people suffer?
A. Um…well…maybe because there is sin in them somewhere and we just cannot see it.
Q. What about the little children?
A. Um…well…yes, the little children…oh, yes, the sins of the father are passed on through the generations.
Q. Why does God let bad things happen to good people?
The atheist said, “God doesn’t exist.”
The agnostic said, “It is impossible to figure this God out.”
The scientist said, “Give me some time and I will figure this out.”
The legalist said, “If the pieces don’t fit together, force them.”
The authoritarian said, “Shut up and do as I say.”
The mystic, Job, said, “I don’t understand God.
God said to Job, “You finally understand.”