This paper addresses the topic of how God can be known in relation to the radical evil of innocent human suffering. Beginning by distinguishing between understanding and explanation as two related but different types of knowledge, it argues that God's love and radical evil are to be understood, not explained. While logical explanations of how God's love and radical evil inevitably subvert one or both realities, understanding allows both to stand and be appreciated for what they are. The paper goes on to argue that explanation does have a necessary role in enabling participation in God's redemptive work of overcoming evil. Explanation enriches understanding but never replaces it. Related in this way, understanding and explanation can supplement each other in the task of illuminating the human condition and guiding human action.
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