Evil and a Good God...

A.W. Tozer says it best, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”[1] What someone perceives about who God is and who His character is, determines for them where it is that they are going and how they choose to live their life. The problem of evil brings about a defining factor of how people perceive who God is and what that means for them.

The problem of evil has become a highly debated argument that atheists have developed to discount the existence of a Judeo-Christian God. Additionally, it is a philosophical and theological argument that seeks to show that God and evil cannot both exist. Ultimately it poses the question that if God is all powerful, all good, and all knowing, then how can evil happen? How could a God who is supposed to be so loving allow so much pain in the world? What is often found is that God cannot be these three things and as a result either the Christian thinker must compromise on a belief of one of these characteristics or assume that Christianity is not absolute Truth. Through the process of studying the problem of evil it will be noted that though evil exists, it does not affect how God can still be all sovereign, good, and powerful. Additionally, it will also prove God’s divine plan by allowing free will for humanity for the purpose of ultimate redemption.

The Argument of the Problem of Evil

One of the largest issues that comes with the problem of evil is how many theologians and philosophers approach the topic. In order to solve the problem of evil, the simplest way is to compromise. Many will try and compromise evil or even characteristics of God Himself. Some will even dismiss the existence of God altogether. For example, many follow Trakakis argument on the problem of evil through the perspective of idealism. Trakakis argues, “if moral goodness or moral perfection of God (or any Absolute) is removed, then the problem of evil as standardly conceived immediately disappeared.”[2] In other words, Trakakis believes that through an idealistic approach, the problem of evil disappears because it is dependent on one’s own outlook within the mind.[3] While these attempts are well meaning they are actually extremely dangerous. Any attempt that demises or takes away who God is, is not in effective use. Therefore, there must be a right theodicy created.

Altering the Character of God

As previously stated, Judeo-Christian God claims to be all-knowing, all-good, and all-powerful however, when evil is present it places a direct contradiction. Epicurus’ argument expresses this clearly. Within his argument he shows how God’s character is placed into question. Either God can overcome evil but chooses not to, He desires to but does not have the capability to defeat it, or He has both the power and capability to do it yet chooses not to. If God does indeed hold the abilities yet chooses not to overcome evil, the conclusion holds that God Himself is unloving. However, if He indeed desires to take away evil but cannot, then He is not all powerful. Lastly, If God cannot take evil away and also does not want to, then should He really be God?[4] As a result of this argument, many have found that the problem of evil has developed an accurate ability to question God’s moral character.

Another argument draws attention to thoughts of natural disaster, loss, death, suffering, cruelty, or even events such as the holocaust. Immediately upon thinking of such evil things it is easy to question that if God truly is who He says He is, why has He allowed such tragedies to occur? Charles Templeton in his own book about deploring the Christian Faith, identifies strongly how this point does not align with the Christian God.[5] God as all-powerful (as stated in Psalm 89) paired with the evidence of evil, takes away any legitimacy of a loving God. Therefore, the problem of evil reveals actually that God does not care about His own creation.

The last argument to discuss is through the revision of God’s character which has been twisted in the way that philosophers has termed God’s will for humanity. Within the Old Testament, God commands His people to kill. Additionally, Deuteronomy 32:39 expresses how God Himself is the one who puts life to death. Therefore, many would come to the conclusion that not only has God chosen not to end suffering but that even, His sovereign will is evil. Paul Helseth states plainly, “evil must be regarded as something that is not contrary to, but an essential component of, God’s will…”[6] In some sense, this statement is true in that God is sovereign and that evil was used in His plan. However, several issues arise when an individual comes the conclusion that God in His character did not just allow evil but in some shape or form is evil. The greatest issue that has come from the problem of evil is not just that it attempts to denounce the existence of God but that it also is heretical in its claims. Although God’s character is highly questioned, when approaching the subject on a theology built upon the foundation of Scripture, the problem of evil is made clear.

A Biblical Response

Approaching the problem of evil may appear as a somewhat daunting task. Although there are several arguments when it comes to evil, by viewing it within the lens of a Biblical worldview it will be made clear that God’s character is protected. Additionally, we see God’s perfect and divine plan for complete restoration. To view this plan, it is necessary to evaluate the theology and origin of evil in context to Scripture. Millard Erickson rightly reminds His readers that the problem of evil may never be fully solved. It is entirely normal for further questions to arise as more are answered.[7] However, by analyzing the origin of sin and evil on the basis of God’s own words, it will be made aware how this question can be adequately answered.

The Origin of Sin

After evaluating the discussion of evil, it becomes apparent that its origin is a direct result from sin. To sufficiently know its definition in correlation to sin, evil must be further developed and explained. Additionally, so to must sin be defined if evil is based on its description. In Genesis 3, the first sin is recorded from Adam and Eve. Their sin was eating of the fruit of a tree that God had specifically commanded them not to.

Initially, when thinking of eating fruit, it is not seen as something that is wrong, therefore, what was God’s intention? Truthfully, this eating of the fruit may not be morally wrong, but it represented disobedience to what God had expressed and commanded to them. From what is known through Scripture, God is Absolute Truth (John 15:4). He set the standard of what was good because He Himself was the definition of good. Therefore, anything apart from God or against God’s will is sin, imperfect, and evil. Adam and Eve’s decision to eat the fruit that God had commanded them went against Truth and goodness. Ultimately, instead of trusting the Truth they believed the lie of the enemy and great destruction was the result. After they sinned, Genesis stated that the result would be death. The result of their sin not only affected their now temporary bodies but also created a temporary world. Within the next chapter, it immediately shows how all of creation was affected by their sin. Sin is seen through its death, destruction, and deterioration. Just by their one act of disobedience the whole world was affected.

Yet, just as Adam and Eve sinned, so has the rest the rest of humanity fallen short of God’s command. Millard Erickson draws a clear connection by expressing, “Adam, the entire human race violated God’s will and fell from the state of innocence in which God had created it. Consequently, all of us begin life with a natural tendency to sin.”[8] Now it is clearly seen that the root of evil is actually driven by men’s inability to obtain perfect goodness and truth. Furthermore, it shall be known that evil is not something that God created but a result of mankind failing to choose God’s perfect will. Therefore, now it has impacted humanity and even creation. In Romans 8, Paul writes about how the bondage of sin and death has affected all of creation. Just as Romans 8:19-22 states,

“19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.”

Interestingly, the first expression of the physical response to evil in this world in Genesis is expressed through the pains of child-birth, this passage reminds the readers of where sin began and how it has affected the whole. It answers questions about both our spiritual state and physical embodiment. Therefore, it is clear that the evil in this world is in direct correlation to sin which is men’s disobedience to God’s perfect character.

Free Will and Perfect Sovereignty

While it is known of how sin and evil was brought into creation, certainly there are greater questions as to why God would have allowed this in the first place. If God truly is all-knowing, good, and powerful then why wouldn’t He have simply prevented them from making this decision in the beginning? Truthfully, God very well could have created a world in which no evil existed. However, in this world it cannot be promised that humanity would be living in authentic worship to God. Furthermore, humanity would not have the ability to comprehend how God is loving or even what a true loving relationship with Him looks like.

Because He is a loving God, we see it even in His decision to allow evil because it has given humanity the opportunity to choose to worship Him and be in relationship with Him. Referring back to Adam and Eve, the fruit on the tree did not just symbolize whether or not they wanted to be subservient to God, but it was also God’s way of giving them an option to love Him. It is also vital to remember that in God’s creation He did begin with a perfect world.

However, within this perfect world He again allowed choice. With that choice, humanity chose to fall into temptation.[9] Evil is then seen and known as a result of human defiance. James 1:14 even reveals this about human nature as it expresses, “Each person is then tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire.” Therefore, it is not God’s character that entices another but actually the result of their direct desire to be God themselves. Many may hear this and question if that concludes that God’s creation is actually flawed. If this is men’s response to temptation would that not reflect God’s design of humanity?

It must be brought to the point of remembering that while God is sovereign, He has also provided free will to His creation. Just as we want to be chosen and loved so does our creator. God’s sovereignty is seen even in this choice to provide for mankind freewill. Providing freewill does not dismiss God’s power or sovereignty but instead shows His intricate design to humanity. He knew that this is what was necessary in order for His name to be further glorified.

Therefore, a further picture of God’s sovereignty is shown. Although He knew that sin was going to happen, He was not the causing factor of it. God’s heart and desire has never been that His creation would live in eternal suffering. 1 Timothy 2:4 speaks of God’s desire for humanity by expressing, “God our savior, wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of Truth,”(NIV). He proves this to humanity, not just by giving us free will but fulfilling what His heart for us has been the whole time through the death and resurrection of His son Jesus Christ. Through the life of Jesus Christ, it solidifies for us redemption, salvation, and ultimate restoration for those who choose to believe. Just as John 6:47 tells us that salvation and redemption from this world comes for whoever chooses to believe in what God has done for us through His son Jesus on the cross.

Ultimately, when God created the world, He understood how evil was going to play a part and he saw the cross as a part of the story all along. As stated previously, Romans shows clearly, how the world has been affected by sin. However, it also shows how God specifically ordained it to happen for the purpose of His glory and love for humanity. God has had redemption in mind the entirety of the time. God knew that it was necessary in order for complete restoration. Erickson stated briefly, “it was better to create beings capable of fellowship with and obedience to him, even in the face of temptations to do otherwise. This was evidently a greater good than to introduce humans into a totally antiseptic environment from which even the logical possibility anything contrary to God’s will would have been excluded.”[10]

Therefore, God’s sovereignty is evident as well as humanities’ freewill all in Scripture. However, it is not in contradiction with one another but instead, God enables it to work together for His purpose, glory, and love for His creation. Ultimately God knew in the beginning how salvation would be necessary to save His people. In His sovereignty, He understood the most efficient way to make it come into fulfillment. It certainly is overwhelming to know that God knew all of this would happen and still He created life to be in relationship with Him for the purpose of perfect love.

Conclusion

Overall, when viewing the problem of evil, there is certainly evidence of God’s character being placed in question. However, after further investigation it is found that who God claims to be in no way is defeated by evil. Developing a better understanding of this answers many deep seeded questions about God and evil. One analogy that has clarified much of this is by understanding darkness. Darkness is not just something that can be physically touched or created but instead it is the absence of light. In the same way, if God is light and mankind chooses something other than God, it results in darkness. Understanding that humanity violated God’s will is key to the problem of evil. God still has redemption in store and all of creation awaits the day to be reconciled with Him, to worship Him, and to love Him.

Additionally, after continuing to study the problem of evil, it has become evident that while there are many questions that arise much of it can be answered within Scripture. Furthermore, if we trust that God’s word is inerrant and He is who He says that He is, then His character is seen be divine and true as well. Lastly, what is found is that even evil was not something that caught God off guard or something that He did not expect when He created the world. God is still sovereign and in further study it becomes evident how all of it is for the purpose of God’s perfect redemption. Still, God is all good, all knowing, and all powerful and these attributes are not in contradiction with one another but instead work together for His glory and purposes.

[1] AW Tozer, The Pursuit of God (Lexington, KY: Stori Imprint, 2013). [2] N.N. Trakakis, “Absolute Idealism and the Problem of Evil.”. International Journal for Philosophy of Religion, vol. 82 (August 2017): 50-51. [3] Ibid. [4] Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology, (Baker Academic, 2015), 395, Retrieved from https://app.wordsearchbible.lifeway.com. 395. [5] Lee Strobel, The Case for Faith: A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 2000) 39. [6] Stanley N. Gundry and Dennis W. Jowers, Four Views on Divine Providence. (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011) 51. [7] Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology, (Baker Academic, 2015), 395, Retrieved from https://app.wordsearchbible.lifeway.com. [8] Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology, (Baker Academic, 2015), 395, Retrieved from https://app.wordsearchbible.lifeway.com. [9] Strobel, The Case for Faith. 51. [10] Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology, (Baker Academic, 2015), 395, Retrieved from https://app.wordsearchbible.lifeway.com. 395

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