Problem of Evil
Definition
“The problem of evil” is one of the most discussed objections to the existence of God and is a top reason many unbelievers give for their unbelief. These objectors argue that since there are so many cases of significant pain and suffering in the world that God could easily prevent, the fact that all this evil was not prevented means it is very unlikely (if not impossible) that God exists.
Summary
“The problem of evil” appeals to the phenomenon of evil (significant cases of pain and suffering) as evidence against the existence of God. For many, this evidence appears decisive, because if God existed, he would be powerful enough to prevent such evil, and good enough to want to prevent such evil. Since there is evil, no such powerful and good being exists. For the past two millennia Christians have typically urged two points in reply: theodicy and inscrutability. First, God may very well have a good reason for allowing the evil he does allow – a reason compatible with his holy and good character – and the way of theodicy goes on to list a number of these reasons. Second, the fact that unbelievers may not be able to discern or correctly guess at God’s justifying reason for allowing evil is no good reason to think he doesn’t have a reason. Given the infinity of God’s omniscience, the complexity of his providence, the depth of the goods he aims at, and our own substantial cognitive limitations, we shouldn’t expect to guess God’s reasons.
Podcasts
Articles
‘Everything Is Christ’—and Other Muddled Messages from Richard Rohr
Richard Rohr’s ‘The Universal Christ’ aligns with what Scripture calls ‘the spirit of the antichrist.’
God’s Sovereignty Over Leviathan and Behemoth
Leviathan and Behemoth, terrifying as they are, are both on a sovereign leash.
Salutary Lessons from the Evils of Nazi Ideology
Anyone who has ever worked for a Christian organization knows that stories of origin are powerful.
The Chaos Is No Match for the Cosmos
Why does Revelation 21 say the new earth will have “no more sea”?
Where Is Jesus Amid Genocide and Unthinkable Evil?
Whatever calamities strike, and however atrocities evade our understanding, in Christ all wounds are healed.
David Platt’s New Book Is Surprisingly Vulnerable
David Platt had to wrestle with the question: ‘Why are so many people born into what seems like an earthy hell, only to move to an eternal one?’
3 Beliefs Some Progressive Christians and Atheists Share
The teachings of the Bible aren’t progressive—they’re eternal.
Racism Is Demonic
Nothing would delight the Devil more than for Christians to believe that racism in America, and particularly in the church, has been dealt with.
