It is obvious that evil is no minuscule issue. On the contrary, evil is more problematic than most think. In addressing this problem, a proper study of God must be done for the problem of evil to be truly understood for what it is. The view of the problem of evil could only be grasped if the study of the view of God is established. One’s view of who God is will reflect on their view of what good and evil is, and one’s view of evil is a direct reflection of their view of God. The study and view of God has an influential relationship with the view of the problem of evil. The study of God is required to understand why evil is the problem it has always been.

Evil Defined

As its name suggests, evil is anything bad, and by nature, is opposing to the common good. Philosopher Charles Evans on evil and apologetics and philosophy asserts that “most Christian theologians have held that evil is not a positive thing or substance, but should be understood as a defect or damage to God’s creation.”[1] Evil has affected the whole nature of man. It has corrupted the will, mind, intentions, and actions.

The Origin of Evil

The origin of evil is not to be confused with the origin of sin and the fall of Adam as seen in Genesis 3. These are two different events as evil existed in the garden of Eden through the serpent. Sin only entered the world after Adam ate of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. However, evil existed prior, and the origin of evil will always remain a mystery. What most theologians may agree on is that Satan was the first evil being, but where evil first originated will remain unknown.

The Dilemma of Evil

The dilemma of evil, as the name suggests, may sound quite redundant. Evil itself is a problem, and therefore, the problem of evil may suggest exaggeration. Melvin Tinker’s description of the problem of evil says, “we often speak of the problem of evil or the problem of suffering; why describe evil and suffering as problems? It is generally acknowledged that evil, and suffering which is perceived as evil, is a problem for the Christian because of what he or she believes.[2]

One of the most obvious problems of evil is the dilemma of human suffering. This is the one that affects humanity most. This practical and emotional dilemma is most common to man. John Frame says that “‘The emotional problem of evil’ is simply the agony we feel when we experience tragedy in life, and we cry out, ‘Why, Lord?’”[3]

Along with the emotional problem, there is also the logical problem. This argument suggests that God cannot be both good and omnipotent at the same time. Should God be good, he would oppose evil, and should he be omnipotent, he would prevent evil from happening. In his book entitled God’s Problem, Bart Ehrman argues this, and claims that God cannot be both good and all-powerful simultaneously. He is either one or none, because how would there be evil in this world if a God who is good and all-powerful exists? This argument, however, assumes that God exists. Frame says that “to say that God is not omnipotent or not good is to say that the God of the Bible does not exist.”[4]

Despite this, what many people overlook is the problem with mankind. This is the “overlooked problem”. Man is the cause of problems seen today, and the unjust ways of man are seen in Ezekiel 18:25. Man is the reason to blame for the evil that happens in the world around us. To blame God for the evil happening in the world is to praise man for all the good that is done. This would be inaccurate.

…TO BE CONTINUED. (Look out for Pt. 2)

References

[1] Charles S. Evans, Pocket Dictionary of Apologetics and Philosophy of Religion (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2002), 42.

[2] Melvin Tinker, “Purpose in Pain? —Teleology and the Problem of Evil,” Themelios 16, no. 3 (1991): 15, accessed November 28, 2020 https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/purpose-in-pain-teleology-and-the-problem-of-evil/

[3] John M. Frame, The Doctrine of God, A Theology of Lordship, (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing Co., 2002), Kindle Locations 2015-2016 of 12312.

[4] Ibid, Kindle Locations 2012-2013 of 12312.