Among the many objections to Christianity that have appeared over the centuries, one of the most common is known as the problem of evil.
"If there is a God, why is there so much suffering in the world?"
How do we answer this problem? First, we should note, that without God we have a bigger problem of what makes something good in the first place. Secondly, it is important to see that the answer does not actually lie in the question of who God is, or what He can or cannot do. The answer lies in the question of who we are.
"The Bible teaches us that we have been created with an extraordinary dignity which places us in a position of unique privilege and responsibility. "
God is Good & You Are You-Thomas Davis
We have been given freedom which is a wonderful privilege but also a solemn responsibility.
It is our failure to not use that freedom wisely that has resulted in a broken world.
Basically, good is characterized by order, calmness, tranquility, peace, lack of conflict, and cleanliness. Cleanliness is next to godliness. It’s true. It is.
And evil is characterized by their opposites. Violence, hate, disorder, division, disorganization, and filth. So, if you are all in on the things that produce the latter basket of outcomes, what you’re really advocating for is evil.
At first, glance to say "evil is evil" it would be hard to find someone to disagree with you. But
if we think about it some more, the way we live our lives says something very different.
Here are three examples of how this happens.
One-Today Evil is acceptable.
This does not apply to all forms of evil but many evils are acceptable. The abortion fight is one of the most tragic.
32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. Romans 1:32
Two-Today Evil is entertaining.
There is a lot of evidence for this. Books, newspapers, TV Shows, movies, and the internet all provide a feast of entertainment that glamorizes appalling behavior. We have made the immoral a fantasy that we cannot get enough of.
Three and most worrying of all-Today Evil is useful.
Deceit can take you to the very top of politics. The exploitation of the labor force can make you rich. Disclosing private information about someone can give you lots of power.
The Bible tells us that Evil is Evil. It is not acceptable, not entertaining, and not to be used to accomplish anything. It is hideous. We must avoid this behavior that wrecks precious individuals, destroys our communities, and devastates humanity.
23 “Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!” declares the Lord. 2 Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: “Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done,” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 23:1-2
In God's eyes, evil is unacceptable. It is unfair because it dishes out injustice to people. It is wrong because it deceives people with lies. It is dangerous because it leaves people bruised and scarred. And it is toxic; left unchecked it will poison and pollute our lives. Evil is Evil.
If evil is so destructive and God has provided a means of rescue, why is there still so much evil in the world today? One reason, of course, is that mankind still has a sinful nature. Another reason is that God is patient.
8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord, a day is like was a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 2nd Peter 3:8-10
God has not yet brought His full judgment against evil because He wants many more people to come to repentance. We have a choice. He loves us!
God did not create Hell for humans, he created Hell for Satan and his fallen angels.
However, because of a constant inexcusable rebellious rejection of a loving God, Hell has been enlarged by necessity, not by design.
“Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.”
Isiah 5:14
God does not send anyone to Hell, they send themselves.
In an evil world, Jesus gives us a better destiny.