What causes evil to exist in the world?

1. Introduction to the Concept of Evil

Evil is often defined as moral wrongdoing, suffering, or any force in direct opposition to the goodness and holiness of God. Recognizing its existence requires understanding both the nature of humanity and the reality of spiritual forces. According to the earliest books of Scripture, evil diverged from the will of the Creator and continues to disrupt the created order. This entry explores the origins of evil, its manifestation, and the greater plan that ultimately overcomes it.

2. The Created Order and the Emergence of Free Will

From the opening pages of Genesis, the world is described as “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Humanity entered a well-ordered creation, free from corruption and death. In this initial state, God granted human beings the capacity for choice. This freedom, though profoundly beautiful, became the avenue through which evil would emerge.

God did not create evil itself, but in granting free will, He created the possibility of choosing against His perfect standard. This distinction is seen in James 1:13: “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.” Evil hinges on moral agents—human beings and even spiritual beings—exercising their will in rebellion against the Divine order.

3. The Fall of Humanity

The biblical narrative pinpoints the human entry point of evil at the Fall in Genesis 3. Scripture recounts the serpent enticing the first humans to stray from God’s command. Although created innocent, Adam and Eve yielded to temptation:

“Then the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom. So she took of its fruit and ate; she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.” (Genesis 3:6)

This act introduced sin, resulting in spiritual and physical death (cf. Romans 5:12). Through the Fall, humanity became subject to suffering, decay, and a propensity toward more wrongdoing. The corruption of the heart (Jeremiah 17:9) explains why evil perpetuates across generations.

4. Spiritual Forces of Evil

Evil is not solely a human problem; Scripture alludes to angels who rebelled against God (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6). Chief among them is Satan, also identified as the adversary or the devil (Job 1:6; 1 Peter 5:8). Satan’s objective is to sabotage God’s creation by tempting individuals and inspiring destructive forces. Ephesians 6:12 reminds readers, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against…the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

This recognition expands the scope of evil to a broader cosmic struggle, highlighting that various evils—such as hatred, violence, and deception—are incited by demonic forces seeking to undermine the good that God established.

5. Ongoing Consequences of Sin in the World

After Adam and Eve disobeyed, the created world experienced a curse (Genesis 3:17–19). This curse introduced suffering into nature itself—thorns, toil, and hardship. In theological terms, moral evil flows from human choices, while natural evil (like natural disasters and diseases) arises from creation’s fallen condition.

Romans 8:20–22 states, “For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it…We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time.” In this context, Scripture presents evil as a distortion of God’s original and perfect plan, extending from humanity’s disobedience and the resultant broken state of the world.

6. Philosophical and Behavioral Dimensions of Evil

From a behavioral perspective, the human propensity to commit evil acts is often rooted in desires gone awry—pride, jealousy, and selfish ambition (James 4:1–2). Philosophically, the existence of evil sparks questions about human nature and the divine. Yet over centuries, believers have observed that only the presence of genuine choice can facilitate genuine love. Evil, then, is a tragic consequence of free will misused.

The presence of a moral law—written on human hearts (Romans 2:14–15)—also signals an objective standard of right and wrong. That knowledge resonates with each person’s moral intuition. In choosing contrary to it, evil arises. This moral awareness remains consistent with archaeological and manuscript evidence indicating that biblical teachings, such as the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20), have been recognized as moral underpinnings for many cultures throughout history.

7. Historical and Archaeological Support for the Biblical Narrative

Outside discoveries have lent weight to the historical context in which the Scriptures were formed. The Dead Sea Scrolls, for instance, contain portions of Old Testament texts that confirm the reliability and continuity of biblical teachings on sin and judgment. These ancient documents demonstrate that the biblical record has been preserved accurately, supporting the consistency of passages that describe humanity’s encounter with evil.

Archaeological finds tied to the ancient Near East, such as tablets that record legal codes—like the Code of Hammurabi—further evidence humanity’s ancient concerns with evil and wrongdoing. These extrabiblical documents harmonize with the biblical portrayal of a world wrestling with the consequences of moral failure and spiritual rebellion.

8. Why God Allows Evil to Continue

A recurring question is why the Creator permits evil, even after the Fall. Many Scriptures depict God as patient and merciful, allowing humanity time to turn toward righteousness. Second Peter 3:9 reads, “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise…He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” The apparent postponement of judgment emerges from divine compassion.

In this period of waiting, all are offered a path to restoration. God’s overarching plan involves redemption through Christ, which will one day culminate in a new creation, free from evil (Revelation 21:4). Until that time, the patience of God coexists with human choice.

9. The Role of Christ in Overcoming Evil

Central to the question of evil is the historical resurrection of Christ. Romans 5:18–19 underscores the contrast between Adam’s sin and Christ’s obedience, revealing that one act of righteousness paves the way for many to be reconciled to God. The resurrection attests to the ultimate triumph over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:54–57), offering a remedy for the brokenness that evil introduced.

From the earliest manuscripts—vetted for historical accuracy by centuries of scholarship—there is consistent testimony of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection as literal historical events. The transformation of Jesus’ disciples (evident in early Christian writings and corroborated by outside sources) further supports the claim that Christ rose indeed. This event anchors the promise that evil does not have the final word.

10. Contemporary Implications and Hope

Although evil persists, the biblical teaching holds that God remains sovereign and ultimately in control. Believers and non-believers alike grapple with suffering and wrongdoing, and no one is immune to evil’s impact. However, Scripture offers assurance that those who place faith in God enjoy the hope of deliverance from evil’s dominion.

In the face of moral darkness, many have witnessed miraculous transformations, reconciliations, and even physical healings attributed to divine intervention. These stories, found in both antiquity (e.g., the Book of Acts) and modern accounts, attest to the ongoing power of God against evil. Such examples encourage turning to prayer, repentance, and trust in the One who promises to renew all things.

11. Conclusion: The Root and the Remedy

Evil exists in the world as a result of humanity’s intentional departure from God’s command, catalyzed by the misuse of free will and fueled by spiritual rebellion. It is an intrusion into what was once an unspoiled creation. Suffering and corruption persist amid a deeply flawed environment, yet Scripture consistently points to the resolution through divine intervention.

God’s redemptive plan, most vividly portrayed in Christ’s resurrection, promises that evil’s days are numbered. Ultimately, the Creator allows human choices while still guiding the course of history toward the restoration of a sinless world. In the meantime, the hope for every individual is found in seeking reconciliation with the One who holds authority over all, trusting His goodness in the midst of a broken world.