How can evil exist if God is all-loving? Understanding the Question The question at hand arises from the tension between the reality of evil in the world and the portrayal of God as all-loving. In Scripture, God is revealed as perfectly holy, absolutely good, and the source of all that is righteous. Yet events such as moral atrocities, suffering, and calamities seem difficult to reconcile with the character of an all-loving Creator. This entry explores how Scripture, church history, and philosophical reflection address why evil exists, while affirming the goodness and sovereignty of God. The Nature of God God is presented in the Bible as all-powerful and all-loving. Genesis 1:1 declares, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” From the outset, creation was described as “good” (Genesis 1:31). God’s love is further revealed in passages such as 1 John 4:8: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” The biblical narrative underscores that the Creator’s very essence is love, holiness, and justice—qualities that together shape the way God governs the universe. Defining Evil Evil in Scripture is not a mere illusion. It refers to that which is contrary to God’s character and design. There is both “moral evil,” which stems from sinful choices (e.g., greed, hatred, violence), and “natural evil,” which often describes fallen nature and its effects (diseases, natural disasters, decay). While philosophers often wrestle with how to categorize one from the other, the biblical perspective teaches that all forms of corruption—including natural disasters, pain, and death—can be traced back to humanity’s rebellion against God (Romans 5:12). Biblical Explanation of the Origin of Evil 1. Human Rebellion in Eden According to Genesis 3, sin entered the world when humanity chose to violate God’s command. This rebellion placed humanity under the curse of death (Genesis 3:19) and brought brokenness into the perfect creation. Romans 5:12 states, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned.” 2. Satan’s Role Scripture also presents a personal adversary, commonly known as the devil or Satan, who opposes God’s purposes (1 Peter 5:8). In Job 1–2, Satan actively seeks to afflict and corrupt. Though this does not reduce human responsibility, it reveals that evil also involves spiritual forces manifesting opposition to God’s kingdom. 3. Free Will and Moral Responsibility The capacity for real choice is integral in understanding how evil entered creation. Humanity was granted genuine freedom to love and obey God or to reject Him. That freedom, while an expression of God’s love, made possible the entrance of sin. Divine Sovereignty and Human Free Will Biblical narratives affirm that God is not the direct author of evil. James 1:13 emphasizes, “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.” Yet God allows individuals to exercise will, even if that will is corrupted. From a behavioral science viewpoint, meaningful love and worship require volition. Robots or programmed responses do not express genuine affection. Therefore, God created humans with the moral capacity to accept or reject Him, which unavoidably allows for the potential of evil. No biblical passage suggests that God’s sovereignty is diminished by human choices; instead, passages such as Romans 8:28 indicate that God can bring good from even the darkest circumstances without endorsing the evil itself. God’s Redemptive Plan Amid Evil 1. The Crucifixion and Resurrection Central to Scripture is the truth that Christ entered a world permeated by evil to redeem humanity. Romans 5:8 proclaims, “But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Through the resurrection of Christ, God demonstrates victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:54–57). Historical sources, such as the manuscript evidence for the Gospels and external writings from early Christians (e.g., Polycarp’s letters), support the historical reliability of the resurrection accounts. 2. Refining and Growth Evil and suffering can become occasions for humility, repentance, and growth in faith. James 1:2–3 teaches, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” While not all suffering is a direct “test,” God can accomplish precious spiritual growth and refinement in the midst of hardship. 3. Ultimate Triumph Scripture consistently looks forward to a future restoration and the elimination of evil. Revelation 21:4 assures, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.” All evil, pain, and rebellion will be dealt with, demonstrating God’s desire to eradicate evil and heal creation. Philosophical and Historical Perspectives 1. Philosophical Reasoning The so-called “problem of evil” is often phrased as if an all-loving God would not allow evil. Yet Christian philosophy counters that allowing the freedom to love also involves allowing the freedom to do wrong. This interplay does not impugn God’s love; rather, it highlights divine respect for human agency and the plan to ultimately redeem evil rather than forcibly prevent free choice. 2. Manuscript and Archaeological Support The historical reliability of biblical documents bolsters trust in their teachings about evil and God’s nature. Discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls confirm a faithfully preserved text over centuries. Archaeological findings at sites like Jericho, Hazor, and beyond align with biblical history, increasing confidence that what Scripture communicates about the existence and nature of evil can be trusted as historically rooted. 3. Anecdotal and Modern Examples Reports of miraculous interventions and lives radically changed by the loving power of God provide real-world testimony that God is still active against the backdrop of an evil world. These accounts, gathered across various cultures and time periods, affirm that God’s hand intervenes, comforts, and ultimately overrules evil’s apparent triumph. Practical Implications 1. Moral Accountability Acknowledging that evil flows from free will and rebellion emphasizes the call to personal responsibility and repentance. Each individual is accountable before God. 2. Compassion and Action Knowing that God cares deeply about suffering (Isaiah 53:4–5) motivates believers to serve, heal, and alleviate suffering. Jesus modeled compassion toward the hurting (Matthew 9:35–36), teaching His followers to do likewise. 3. Hope in Restoration A proper view of evil through Scripture keeps hope alive. Despite the pain present in this age, there is a confident expectation of redemption and a new creation where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). Summary Evil’s existence does not contradict God’s all-loving nature. Scripture presents an initial good creation, humanity’s subsequent fall through disobedience, and God’s redemptive plan to defeat evil once and for all. God remains sovereign, and in His wisdom, He grants humans moral agency while working out a purpose that ultimately eradicates evil without negating our freedom. The resurrection of Christ stands as a definitive demonstration of God’s power to conquer evil and provide salvation. Grounded in historical manuscripts, archaeological evidence, logical arguments, and personal testimony, biblical teaching affirms that the presence of evil underscores the necessity for genuine choice and serves as an opportunity for God’s redemptive work to be displayed. Thus, evil’s existence highlights human responsibility and the brokenness of a fallen world, while never diminishing the reality, power, and unfailing love of God. As Revelation 21:5 promises: “Behold, I make all things new.” |