The Problem of Evil
A lesson in the Problem of Evil by Luther Rice Seminary Professor Dr. David Mapes
Introduction
The problem of evil has long been a point of contention, eliciting deep questions about the nature of God, human responsibility, and divine providence. A recent article questioning the theological implications of perceived divine intervention, such as narrowly avoiding tragedy, compelled me to revisit this age-old issue. The article raised challenging questions about God’s role in human suffering, His sovereignty, and the apparent selectivity of His intervention. These questions resonate with many who grapple with reconciling the existence of evil and suffering with the goodness and omnipotence of God. The following exploration of the problem of evil, grounded in theological principles, seeks to provide a framework for addressing such concerns.
Understanding Evil in Two Forms
Evil can generally be divided into two categories. First, there is "natural evil," such as natural disasters and the behavior of animals in the natural world. These are often referred to as "acts of God." Second, there is human rebellion—actions that result from mankind’s willful disobedience and moral failures.
This raises an essential question: if God, who operates according to His eternal will, is in control of all things, does this mean He is responsible for evil? Let’s explore this deeply and biblically.
Defining Evil
To understand whether God is responsible for evil, we first need a clear definition. Evil can be described in various ways:
Adjective: Immoral or malevolent; associated with the devil or anything extremely unpleasant.
Noun: Wickedness or depravity, often regarded as a supernatural force; anything harmful, undesirable, or harmful to others.
For example:
Evil deeds are morally wrong and wicked.
Evil intentions can cause harm, suffering, or misfortune.
Even an "evil reputation" stems from actual or perceived bad behavior.
From this perspective, evil is anything that contradicts God's goodness, morality, and righteous character.
The Nature of God and Evil
Now, we must address a crucial distinction: an act may be evil, but God Himself cannot be the author of evil. Why? Because God’s nature and attributes rule out the possibility of any evil motive.
God’s Goodness and Holiness
God’s nature is wholly good and pure, completely free of evil. This holiness means God cannot commit evil or tempt others to do so. James writes, “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone” (James 1:13).
Our understanding of good comes from God’s self-revelation. His goodness becomes the standard by which we judge what is righteous. If God could will evil, then He would cease to be immutable (unchanging) and omnipotent. Instead, He would become the greatest source of evil, contradicting Scripture. James reassures us that every good and perfect gift comes from God, “with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (James 1:17). God’s changelessness guarantees that He always acts according to His good and holy nature.
The Attribute of Love
Another key attribute of God is love. God’s love, expressed through His benevolence, grace, mercy, and patience, strongly refutes the idea that He could will or cause evil.
Benevolence: God genuinely cares about the well-being of His creation, acting unselfishly for our benefit (Deuteronomy 7:7-8; John 15:9-17). The ultimate demonstration of this love was sending Christ to the cross for sinners.
Grace: God gives us unmerited favor, not based on our worth, but on His character. This grace provides salvation freely (Ephesians 2:7-8; Titus 3:3-7).
Mercy: God’s tender compassion is seen throughout Scripture, showing His deep concern for those in need (Psalm 103:13; Matthew 9:36).
Patience: God is long-suffering, giving people time to repent and turn to Him (2 Peter 3:15).
For God to will or act in an evil way would mean acting contrary to His nature. This is impossible because God’s nature is perfectly good, and He cannot deny Himself.
Does God Allow Evil?
Although God cannot will or cause evil, He does allow it. This allowance raises the common question: why doesn’t God prevent every sin and every act of evil? While the Bible doesn’t offer a complete explanation, it points us to several truths.
God Permits Free Will
God created humans as free moral agents, capable of choosing obedience or rebellion. This freedom means that humans, not God, bear responsibility for their choices. God’s allowance of evil respects human freedom while ensuring His ultimate purposes will still prevail.God’s Sovereign Plan
While God allows evil, He is not passive or uninvolved. His sovereignty ensures that evil cannot thwart His plans. Even when humans act sinfully, God can bring good from their actions, though this doesn’t make Him the author of evil.A Mystery Beyond Full Understanding
Like Martha’s sorrowful question to Jesus—“Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21)—we often wonder why God allows suffering. Yet Scripture reminds us that God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). It is not for us to fully understand His purposes but to trust His character.
Calvinism and the Problem of Evil
Some Calvinist perspectives present challenges in understanding God’s relationship to evil. According to "Greater Good Theodicy" (G-G Theodicy), God ordains all events, including evil, for His ultimate purposes. Proponents argue that God allows only those evils that serve a greater good. However, this raises philosophical and theological concerns:
Does Evil Become Necessary?
If all evil serves a divine purpose, then evil itself becomes necessary for God’s plan. This perspective risks portraying God as the ultimate cause of evil, contradicting His holiness.The End Justifies the Means?
The G-G Theodicy suggests that the good arising from evil justifies its occurrence. However, this reasoning raises moral questions. Should humans tolerate or perpetuate evil for the sake of some future good? Paul rejects such logic in Romans 6:1-2, where he condemns the idea of sinning to bring about grace.Free Will Compromised?
If God meticulously controls every detail of human actions, then human free will is undermined. This perspective makes it difficult to reconcile human accountability with God’s justice.
Moving Forward
In summary, God’s relationship to evil can be understood as follows:
God is perfectly holy and cannot will or cause evil.
He permits evil to occur but remains sovereign over all events.
Humans are responsible for their choices and actions, which can bring both good and evil into the world.
God’s love, grace, and mercy ensure that He will ultimately redeem His creation and bring justice.
By understanding these truths, we can navigate the complexities of evil while trusting in God’s perfect character and sovereign purposes.
The Romans 5 Model: God and Human Evil
A critical question arises: why does God allow evil to persist, especially when He has the power to intervene? The Bible doesn’t always offer specific answers, but a model from Romans 5 provides some insight.
Freedom to Choose
God created humans with the freedom to act, including the ability to act against His will. This freedom is an essential aspect of being made in His image. Humans are morally responsible for their choices because these actions are not coerced or predetermined.God Overrules When Necessary
Although God allows human freedom, He can and does intervene when human actions conflict with His ultimate plan. For example, He may prevent certain evils from occurring or redirect events to accomplish His purposes.Good Defined by God’s Nature
Our understanding of “good” comes from God’s nature. Because He created us in His image, wrote His law on our hearts, and gave us a conscience, we can recognize and align with His definition of good. Good is consistent for both God and His creation, and it reflects His holy character.God Is Not the Author of Evil
While God permits human beings to make sinful choices, He is not responsible for those actions. The responsibility lies with humans who misuse their freedom to rebel against Him.
Human Dominion and Responsibility
When God created humanity, He gave us dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:26). This means we are entrusted with ruling creation on His behalf. With this responsibility comes accountability to God’s righteous standards.
When Human Government Fails
If governments fail to uphold God’s law, societies experience chaos and suffering. Proverbs 29:2 reminds us, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people mourn.”The Consequences of Rebellion
When humanity operates outside God’s laws, individuals and societies suffer the consequences of their actions. This principle is reflected in verses like Romans 1:24, where God “gave them up to uncleanness,” allowing humans to reap the results of their rebellion.
The Value of Consequences
Evil has value for depraved humanity in this sense: the consequences of sin often lead people to recognize their need for God.
Pain and Suffering as a Wake-Up Call
If God removed the consequences of sin, humanity might never turn to Him. Because sin offers temporary pleasure, only the pain it brings often awakens people to their need for repentance and redemption.God’s Restraint of Evil
While God does not cancel all evil, He restrains it to protect His children. His promise in 2 Thessalonians 2:7 reminds us that He limits the extent of rebellion so it does not destroy those who trust Him.
Acts of God and Natural Evil
Natural disasters—like hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis—are often referred to as “acts of God.” But does God actively cause these events? A closer look reveals a different perspective.
Laws of Nature in a Fallen World
God created the universe with natural laws to sustain life and order. In the original, sinless creation, these laws operated perfectly, resulting in harmony and flourishing. However, the judgment of the flood (Genesis 6-9) altered the earth’s environment, introducing climatic conditions that allow for storms, earthquakes, and other natural disasters.The Post-Flood World
After the flood, the earth no longer reflected its original perfection. Natural laws, once a blessing, now sometimes bring destruction because of the fallen state of creation.God’s Sovereignty and Human Sin
Although God allows natural disasters, these events often result from the post-flood conditions, not direct divine action. For example, hurricanes result from atmospheric conditions rather than God’s specific intervention. However, God can use these events for His purposes, reminding humanity of its frailty and dependence on Him.
The Romans 5 Model Applied to Natural Evil
The Romans 5 model helps us understand natural evil in the context of God’s judgment and mercy:
Human Rebellion
Before the flood, humanity’s wickedness had reached its peak, with people living for centuries and devising unimaginable evils. The flood was God’s merciful judgment to prevent the spread of such wickedness to future generations.Environmental Consequences
The flood radically changed the earth’s environment. Natural laws remained the same, but the new conditions brought about less favorable outcomes, such as severe weather, thorns, thistles, and animal predation.God’s Mercy in Judgment
Even in judgment, God’s mercy is evident. By shortening human lifespans and introducing a harsher environment, He limits the extent to which evil can dominate.
Summary of God’s Relationship to Evil
In summary, God’s relationship to evil can be understood as follows:
God Allows Evil
Evil exists because God permits human beings to make free choices. He respects the freedom He gave humanity, even when those choices lead to suffering.God Restrains Evil
While God allows evil, He also restrains its full effects. He ensures that it will not thwart His purposes or destroy His people.God Redeems Evil
God can bring good from evil, transforming even the worst circumstances for His glory and our ultimate good.God’s Justice Is Perfect
Although we may not understand why God allows certain evils, we can trust His justice. Scripture assures us that His ways are higher than ours and that His ultimate plan is good.
Human Responsibility and the Consequences of Sin
God’s gift of free will allows humans to make meaningful choices, but it also introduces the possibility of rebellion against His laws. These choices carry consequences, both individually and collectively, and reflect the principle: "You made your bed; now lie in it."
Scriptural Examples of Rebellion and Consequences
The Bible provides numerous examples of humanity’s rebellion and God allowing the natural results to unfold. In Isaiah 53:6, it says, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way.” Similarly, Romans 1:24 declares that “God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts.” These verses emphasize the principle that when humanity rejects God’s guidance, it often experiences the painful consequences of its own choices.God’s Patience with Humanity
Even when humanity rebels, God’s long-suffering and patience give people the opportunity to turn back to Him. He does not immediately punish rebellion, instead offering His mercy and calling sinners to repentance.
The Role of Suffering in Redemption
Although suffering is a result of sin, God can use it as a tool for redemption. Pain and hardship often turn hearts toward God, revealing humanity’s need for Him and His saving grace.
Evil as a Wake-Up Call
Without the consequences of sin, humanity might never recognize the danger of separation from God. Suffering often exposes the futility of pursuing life apart from Him and creates a hunger for His presence.God’s Sovereignty in Redeeming Evil
Even in the darkest circumstances, God is at work. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “all things work together for good to them that love God.” This does not mean that God causes evil, but rather that He can transform even the worst situations into opportunities for growth, faith, and ultimate good.
Acts of God and the Natural World
Natural disasters, often referred to as “acts of God,” raise difficult questions about God’s role in creation. A closer examination of the relationship between God’s sovereignty and the laws of nature provides clarity.
The Goodness of Creation and Its Corruption
In the beginning, God’s creation was declared “very good” (Genesis 1:31). The earth was a paradise, free from pain and suffering. However, the fall of humanity introduced sin into the world, bringing with it a curse that affected all of creation. Romans 8:22 states, “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.”The Impact of the Flood
The flood of Noah’s time radically altered the earth’s environment, creating a less hospitable world. What were once perfectly balanced natural laws now sometimes result in destructive events, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and droughts.God’s Role in Natural Events
While God established the laws of nature, the harmful effects of these laws in a fallen world are not His direct doing. Natural disasters occur because of the broken state of creation, not because God maliciously orchestrates them. However, God remains sovereign and can use these events to accomplish His purposes.
Calvinist Views on Evil: A Critical Analysis
Some Calvinist perspectives suggest that God meticulously ordains all events, including evil, for His ultimate purposes. While this view seeks to uphold God’s sovereignty, it raises significant theological and philosophical concerns.
The Greater Good Theodicy
This argument posits that God allows or even causes evil because it ultimately brings about a greater good. Proponents claim that the end justifies the means, asserting that God’s purposes are served even through human suffering.Philosophical Weaknesses
Critics argue that this view makes evil a necessary part of God’s plan, which conflicts with His holy nature. If every evil event serves a divine purpose, why should humans work to prevent evil? Furthermore, if God is good, why wouldn’t He achieve His purposes without resorting to evil?Ethical Implications
This perspective also raises troubling ethical questions. For instance, if a horrific act like genocide ultimately leads to good, does that justify its occurrence? Such reasoning seems inconsistent with the character of God as revealed in Scripture.
Secondary Agency
Another Calvinist explanation is that God uses secondary agents (like humans or natural forces) to carry out His will. For example, Macbeth killed King Duncan in Shakespeare’s play, but Shakespeare wrote the story. Similarly, Calvinists argue that God orchestrates events without being directly responsible for them.Criticism of Secondary Agency
Critics contend that this view still implicates God in evil. If He designs every detail of a person’s actions, including their sinful choices, then He bears responsibility for those sins. This understanding conflicts with Scripture’s portrayal of God as holy and just.
A Balanced Understanding of God’s Sovereignty
The Bible presents a model of God’s sovereignty that affirms both His control over creation and humanity’s responsibility for sin.
God Allows Human Freedom
God permits humans to make free choices, even when those choices result in evil. This freedom is essential for genuine love and relationship with Him.God Intervenes When Necessary
While God respects human freedom, He can and does intervene to accomplish His purposes. He ensures that evil will never ultimately triumph over His plans.God Redeems Evil for Good
Even when humans rebel, God can transform the consequences of their actions into opportunities for redemption and restoration. This demonstrates His power to bring good out of evil without being its author.
The Ultimate Hope: God’s Justice and Redemption
Although the problem of evil remains a profound mystery, Christians can find hope in God’s character and promises. He is not distant or indifferent to suffering; rather, He is actively working to redeem creation and bring justice to the world.
God’s Justice
Evil will not go unpunished. Scripture assures us that God will hold every person accountable for their actions, bringing perfect justice in His timing.God’s Redemption
Through Jesus Christ, God has provided the ultimate solution to evil. The cross demonstrates His willingness to enter into our suffering and provide a way for us to be reconciled to Him.The New Creation
One day, God will restore all things, eradicating evil and making all things new. Revelation 21:4 promises, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
A Satirical Critique of God’s Role in Tragedy
Heather Mac Donald, in her piece following the tsunami disaster, provided a provocative critique on humanity's relationship with God. She suggests that humanity might reconsider its reverence and gratitude toward God in the face of immense suffering. Her argument unfolds as follows:
Centuries of "uncritical worship," she claims, have led to a distorted dynamic where God receives all the credit for positive outcomes but none of the blame for tragedies. She notes how believers quickly flock to houses of worship, thanking God for the survival of some, while failing to hold Him accountable for the loss of many others. This pattern, she argues, gives God an unchecked ability to remain uninvolved in human suffering while still receiving adulation.
Mac Donald questions the consistency of worshipers who attribute their survival to divine intervention but excuse God for allowing disasters in the first place. Using examples such as John Ashcroft thanking God for post-9/11 safety without questioning His inaction on the day itself, she challenges the logic behind these beliefs. She sarcastically wonders if God, omnipotent and omniscient, simply "missed" the first attack.
She also criticizes the tendency to attribute human acts of goodness to God. When people donate to relief efforts or care for the sick, the praise is often redirected to God rather than recognizing human agency. Mac Donald sees this as an imbalance, enabling a dynamic where God is credited for good deeds but not held accountable for evil.
Her solution? A symbolic "boycott" of God. She imagines a scenario where churches remain empty and hymns of praise are silenced. Without the guarantee of adulation, perhaps God might reconsider His apparent inaction. She humorously suggests that God might begin to intervene, preventing natural disasters and tragedies to "win back" humanity's favor.
This commentary adds a different dimension to the discussion of evil and divine sovereignty. Mac Donald’s satirical approach highlights the tension between human suffering and the traditional understanding of God's omnipotence and benevolence. While her critique reflects frustration and skepticism, it also underscores the importance of grappling honestly with the complexities of faith in the face of evil.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the problem of evil challenges us to examine not only our understanding of God but also the limitations of our perspective. When confronted with complex questions about divine intervention and human suffering, we must rely on the foundational truths of God’s unchanging nature: His holiness, love, and justice. While we may never fully comprehend the interplay between God’s sovereignty and human free will, Scripture provides assurance that He is always working toward His ultimate purposes, even in the face of tragedy. As we reflect on these truths, let us approach such questions with humility and faith, trusting that God’s ways, though beyond our full understanding, are always good.