The Problem of Evil

Christian Doctrine and Worldview Explanation for the Problem of Evil

Regardless of how anyone chooses to define what their worldview is, they are in competition, no matter how well they are defined. [1] As Christians “Live and move and have their being,” (Acts 17:28 NIV) how does the Christian worldview provide a plausible explanation for the problem of evil and the meaning of history and culture, particularly in

response to the New Atheism meta-narrative? [2] While a biblical worldview does not just begin with a vision of peace and harmony, the biblical meta-narrative tells the story of creation, the fall, redemption, and the final consummation. [3]

The New Atheism Worldview

Many atheists deny the existence of God based on the evil, pain and suffering they observe in the world. Their logic is that a good and loving God would never allow evil, suffering and pain in His world. [4]

Because of this, God does not exist. While a theist does acknowledge there is evil, pain and suffering in this broken world, he also understands that evil, pain and suffering are contrary to the opposite of good.[5]

While New Atheist authors share the central belief there is no supernatural or divine reality of any kind, their claim is that religious beliefs are irrational. Followers of New Atheism hold that there is no basis for declaring what is right or what is wrong. The New Atheist has no foundation for believing that things in our world are fallen or broken in the first place.[6] Many atheists pose this question "Why not be

cruel?” C.S. Lewis once said, “My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. Where did the idea of just and unjust come from? A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line. What was I comparing this universe with when I called it unjust?” [7]

The inspiration and/or authority of the Bible

McGrath discusses how from an atheistic viewpoint, it would be difficult to treat such catastrophes as Hiroshima, Auschwitz and apartheid as something that would discredit or disrupt the steady upward progress of history. [8] The difference between Christianity and New Atheism seems to lie in their choice of so-called unevidenced beliefs and controlling myths. Neither can be proved.

This, however, does not prevent us from making adjudication about which appears to be the more reliable and compelling. [9] So what of a Christian reading of culture and history? Two controlling themes are the ideas of humanity as, first, created in the “Image of God” and second, sinful. While theologians and religious communities differ in the relative emphasis placed upon these two elements of a Christian understanding of human nature, they are nevertheless the twin poles of any Christian attempt to make sense of the enigmas and puzzles of how we behave, as individuals in society.[10]

The existence of suffering and evil has been an obstacle to faith for many. For some it has brought constant doubt while for others addressing the problem of evil from a Christian worldview, must take into account that God can redeem the worst of evil. The problem of evil seems to be incompatible with the

existence of God while simultaneously the existence of evil. While Christianity is equipped to deal with this problem, God Himself came to the earth as the person of Jesus Christ to suffer a horrendous death—by far one of the worst evils in history. This was the mechanism that brought Salvation to humanity to bring about greater good.

While there are two aspects to the issue of evil, one being the philosophical, the other being the religious aspect—the solution to this conflict is to acknowledge that God is omnipotent without implying that He is capable of doing anything imaginable. Although the Word of God says, “With God all things are possible,” (Matthew 19:26) we find that there are some things God is unable to do [11].

For one, God is incapable of lying (Titus 1:2). He is completely incapable of sin, which includes how He will not temp others to sin (James 1:13). God is incapable of doing anything against His character because He is a righteous God. God gives His people the freedom to decide how to act and the ability to make moral decisions [12]. This capability is what has set us apart from the rest of creation. However, it is also the reason there is so much pain and suffering in the world. People tend to make selfish and egocentric decisions that can hurt themselves and others.

Because God created man in His own image, we are capable of having a personal relationship with Him while obeying Him and choosing to freely love Him without being forced. In order to be free to love God, we must also be free to hate or reject Him. When God’s people act outside of the will of God, evil and suffering are the end result.

While it is difficult to understand why God allows some things to happen or why they are permitted, this does not mean that His reason does not exist. There are reasons God chooses evil to exist, such as “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.” (Psalm 119:71). Job displayed faith during trials. We do not serve God merely for the benefits we receive, rather for the love of God Himself (Job 1-2, NIV).

When God comforts us in the midst of affliction, we are then able to be a comfort to others when they are afflicted. Pain and suffering plays a role in character development, which keeps us away from sin.

Paul had a thorn in his flesh, which served to keep him from boasting and displayed true humility and dependence upon God. King David acknowledged that his afflictions cause him to be more determined to follow the will of God. Jesus Christ Himself learned obedience from the things He suffered (Hebrews 5:8). Jesus knew His experience would imprint a valuable lesson of submission to the will of God, even when it was the ultimate decision He had to make. When Christians suffer, the character of Christ and the complete dependence upon God will result if we allow it.

Evil and suffering can make people more aware of the redemption that awaits them in heaven. At that time, God’s plan for all suffering will be fulfilled, the day when pain and sorrow shall be no more (Revelations 21:4). The existence of evil does not disprove God’s existence because there is no premise that is true, which contradicts the existence of God and the existence of evil. God and evil are shown throughout history to be completely consistent because it is possible that God has good reason for allowing evil. In relationship to the entire scope of evidence, God’s existence has not been shown to be unlikely. God has taken action to do something about evil by sharing in our suffering through the person of Jesus Christ, showing us we can trust that He has a purpose for everything. God gives us peace, joy, forgiveness and a final victory over death and evil.

As we find ourselves excited and inspired by the vision of God, which draws us upward—we find ourselves pulled down by the frailty and fallenness of human nature. It is a familiar dilemma, famously articulated by Paul: “I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do” (Romans 7:19, NIV). From a Christian perspective, it is clear we must recognize at one and the same time a greater destiny or capacity in humanity than most political systems or philosophies allow, and a correspondingly great capacity to fail to achieve such aspirations.[13]

References

[1]. PHI-610- (2015) Grand Canyon University [2]. Ibid. [3]. Ibid. [4]. Atheism, Theism, and the Problem of Evil. All About Philosophy. Retrieved on 11/14/2018: https://www.allaboutphilosophy.org/atheism-theism-and-the-problem-of-evil-faq.htm [5]. Ibid.

[6]. Atheism, Theism, and the Problem of Evil. All About Philosophy. Retrieved on 11/14/2018: https://www.allaboutphilosophy.org/atheism-theism-and-the-problem-of-evil-faq.htm [7]. Lewis, C.S. (1952). Mere Christianity. Macmillan Publishers, UK. [8]. McGrath, Alister E. 2012. Mere Apologetics: How to Help Seekers and Skeptics Find Faith. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books. [9]. Ibid. [10]. Edgar, William and Oliphint, K. Scott (2009). Christian Apologetics Past and Present. (volume 1 to 1500) Crossway: Wheaton, IL. [11]. Ukessays. (2016). The Problem of Evil. Retrieved on 11/14/2018: https://www.ukessays.com/essays/philosophy/christian-worldview-perspective-on-the-problem-of-evil-philosophy-essay.php [12]. Ibid. [13]. PHI-610- (2015) Grand Canyon University