The Problem of Evil and God

1. The Problem of Evil and God Man has always wondered regarding evil, why it happens and what, if any, role God plays in the causation process. God is the Creator (Gen. 1; 2, Acts 17: 24). He continues to uphold the workings of the universe (Heb. 1: 3, Col. 1: 16, 17).

2. The Problem of Evil and God “21: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: 22: He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him” (Dan. 2). God is also seen as sovereign in operation:

3. Theodicy: Why People Suffer The Problem of Evil and God Epicurus is said to have been the first of note to philosophically ponder the problem of evil and God (341 B.C.). The work of Augustine of Hippo stands out. Leibniz later applied “contrast theodicy” to Augustine and is credited with the term “theodicy” (1710 A.D.).

4. The Problem of Evil and God Basic definition: Simply stated, “evil” is used in two ways in the scriptures: There is moral evil and physical evil in the sense of calamity and disaster. Regarding moral evil, the scriptures are definitively plain in distancing God from such. God cannot be “tempted with evil” and he also does not “tempt any man” (Jas. 1: 13). Regarding physical evil or calamities God said: “7: I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things” (Isa. 45).

5. “6: Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. 7: He causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings for the rain; he bringeth the wind out of his treasuries” (Ps. 135). “6: Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? Shall there be evil in a city, and the Lord hath not done it?” (Amos 3.) The Problem of Evil and God God controls the weather and on occasion inflicts man with misfortune:

6. “22: While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease” (Gen. 8). The Problem of Evil and God God has promised that the seasons shall continue in place:

7. "8: Who smote the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast.  9: Who sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his servants. 10: Who smote great nations, and slew mighty kings; 11: Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan" (Ps. 135). Notice that God directly caused the great weather anomaly, the flood (Gen. 6; 2 Pet. 2: 5).  Relative to God directly intervening in the affairs of man, consider the following: The Problem of Evil and God

8. The Problem of Evil and God The eighteenth century philosopher David Hume reasoned thus regarding the problem of evil and God: "Is he willing to prevent evil, but not able?  Then he is impotent.  Is he able but not willing?  Then he is malevolent.  Is he both able and willing? Whence then is evil?"  (Hume's logic reflects how frustrating our subject has been to man, even great thinkers.)

9. 4 Models The Problem of Evil and God # 1: "There is no God; hence, nature and misfortune are always random and without any intelligent causation.“ # 2: "God set in motion certain laws governing man upon this planet and then entirely removed himself from the affairs of man."

10. 4 Models The Problem of Evil and God # 3:  "God is directly the cause of all things that happen, both weather and misfortune and nothing happens by chance, accident, or as the direct result of man.“ # 4:  "God set in motion certain laws to govern physical creation and the universe, but he has and does on occasion intervene to use the forces of nature to his own ends."

11. "5: The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose. 6: The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits. 7: All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again" (Eccl. 1). The Problem of Evil and God Consider the order of nature:

12. The Problem of Evil and God Is there a contradiction regarding such texts as Psalms 135: 5-7 and Ecclesiastes 1: 5-7 Compare Matthew 6: 26 and I Timothy 5: 8, Ephesians 4: 28.

13. “12:When they fast, I will not hear their cry; when they offer burnt offering…, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence” (Jere. 14). The Problem of Evil and God Still, there is no question regarding God having intervened in his “divine visitations.”

14. The Problem of Evil and God One thing apparent from the case of Job is that the devil did not usually have the ability to effect the storms, deaths, and physical diseases, God had to grant him “permission” (Job 1: 6-12, 2: 1-6). The case of Job:

15. "Is he willing to prevent evil, but not able?  Then he is impotent.  Is he able but not willing?  Then he is malevolent.  Is he both able and willing? Whence then is evil?"  "71: It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statues" (Ps. 119, 2 Cor. 12: 7: 16-18). Hume is omitting some important truths in his dialectic exercise. Physical evil is often benign and beneficial. The Problem of Evil and God

16. Difficulties and human privation assists in man’s purgation and purification (I Pet. 1: 7; I Pet. 4: 1, Heb. 12: 5ff.). Misfortune also allows others the opportunity to show love toward those thus suffering (Gal. 6: 2). “But the innocent suffer,” it is objected. Man is so limited in his knowledge. We must remember that God is omniscient, omnipotent, and, moreover, benevolent. He does not, though, just look at one person or one circumstance. In the case of Joseph, he greatly suffered for many years and through him many were benefited (see Gen. 50: 20). Whence then is evil? Physical evil had a beneficial purpose that many do not acknowledge in their limited and often selfish thinking. The ultimate example is the suffering and murder of the sinless Son of God to benefit all men (2 Cor. 5: 21). The Problem of Evil and God

17. 4 Models The Problem of Evil and God # 1: "There is no God; hence, nature and misfortune are always random and without any intelligent causation.“ # 2: "God set in motion certain laws governing man upon this planet and then entirely removed himself from the affairs of man."

18. 4 Models The Problem of Evil and God # 3:  "God is directly the cause of all things that happen, both weather and misfortune and nothing happens by chance, accident, or as the direct result of man.“ # 4:  "God set in motion certain laws to govern physical creation and the universe, but he has and does on occasion intervene to use the forces of nature to his own ends."

19. Bible Baptism Can Put You in Contact With The Blood “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” (Rom. 6:3) BAPTISM “Into Death” Christ shed His blood in His death John 19:33, 34 Romans 6: 3 Slide by Steven J. Wallace