What is the problem of evil?

Definition and Scope

The term “problem of evil” refers to the question of how evil and suffering can exist in a world created by a God who is perfectly good, all-powerful, and all-knowing. This issue encompasses moral evil (the wrong actions of sentient beings) and natural evil (calamities like earthquakes, hurricanes, and diseases). It is frequently raised in discussions about God’s character, human free will, and the overall purpose of creation.

Biblical Foundation of Goodness and Creation

Scripture portrays God as the source of all goodness. In the account of creation, “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). This initial state reveals that evil and suffering were not part of God’s original design. Instead, they entered the world through human disobedience (Genesis 3) and affected every aspect of creation (Romans 8:20–22).

Although the Bible describes humanity’s fall into sin, it consistently emphasizes God’s sovereignty, holiness, and eventual plan to restore creation. Passages like Isaiah 45:7 highlight God’s power over all circumstances, yet the full scope of their meaning must be compared with other Scriptures that clarify God’s nature and humanity’s responsibility for evil choices.

Nature of Moral and Natural Evil

1. Moral Evil

Humans bear responsibility for moral evil through deliberate rebellion or ignorance of righteousness. Passages such as Romans 3:23 underscore that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. The personal guilt and consequences of moral evil are clear throughout Scripture, illustrated powerfully by stories of wrongdoing (e.g., King David’s sin in 2 Samuel 11) and the ensuing need for repentance and redemption.

2. Natural Evil

Natural disasters, illness, and other forms of suffering are often termed “natural evil.” While God governs nature, Scripture also shows creation’s corruption following humanity’s fall (Romans 8:20). The Bible portrays these events as part of a fallen world that “groans together in the pains of childbirth until now” (Romans 8:22). Though these events can perplex us, they serve as reminders that the world is not as it was originally designed.

Human Free Will and Responsibility

Many theological explanations point to free will as essential to understanding evil. Humanity was created with the capacity to choose love, obedience, and truth; genuine choice necessitates the possibility of choosing the opposite (Genesis 2:16–17). That God permitted such freedom—while knowing how it could be misused—highlights love’s supreme value. Love cannot be coerced; it must be freely given, and with freedom comes moral accountability.

God’s Sovereignty and Ultimate Purpose

Scripture teaches that God remains sovereign, working all events—both good and evil—for His redemptive purposes. As Joseph declared to his brothers, “You intended evil against me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20). Similarly, in Romans 8:28, “we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him”. These declarations do not minimize suffering but reveal confidence in God’s overarching plan to redeem and restore.

Though some evil is beyond our present understanding, biblical narratives like the Book of Job show a righteous man’s suffering allowed by God under specific boundaries. The outcome reveals both God’s sovereignty and Job’s growth in understanding.

Redemption Through Christ

Central to addressing evil is the reality of the cross and resurrection of Jesus. He entered a world of suffering and evil, subjected Himself to its fullest impact on the cross, then triumphed over it through His resurrection. This act of self-sacrifice shows God not as a distant observer but as one who engages personally with suffering to conquer it. As 1 Peter 2:24 says, “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree”. Through that sacrifice, ultimate victory over evil is assured for those who trust in Him.

The resurrection serves as a cornerstone for hope: if Christ conquered death, believers can trust that evil and suffering will not have the final word. Outside scholarly investigations of the resurrection—including documented minimal facts studies—support the historical plausibility of this event, adding significant weight to the Bible’s claims of victory over evil.

Future Restoration of Creation

The problem of evil also finds resolution in the Christian belief in a final restoration. Scripture promises that God will one day eradicate evil entirely. Revelation 21:4 affirms that “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain”. This future state completes the biblical narrative: humanity’s free choice led to evil’s entrance, but God’s plan culminates in the eradication of evil through the work of Christ, restoring all things to the perfection of His design.

Philosophical Perspectives and Responses

1. Free Will Defense

This approach contends that genuine freedom to love God and others must include the freedom to reject good. Therefore, evil is possible—though never unstoppable under God’s overarching sovereignty.

2. Soul-Making Theodicy

Drawing from passages such as James 1:2–4, trials and sufferings can refine character, developing virtue and dependence on God’s grace. While not dismissing pain, this perspective emphasizes the redemptive possibilities inherent within a fallen world.

3. Greater Good

Many passages reveal how God brings good outcomes from evil situations. This does not imply that evil itself is good, but that the Almighty can repurpose wrongdoing for benevolent ends, ultimately dismantling evil from the inside out.

Archaeological and Historical Support

Outside documents and archaeological findings reinforce the biblical portrayal of a God actively involved in history and bring credibility to Scripture. Discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls demonstrate the reliability of the Old Testament manuscripts, underscoring the consistency of biblical teachings on sin and redemption. Artifacts like the Tel Dan Stele, referencing the “House of David,” corroborate historical figures mentioned in Scripture, lending support to the biblical narrative—including its worldview that evil exists but is ultimately under God’s dominion.

Relevance for Everyday Life

Addressing the problem of evil is not merely an academic endeavor. It affects how individuals view tragedy, hardships, and moral choices. Knowing that God is ultimately good provides a foundation for hope, comfort, and moral guidance. The invitation found in passages like Romans 5:8—that “God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”—offers assurance that no matter how intense or prolonged suffering may be, divine love and redemption remain available.

Those wrestling with evil—whether moral failings or overwhelming tragedies—find in Scripture both an honest acknowledgment of suffering and a path to enduring hope. This hope rests on God’s nature, Christ’s historical resurrection, and the promise of eventual restoration.

Conclusion

The problem of evil has perplexed thinkers for centuries. Within the biblical narrative, evil stems from humanity’s free choice, yet it fulfills no ultimate triumph. God’s sovereignty, demonstrated in passages from Genesis to Revelation, assures that He provides redemption through Christ, who willingly suffered to abolish evil’s ultimate hold. Archaeological and historical evidence supports the veracity of the Bible’s message, while reasoned arguments show that faith in a good God remains consistent and coherent even in a world touched by evil. The promise is that what began as “very good” (Genesis 1:31) will be fully restored, and those who trust in this promise anticipate a future with no more sorrow, where evil is eternally overcome.