In light of the unprecedented times we are living in, the topics over the next few weeks will be timely. I didn’t plan them that way, they just fall in the order that this series is set up. It just so happens that we will be focusing on what many Christian Apologists believe is the number one complaint leveled against Christianity and God Himself:
The Question of Evil…
Many are asking questions similar to this: “If God exists and He is good, then why would He allow evils such as viruses and plagues? Even though the evidence for God’s existence is overwhelming, as believers we can still struggle with this question. As Christian Apologists we grapple with the answers.
C. S. Lewis once argued:
“As an atheist my argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of just and unjust? 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?”
Many of our top Christian Apologists today, like Josh McDowell, Lee Strobel and J. Warner Wallace, to name a few, have come from similar journeys as C.S. Lewis. They all were atheists at one time, but the difference for them was their willingness to search for truth by following the evidence to wherever it led. What they found, in reality, is that the presence of evil in the world is actually evidence for the existence of our God.
Evil, why does it exist?
Many people believe that there is no good answer for this question, others blame God, and even worse some deny a loving creator God exists because of evil. However, it is only Christianity that can offer a solution to the problem of evil, and Christianity is the only worldview that can give concrete historical and spiritual reasons for the presence of evil. All other worldviews fall short in giving an answer, and in the end can only complain, or pretend that evil doesn’t exist.
According to Webster’s dictionary evil is defined as: “The fact of suffering, misfortune, and wrongdoing; something that brings sorrow, distress, or calamity.” We often look at our world and exclaim, “Things are not the way they are supposed to be!” Evil is a corruption of the good, and evil arises from the misuse of the will. Evil is not a thing even though we often attribute it to a person, or an object, or an act of nature.
In Christian thought evil is the absence of good, or the privation of good, just as dark is defined in regards to the absence of light. The Bible even uses the analogy of light and dark to reference good and evil. Jesus said, In John 8:12: “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” Evil, therefore, is not an equal enemy of God and goodness, but an entity that can and will be overcome.
Dr. Clay Jones, Professor of Christian Apologetics at Biola University, has spent a good portion of his career researching and writing on the problem of evil. His book, “Why Does God Allow Evil?” is a culmination of some twenty-three years of observation and research and is well worth the read, and his class on this topic is often open to the public. In his book Jones identifies nine reasons people tend to struggle with understanding the concept of the existence of evil:
- Many people are spiritually unreflective—they do not spend time meditating on Scripture.
- Most people fail to understand the depth of human depravity—even Christians fall into the, “I’m a good person” mentality, but this is the opposite of Biblical teaching.
- Some people are simply arrogant—they hold their own opinions higher than Scripture.
- Many people are ignorant of Christian doctrine—they don’t understand that the problem of evil encompasses most of Christianity’s history and teachings.
- Many people misunderstand Job (the Biblical book and character)—there are many clues and answers in that book to the problem of evil.
- Some people really don’t want the problem of evil answered—they hold a grudge against God, and this is especially true in the atheist’s worldview.
- Some people hold to “determinism”—that God has determined every creature’s every thought and deed so that they could never do otherwise, but that would nullify God’s gift of freewill.
- Most people fail to understand the nature and value of freewill—without freewill real love, relationship, and intimacy is not possible.
- Most people fail to understand the glory that awaits Christians forever in Heaven—we tend to live life shortsighted, but for those with a healthy excitement about the afterlife, the problem of evil is not so much of a problem.
“Most of our troubles are due to the fact that we are guilty of a double failure; we fail on the one hand to realize the depth of sin, and on the other hand we fail to realize the greatness and height and the glory of our salvation.”
-Pastor D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, M.D.
Evil does exist in our world for several reasons: 1) The value of freewill; 2) The significance of the “Fall” and its effects; 3) Satan and his minions cause significant harm (spiritual warfare). We will look at these reasons more closely next time.
Going Deeper
Spend some time watching these presentations and come away with a deeper understand on this topic and a richer hope for future:
“Why Does God Allow Evil?” Apologetics Conference, by Clay Jones (and get his book by the same name available at Amazon), you can also visit his website, clayjones.net, where he posts articles on this topic and more.
“The Problem of Evil, by Greg Koukl (series of 18 short videos 3 minutes or less)
Reflection
- From the list of nine thoughts on why people don’t understand the concept of evil, reflect on one or more by giving examples from your own experience.
- Discuss some of the highlights from the videos by Clay Jones and Greg Koukl – write down any questions you may still have on the topic.
- Prayer focus: God’s goodness through difficult times and protection from spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Bible Study
Each week we will do a Bible study to practice our Bible study skills. This week read or re-read 1 Corinthians chapter 7, then answer the following questions:
Note: Remember when reading and studying Scripture there is a context to keep in mind relevant to the culture of that day. Application can still be made with timeless principles that are for us in all Scripture, but not necessarily cultural norms that would have no meaning today – we must be discerning in these areas.
- Summarize Paul’s teaching on marriage. (7:1-17)
- If applicable, what stands out that might be relevant to your own marriage?
- In 7:18-24 Paul speaks to the importance of living for the Lord no matter what our position is in this life. We should not seek to change our status, but work from within it for the Lord. Why does Paul say it is better to stay unmarried if that is where you find yourself as a believer? (7:25-40) (Paul also acknowledges that if your heart wants to pursue marriage it is equally good).
- Reflect on your status: Married, divorced or single – How can you use your life’s situation for the advancement of the Kingdom? Pray about how God might use your unique situation to help others.
Join us next week as we continue our case for Christianity with more on this timely topic!
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You will not find this material in the public school curriculum even though it is based on solid evidence and grounded in research. It is ironic that following the evidence to where it leads stops at the door of our public schools as they will not let a “Divine footprint” in! Join us as we examine evidence for Christianity and learn how to become a thoughtful defender and ambassador of your faith.
Click into the resource page of this website to view many of the top Christian thinkers and apologists along with some of their work; connecting to these types of resources is essential in your Christian growth.
Please let me know what you think: Give feedback, ask questions or send concerns in the comment section of the blog.
Teri Dugan
TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com
1 Peter 3:15
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