“If God created everything and is in control of everything…
“Did God create evil?”
“Why does God allow evil to exist?”
One way of answering these questions is to reflect upon God’s providence. A helpful catechism defines God’s works of providence as “His most holy, wise, and powerful preserving and governing all His creatures and all their actions.”
Today’s Theology Thursday SlideShare presentation:
The Providence of God from Todd Linn, PhD
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This is always a tough argument/discussion especially with those who do not have a solid biblical foundation. C.S. Lewis initially “blamed” God for all the evil in the world but came to realize without the moral standards put forth by God in His Law mankind would not know what evil really was. In other words, evil can only be judged against the standard of good, the only untainted good God’s Law.
Secondly if and when folks concede that point, we can move on to “why does God allow evil”. This is usually followed by a snide remark (thank you Jesus) like “I thought your God was merciful.” Let me share two points I make, first can God eliminate all evil; yes, he is omnipotent. As such He could (in theory) wipe out evil and start anew. The only issue with that God is also a promise keeper. As such He promise a redeemer not a destroyer for mankind. God allows evil that man might be redeemed.
Todd Linn, PhD
Good thoughts, brother. Thanks so much for these reflections!