The Problem of Evil: Why Does a Good God Allow Suffering?

The problem of evil is one of the most enduring and emotionally charged objections to the Christian worldview.

Scottish philosopher David Hume posed it this way in the 1700s:
> Is God 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? Then whence cometh evil?

This tension—between God's power, God's goodness, and the reality of evil is at the heart of the problem. It often shows up in this way: “If God is good, why do innocent people suffer?”

Let me say up front: there is no fully satisfying answer—at least not yet. But there are ways to think about this issue that help us hold on to faith and find meaning even in the midst of suffering.

Two Kinds of Evil

Theologians often divide evil into two categories:
- Moral evil – the result of human choices (war, abuse, theft, etc.)
- Natural evil – suffering caused by nature (earthquakes, cancer, floods)

Most people can accept that moral evil exists because of human freedom. Natural evil, however, feels more arbitrary and troubling. They are even called "Acts of God."

Two Ways to Respond

There are also two general approaches to this issue:
- Philosophical/Theological – seeking logical and biblical explanations
- Practical/Pastoral – responding with care, empathy, and presence

In real life, someone in pain doesn’t need a theology lecture. They need compassion. Genuine love often cuts through intellectual arguments and brings hope in ways no reasoning can.

Bad Answers to the Problem of Evil

Some people try to resolve the problem by redefining God:
- God is good but not in control – He wishes He could help, but can’t. (Not a biblical view.)
- God is in control but not good – He’s toying with us like a cruel child. (Also not biblical.)
Neither of these reflect the God revealed in Scripture or experienced by countless followers of Jesus.

A Better Perspective

I’ve faced real evil. I’ve walked with people through unimaginable suffering. Here are a few ways I’ve processed it:

1. We are finite.
As someone in our 12Church group said just last night: We have an extremely limited perspective. What we see as evil today may, in the long run, bring about good.

Imagine a rainy camping trip. You’re cold and miserable. But over the hill, a farmer’s crops are saved by that same rain. Two people, same storm, very different outcomes. Who’s to say what’s “good” or “bad” in the big picture?

2. Eternity changes everything.
The Bible promises a future where God “will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4). While that doesn’t explain why evil exists, it does promise that it will not last.

3. Our view is like a pixel in a movie.
If you zoom in on one pixel of one frame of a film, you can't possibly judge the story. We live in the pixel. God sees the whole film.

4. God entered our suffering.
Jesus came into this world and experienced pain, grief, injustice, betrayal, and death. He didn’t avoid suffering—He absorbed it. And in doing so, He secured the final restoration of all things.

5. Free will matters.
Love requires freedom. God didn’t create robots. He created people capable of relationship—and that means we can choose wrongly. Free will opens the door to evil, but it’s also what makes love and meaning possible.

So Where Does That Leave Us?

No, we don’t have all the answers. But here’s what I believe:
- God is good.
- God is all-powerful.
- Evil exists.
- And one day, it will be defeated.

Until then, we live by faith, we extend compassion, and we hold on to the hope that the One who faced evil head-on: Jesus has overcome it.

How do YOU deal with the problem of evil?
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​Maybe it starts with embracing the One who suffered for you, so that you can be forgiven, restored, and live the full and meaningful life you were created for—with the good and great God of the universe.