How can a good, all-powerful God coexist with the undeniable reality of evil? The tension between divine goodness and the existence of suffering has been a stumbling block for sceptics and a source of deep reflection for believers.

This webpost approaches the issue using a rigorous framework known as the threefold filter of truth: Internal Coherence (Is it logically consistent?), External Correspondence (Does it match reality?), and Functional Adequacy (Does it provide practical solutions?). Join us as we examine whether the coexistence of a good God and evil holds up under scrutiny.

Internal Coherence: Is the Concept Theologically and Philosophically Consistent?

For a belief to be credible, it must first make sense within its own framework. The Christian worldview presents a God who is perfectly good and all-powerful. How does this align with the existence of evil?

• The Nature of God and Evil: The Bible describes God as morally perfect and omnipotent. Evil, however, is not an independent force but a corruption of good—a privation. This definition avoids the contradiction of viewing evil as something God created.
• Free Will and Moral Evil: Christianity posits a God who endowed humanity with free will, enabling genuine love and moral responsibility. Evil arises when humans misuse this freedom. Augustine’s theodicy emphasises free will is necessary for meaningful relationships with God and others.
• The Role of Suffering: The Bible teaches suffering often serves greater purposes: growth in character (Romans 5:3-5), discipline (Hebrews 12:6-11), and redemption (Genesis 50:20). The story of Job shows God’s sovereignty even in the midst of suffering.

Christianity’s account of God and evil is internally consistent, offering a coherent explanation of their coexistence.

External Correspondence: Does the Concept Match Reality?

Any claim about truth must align with the world as we experience it. What does Christianity offer in this regard?

• Evil as a Universal Reality: The presence of moral evil (e.g., war, crime) and natural evil (e.g., disease, disasters) is undeniable. Christianity explains this through the fall in Genesis 3, which introduced sin and its consequences into the world.
• Alternative Worldviews: Competing perspectives struggle to explain evil. Atheism, while denying God, cannot account for the existence of objective moral standards. If there is no God, why call anything “evil”? Pantheism often denies evil altogether, contradicting human experience of suffering and injustice.
• The Bible’s Unique Answer: Christianity offers a compelling narrative: evil entered the world through human sin, but God responded by entering the world Himself in the person of Jesus Christ. His life, death, and resurrection address both the cause and consequence of evil.

Christianity’s explanation of evil corresponds to the observable reality and aligns with human intuitions about justice and morality.

Functional Adequacy: Does the Concept Offer Practical Solutions and Hope?

Finally, any worldview must provide practical guidance and hope. Does Christianity’s answer to evil meet this need?

• Meaning Amidst Evil: Unlike nihilistic or fatalistic worldviews, Christianity teaches that suffering has purpose. Romans 8:28 assures believers that God works all things for good. Suffering, though painful, is never meaningless.
• Hope Through Redemption: Christianity offers a future hope: ultimate justice and the eradication of evil (Revelation 21:4). The cross of Christ demonstrates God’s response to evil, combining perfect justice and mercy.
• Practical Responses: Christianity encourages believers to respond to evil with love and service, reflecting God’s goodness. Prayer, community, and trust in God’s sovereignty equip believers to endure trials and offer compassion to others.

Through its practical solutions and eternal hope, Christianity meets the deep emotional and existential needs arising from the reality of evil.

Conclusion

Using the threefold filter of truth, the Christian worldview stands up to scrutiny:

• Internal Coherence: The coexistence of a good God and evil is logically consistent.
• External Correspondence: Christianity’s explanation aligns with observable reality.
• Functional Adequacy: The Christian worldview provides hope, meaning, and practical tools for navigating a world marked by evil.

The coexistence of God and evil is not a contradiction but an invitation to explore deeper truths about God’s purposes and His ultimate plan to defeat evil. What do you think? Could Christianity’s answer to this profound question also provide the hope you’re searching for?

Can a Good God and Evil Coexist?—Related FAQs

• Why does God allow evil and suffering in the world? God permits evil and suffering to exist because He created humans with free will, enabling genuine love and moral responsibility. While evil results from humanity’s misuse of this freedom, God’s purposes include redeeming evil for good, refining character, and ultimately bringing about justice. The cross of Christ demonstrates God’s plan to defeat evil and restore His creation.
• Does the existence of evil contradict the idea of an all-powerful, good God? No, the existence of evil does not contradict God’s nature. Christianity teaches that evil is not a created thing but a corruption of good, arising from humanity’s rebellion. God’s goodness and power are shown in His ability to work all things for good and His ultimate promise to eliminate evil.
• How does Christianity’s explanation of evil differ from other worldviews? Christianity acknowledges the reality of evil while offering hope and redemption through Christ. Atheism denies objective moral standards, making evil an illusion of human perception. Pantheism often denies evil entirely, while Christianity affirms its reality but points to God’s redemptive plan to defeat it.
• What is God’s ultimate plan for dealing with evil? God’s ultimate plan is to defeat evil entirely and renew creation. Through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, God has already secured victory over sin and death. In the future, God will bring perfect justice and wipe away all suffering (Revelation 21:4), offering eternal life to those who trust in Him.
• How can we find hope amidst evil and suffering? Christianity provides hope by assuring us that suffering has purpose and is temporary. Romans 8:28 reminds believers that God works all things for good. Through Christ, we can trust in God’s justice, find meaning in trials, and look forward to a future free from evil.

Can a Good God and Evil Coexist?—Our Related Posts

• God and Evil: Can they Coexist?
• Evil: More Than the Absence of Good
• Three Vital Tests to Evaluate Truth Claims