What Is the Problem of Evil

Name: Edward Davis

Writing Style Used: Turabian

Course and Section Number: THEO 202 D26

Hamartiology: The Problem of Evil (Theodicy)

According to Elwell there are several problems to evil[1]. When someone thinks about the problem of evil, they assume there is only one problem, but ultimately there are sevral problems with evil. The first problem with evil is the individual religious views themselves. With this problem area, the individual’s relationship or walk with God may be strained. They begin to ask questions, and start doubting God when the evil does not go away. Ones faith may be questioned, because of the problem of evil. When it comes to our faith, the problem of evil in this world becomes a temptation, that if left unchecked could result in someone loosing their faith in God. They will begin to question themselves with questions like if there is a God why is he letting this happen, or why does he allow this problem of evil to exist in the first place? Another problem with evil, is the perception of God.According to Elwell the nature of the problem of evil is that while it is an attack on a theological perception of God, it is not neccesarily an attack on God[2].

When we look at what is the definition of moral,and natural definition, one way to look at is that the bad evil is considered moral, and the evil that is considered harmful is the natural sin. One important thing to remember about moral, and natural evil is that although they are distinct from one another, they are not seperate[3]. The Bible refers to natural sin as the consequence of moral evil. When you look at the story of Adam, and Eve you can see how this plays out. Adam, and Eve were placed in the garden sinless, enjoying the beauty of the garden, but when Adam, and Eve disobeyed God, and ate the fruit of the tree ,moral sin was introduced into the world because of their actions. God drove Adam and Eve out of the garden, and told Adam he would bear the fruit of...