Why Does Evil Exist if God is Good?
The question of evil is perhaps one of the most profound challenges people face when contemplating the nature of God. If God is all-powerful and all-loving, why does He allow evil to exist? The answer involves understanding the nature of evil, the purpose of free will, and the greater plan that God has for creation.
Understanding the Nature of Evil
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 309-314, 324) offers a valuable insight into this dilemma. Evil is not something created by God; it is, rather, the absence of good—a distortion or a lack of the goodness that should exist. God, being wholly good, did not bring evil into being. Instead, He allows it as a consequence of the free will granted to His creation.
Free Will and the Problem of Evil
At the heart of this issue is human freedom. God, in His desire for a genuine relationship with His creatures, granted humanity free will—the capacity to make choices, to love, and to reject. Free will is the foundation of moral goodness but also the possibility of choosing evil. When free, intelligent beings, both humans and angels, choose to turn away from God’s love, they bring evil into the world. This rejection of God’s will results in both moral evils, like hatred and violence, and personal suffering.
The Role of Fallen Angels
Another aspect of evil comes from fallen angels—spiritual beings who chose to rebel against God. These fallen angels, often referred to as devils, are at odds with God and continue to exert influence on the world, tempting individuals and leading them away from the path of goodness. They represent an element of spiritual evil that contributes to suffering and discord.
Why Does God Allow Evil?
A crucial question follows: why does God permit evil at all? God’s ultimate plan is mysterious, but the Catechism teaches that He allows evil for a greater good (CCC 324). This greater good may be difficult to perceive, especially in moments of personal tragedy or global suffering. However, it becomes clearer when viewed in light of Jesus Christ. The ultimate act of evil—the crucifixion of Jesus—was transformed by God into the greatest good: the redemption of humanity. Through this, we see that God is capable of bringing grace and meaning even out of the most senseless evils.
Trusting in God’s Wisdom
In our finite understanding, it can be challenging to reconcile the existence of evil with the goodness of God. Yet, the call is to trust in God’s infinite wisdom and love (CCC 272-274). Though we do not always comprehend why suffering occurs, we can find comfort in knowing that God is always working towards the fulfillment of His good purposes.
A Greater Perspective
Ultimately, the existence of evil is intertwined with the gift of free will, a gift given out of love. God respects our freedom, even when it leads to suffering. However, this suffering is not without meaning or hope. God is intimately involved in the lives of those who suffer, inviting them to unite their pain with Christ’s sacrifice and promising that, in the end, every wrong will be made right, and every tear will be wiped away.