Intro To Philosophy
Philosophy sets out to answer some of the most important questions in life:
- Who am I?
- Why am I here?
- Where did we come from?
- Is there a God?
- What happens when we die?
W11 Problem of Evil Paper
Write a 4 page paper on the problem of evil. Respond to those who say that moral and natural evil argue against the existence of a good and all-powerful God.
I. Introduction
During my short time of walking with the Lord, on numerous occasions I have encountered those who say that moral and natural evil argue against the existence of a good and all-powerful God. Their statement usually comes in the form of a question; that question being “If there really is such a good and powerful God; how can He allow so much evil in this world to exist?” Unfortunately many Christians today do not have an answer to this and they simply walk away due to a lack of understanding. In all honesty, this is a tough question to answer. However, we must remember what is at stake here, and the thing that is at stake here is nothing short of eternity.
As Christians we are taught to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). If we witnessed someone who was obviously walking towards a steep cliff, we would do anything within our power to stop them from going over the edge. Our abilities to stop them could range from a verbal warning to tackling them to the ground. Let us also say that this individual had received a verbal warning from us about the impending danger that lies ahead, and they replied to us; “there is no such thing as a steep cliff.” As Christians or even as mere human beings; we would not simply walk away from them at this point. In this hypothetical situation, the individual’s mere life on earth is at stake. How much more so is it important to save individuals when their eternity is at stake?
This is why it is so important to understand, believe, and be able to explain the Moral Argument to those who claim that there is no such thing as God; due to the existence of evil in the world. It is with this dilemma in mind that the proceeding section of this paper will set out to explain in a very simple and practical way the Moral Argument for the existence of God.
II. The Moral Argument
The Moral Argument is a very logical and easy way to explain to others the existence of God. On the other hand, explaining to them the existence of a God, who does not either preemptively or instantly punish evil, is another story. However, when addressing the issue of an all-powerful God who allows evil to exist; it is better to first establish His existence before proceeding to His supposed cohabitation with evil.
In a nutshell the Moral argument states that:
To put it more simply; something cannot come from nothing. The majority of people in the world would agree that there is a moral law in this world; or a universal code of right and wrong. In fact when someone asks the very question; “If there really is such a good and powerful God; how can He allow so much evil in this world to exist?” they have just acknowledged this moral law.
C.S. Lewis, a beloved Christian writer and former atheist ran into this same dilemma. In Lewis’ book Mere Christianity he reflects on this dilemma. Lewis writes “My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of just and unjust? A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line.” Lewis goes onto further point out that “Thus in the very act of trying to prove that God did not exist-in other words, that the whole of reality was senseless-I found I was forced to assume that one part of reality-namely my idea of justice-was full of sense. Consequently atheism turns out to be too simple. If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be without meaning.” [2]
Mr. Lewis’ words are both logical and straightforward. In order for any of us to have a measurement of right and wrong; then there must be a Moral Law or standard by which we measure and deem actions as either good or evil.
However, there are always those hardnosed individuals who claim there is no universal moral law, and that truth/morals are only relative to the individual. I have personally found that if you ask these individuals for a twenty dollar bill and rip it in half, right in front of them, they will undoubtedly say “that’s not fair.” To this I usually reply “that’s the same thing the last guy said.” I would also like to interject that as a general rule of thumb it is usually a good idea to have some scotch tape or another twenty dollar bill on hand to reimburse the individual.
In conclusion to the existence of a Moral Law, I once again point out that something cannot come from nothing. In addition, that something (The Moral Law) must have an absolute mind as its basis. Therefore, that absolute mind that is the basis of the moral law can only be an absolute being; which is God. There are many other simpler avenues or arguments to prove the existence of God, however; this argument ties directly into relation with the question at hand. This argument is enough to prove the existence of God; to anyone who is not in open denial of logic, or is completely shut down to the existence of God. Such individuals have already made their choice, and there is very little that you can do for these individuals with the exception of consistent and fervent prayer.
III. The Free Will Defense
Moving forward from the Moral Law which establishes a universal code of conduct, the existence of a lawgiver, and that the lawgiver is God Himself; we now proceed to the issue of how God could allow so much evil in the world to exist without intervention.
In a nutshell The Free Will Defense states that:
In order for human beings to be capable of moral goodness, they must also be capable of moral evil. They must have genuine free choice. This means moral evil is possible. [3]
In order to elaborate on a more philosophical level; I turn to one of the best Christian philosophers of our day; his name is Alvin Plantinga. Wikipedia records Plantinga’s Free Will Defense:
“A world containing creatures who are significantly free (and freely perform more good than evil actions) is more valuable, all else being equal, than a world containing no free creatures at all. Now God can create free creatures, but He can't cause or determine them to do only what is right. For if He does so, then they aren't significantly free after all; they do not do what is right freely. To create creatures capable of moral good, therefore, He must create creatures capable of moral evil; and He can't give these creatures the freedom to perform evil and at the same time prevent them from doing so. As it turned out, sadly enough, some of the free creatures God created went wrong in the exercise of their freedom; this is the source of moral evil. The fact that free creatures sometimes go wrong, however, counts neither against God's omnipotence nor against His goodness; for He could have forestalled the occurrence of moral evil only by removing the possibility of moral good.”[4]
To summarize/simplify Plantinga is proving that God created us with free will, and it is that very free will that is the cause of all the evil in the world. In addition, Plantinga has demonstrated that if God intervened to prevent individuals from exercising that free will (be it for good or evil), then it could not be classified as freedom. The more correct term for God to intervene would be called dominion, or dictatorship. This leads us to the question/statement: “Fine we have free will, but how can God sit idly by and do nothing to stop evil?” The answer to that is simple; love.
Love is a choice, and at the same time love is an action. The book of 1 Corinthians in the Bible defines what love is; “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” [5] (Underlined emphasis is mine).
The definition of love as given per the absolute moral being from the very pages of His absolute written Moral Law (The Bible) states that love is not self-seeking. To word it differently; love does not demand its own way. This leads me to my point: God does not demand His own way. He has created us to be creatures that choose to love Him. Once again love is not only a choice; but it is also an action. We choose to demonstrate our love to God by obeying his written commandments which are in the Bible and His Moral Law which He has placed within the hearts of all people.
To simplify further; God does not want puppets on a string that will dance to his tune. If you have to make someone in a relationship love you or obey you; that is not love that is dictatorship. It is because of God’s love for us that he was not self-seeking and has created us with the free will to choose to love Him. Sadly, exactly like Plantinga pointed out “the free creatures God created went wrong in the exercise of their freedom; this is the source of moral evil. The fact that free creatures sometimes go wrong, however, counts neither against God's omnipotence nor against His goodness.”
IV. Justice
We have thus far proven the existence of God, and that He is not responsible for the evil that occurs in this world. In addition, we have also addressed why He does not intervene. However, we have not addressed the final issue of punishment.
If God were not to punish those individuals who were committing these acts of evil then He would not be just. If God were not just, then He would by definition not be God. However, we have learned that He cannot intervene, or He would not be showing us love. If He were not to demonstrate the very love to us that He requires from us, then He would not be God. Herein lies the dilemma.
I believe that one more final analogy will provide enlightenment and bring our argument to a close. Hypothetically speaking; if there was a mass murderer who had murdered members of our families; we would want justice. Let us say for argument sake that this man was arrested and tried before a court of law. On the day of sentencing, the judge says “I am a gracious and good judge who abounds in mercy, grace, and forgiveness. I thereby dismiss all charges and you are free to go.” To us (the family) we would not let this stand; we would demand justice. In addition, we would call the newspapers, the mayor, and even the president and demand justice. We would inform them that there is a judge sitting on the bench who is more corrupt than the very criminals that he is setting free.[6]
There are three things that I would like to point out about this analogy. First, the unjust judge in our story has no business sitting on the seat of justice that has been entrusted to him. Secondly, if our judge who does not render justice to the victimized has no business sitting on the bench, then how can God remain just when He turns the cheek (so to speak) when he does not administer instant justice? Finally, how can he not only render justice, but freely forgive those who come to Him in true repentance? Once again herein lies the problem.
However, this problem is not without answer. Actually, it is the simplest answer of all the questions that we have addressed here together. God is just, and at the same time He is the justifier. The answer leads us back to the very problem; free will. God demands and will obtain His justice. However, in His graciousness He has decided to prolong it, in hopes of rehabilitation, through repentance. Think of a man who receives probation for his third DUI. The man is given three years of probation as compared to five years of prison. If the man gets in trouble during the three years of probation; then he automatically goes to prison for the entire sentence of five years. God’s judgment is much like probation.
The book of 1 Peter tells us that “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” [7] It is not God’s will that anyone should suffer His wrath. However, that is not to say that He will not administer it to those who are found guilty. Much like God has given us the choice of free will to choose to love Him; He has also given us the choice to repent and avoid certain judgment. The Gospel of Luke teaches us that those who are committing these acts of evil will be judged. Luke records "But unless you repent, you too will all perish."[8] Therefore, in light of this information, we can clearly see that God does not allow evil. Although He may prolong judgment (much like probation), judgment will in fact be administered if God’s requirements are followed through with (much like probation).
Finally, this also raises the question “If everyone commits evil, and then everyone repents, then God never administers justice; this is not fair.” To that I reply, you are incorrect, and that you are also right; it is not fair. First it is incorrect to say that God never administers justice; because He always gets His man so to speak, either within their own lifetime, or at the Final Judgment. Secondly the acts of evil that have been committed by someone such as Hitler could be forgiven by God; if Hitler would have repented and turned from His sinful behavior. To this I say, “Where is the justice? What about the eye for eye thing?” This is the unfair part, but not in the way that you are thinking. God had already administered judgment on Hitler’s sins and the sins of the world over a thousand years before Hitler was even born. God poured out His wrath and judgment against all the evil of the world on one man and one man alone; Jesus. This is the unfair part; Jesus did not deserve this. Why should Jesus have to pay for someone like Hitler’s or anybody else’s sins for that matter? This is not to say that Hitler will not receive his judgment on judgment day. By definition, those who die without repentance shall suffer the Great judgment of God.
The book of 2 Corinthians records “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”[9] It is in this way alone that a good and all-powerful God could allow evil to exist in the world without administering instant judgment that all people (not just some of the bad ones) on the earth (from the beginning of time to the last days) deserve. The book of Romans records that “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” [10] It is also in this way alone that God can be the just; and the justifier. Many people do not understand how God could allow and not instantly punish the evil that goes on in this world. However, many more people do not understand that He punished all the evil they are referring to in advance. To this I once again say that the whole thing is not fair. It is not fair that Christ should have had to bear that burden. However, if He had not then no one would be allowed to have fellowship with a judge who rends judgment every time. In addition, the Bible states that all we have to do is confess, turn, and believe in Jesus in order to receive Salvation.[11]
To summarize; God has already administered judgment to those who have truly repented and that judgment fell on Jesus. Jesus became the guilty party on our behalf. For those who have not, and will not repent God will claim His justice, and the justice of the victimized on Judgment Day. I would also like to add that although it does not seem fair that Jesus took the hit for us; it would be foolish not to accept the offeriong on our behalf. I am not one for letting someone else take the fall for something that I have done. However, in the event someone did, I would make sure on my part to honor them in everything I do.
The book of Revelations records that nobody escapes the judgment and punishment for evil. “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.” [12]
V. Conclusion
In our short time together we have demonstrated that:
1. There is a moral law.
2. An outside moral being was the creator of that moral law.
3. God is that creator, therefore God exists.
4. There is evil in the world.
5. God is not the cause of that evil.
6. Free will is what God has given us because He loves us, and so that we could choose to love Him.
7. The cause of the evil in this world is freedom brought on by free will.
8. If God intervened then He would be taking away our free will.
9. If He took away our free will, then that would not be love, and thereby He would by definition not be God.
10. God much like us demands justice. However He requires it.
11. God punishes the guilty. However, it is not always instant.
12. God provided a way out of impending judgment to those who have truly repented.
13. Jesus is that way out.
14. There will be a Final Judgment Day for those who do not call on and trust in the name of Jesus.
15. Therefore, God is an all-powerful God who does not allow natural and moral evil to go unpunished.
It is my belief and prayer that this short paper can help you to explain to others how “If there really is such a good and powerful God; how can He allow so much evil in this world to exist?” I would have liked to gone into greater detail on certain subjects, however the idea of this paper was to explain in a very simple and practical way the Moral Argument for the existence of God; in order to be able to briefly, and correctly explain the argument to others. May the Lord richly bless you.
VI. References
1. The Moral Argument: Taken from Dr. Mark Bird’s Philosophy Class at God’s Bible School & College. Cincinnati OH. December, 2013.
2. Mere Christianity: By C.S. Lewis. Taken from Book 2: Chapter 1: The Rival Conceptions of God. The entire eBook can be found free of purchase at http://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/documents/apologetics/mere-christianity/Book2/cs-lewis-mere-christianity-book2.php#.UsXKL_s7ddo
3. The Free Will Defense: Taken from Dr. Mark Bird’s Philosophy Class at God’s Bible School & College. Cincinnati OH. December, 2013.
4. Quote taken from: Wikipedia “The Free Encyclopedia.” Page Title: Alvin Plantinga's free will defense. The webpage can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvin_Plantinga%27s_free_will_defense
5. Taken from: The Holy Bible: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
6. Analogy taken from: Pastor Paul Washer. Lesson Title: The most Important Message of Scripture. Romans 3
7. Taken from The Holy Bible: 1 Peter 3:9 NIV
8. Taken from The Holy Bible: Luke 13:3 NIV
9. Taken from The Holy Bible: 2 Corinthians 5:21 NJKV
10. Taken from The Holy Bible: Romans 3:23NIV
11. Taken from The Holy Bible: Romans 10:8-13
12. Taken from The Holy Bible: Revelation 20:11-15
Write a 4 page paper on the problem of evil. Respond to those who say that moral and natural evil argue against the existence of a good and all-powerful God.
I. Introduction
During my short time of walking with the Lord, on numerous occasions I have encountered those who say that moral and natural evil argue against the existence of a good and all-powerful God. Their statement usually comes in the form of a question; that question being “If there really is such a good and powerful God; how can He allow so much evil in this world to exist?” Unfortunately many Christians today do not have an answer to this and they simply walk away due to a lack of understanding. In all honesty, this is a tough question to answer. However, we must remember what is at stake here, and the thing that is at stake here is nothing short of eternity.
As Christians we are taught to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). If we witnessed someone who was obviously walking towards a steep cliff, we would do anything within our power to stop them from going over the edge. Our abilities to stop them could range from a verbal warning to tackling them to the ground. Let us also say that this individual had received a verbal warning from us about the impending danger that lies ahead, and they replied to us; “there is no such thing as a steep cliff.” As Christians or even as mere human beings; we would not simply walk away from them at this point. In this hypothetical situation, the individual’s mere life on earth is at stake. How much more so is it important to save individuals when their eternity is at stake?
This is why it is so important to understand, believe, and be able to explain the Moral Argument to those who claim that there is no such thing as God; due to the existence of evil in the world. It is with this dilemma in mind that the proceeding section of this paper will set out to explain in a very simple and practical way the Moral Argument for the existence of God.
II. The Moral Argument
The Moral Argument is a very logical and easy way to explain to others the existence of God. On the other hand, explaining to them the existence of a God, who does not either preemptively or instantly punish evil, is another story. However, when addressing the issue of an all-powerful God who allows evil to exist; it is better to first establish His existence before proceeding to His supposed cohabitation with evil.
In a nutshell the Moral argument states that:
- First Premise: There is an objective and absolute moral law.
- Second Premise: An objective and absolute moral law must have an absolute mind as its basis.
- Conclusion: There is an absolute mind that is the basis of the moral law. [1]
To put it more simply; something cannot come from nothing. The majority of people in the world would agree that there is a moral law in this world; or a universal code of right and wrong. In fact when someone asks the very question; “If there really is such a good and powerful God; how can He allow so much evil in this world to exist?” they have just acknowledged this moral law.
C.S. Lewis, a beloved Christian writer and former atheist ran into this same dilemma. In Lewis’ book Mere Christianity he reflects on this dilemma. Lewis writes “My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. But how had I got this idea of just and unjust? A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line.” Lewis goes onto further point out that “Thus in the very act of trying to prove that God did not exist-in other words, that the whole of reality was senseless-I found I was forced to assume that one part of reality-namely my idea of justice-was full of sense. Consequently atheism turns out to be too simple. If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be without meaning.” [2]
Mr. Lewis’ words are both logical and straightforward. In order for any of us to have a measurement of right and wrong; then there must be a Moral Law or standard by which we measure and deem actions as either good or evil.
However, there are always those hardnosed individuals who claim there is no universal moral law, and that truth/morals are only relative to the individual. I have personally found that if you ask these individuals for a twenty dollar bill and rip it in half, right in front of them, they will undoubtedly say “that’s not fair.” To this I usually reply “that’s the same thing the last guy said.” I would also like to interject that as a general rule of thumb it is usually a good idea to have some scotch tape or another twenty dollar bill on hand to reimburse the individual.
In conclusion to the existence of a Moral Law, I once again point out that something cannot come from nothing. In addition, that something (The Moral Law) must have an absolute mind as its basis. Therefore, that absolute mind that is the basis of the moral law can only be an absolute being; which is God. There are many other simpler avenues or arguments to prove the existence of God, however; this argument ties directly into relation with the question at hand. This argument is enough to prove the existence of God; to anyone who is not in open denial of logic, or is completely shut down to the existence of God. Such individuals have already made their choice, and there is very little that you can do for these individuals with the exception of consistent and fervent prayer.
III. The Free Will Defense
Moving forward from the Moral Law which establishes a universal code of conduct, the existence of a lawgiver, and that the lawgiver is God Himself; we now proceed to the issue of how God could allow so much evil in the world to exist without intervention.
In a nutshell The Free Will Defense states that:
In order for human beings to be capable of moral goodness, they must also be capable of moral evil. They must have genuine free choice. This means moral evil is possible. [3]
In order to elaborate on a more philosophical level; I turn to one of the best Christian philosophers of our day; his name is Alvin Plantinga. Wikipedia records Plantinga’s Free Will Defense:
“A world containing creatures who are significantly free (and freely perform more good than evil actions) is more valuable, all else being equal, than a world containing no free creatures at all. Now God can create free creatures, but He can't cause or determine them to do only what is right. For if He does so, then they aren't significantly free after all; they do not do what is right freely. To create creatures capable of moral good, therefore, He must create creatures capable of moral evil; and He can't give these creatures the freedom to perform evil and at the same time prevent them from doing so. As it turned out, sadly enough, some of the free creatures God created went wrong in the exercise of their freedom; this is the source of moral evil. The fact that free creatures sometimes go wrong, however, counts neither against God's omnipotence nor against His goodness; for He could have forestalled the occurrence of moral evil only by removing the possibility of moral good.”[4]
To summarize/simplify Plantinga is proving that God created us with free will, and it is that very free will that is the cause of all the evil in the world. In addition, Plantinga has demonstrated that if God intervened to prevent individuals from exercising that free will (be it for good or evil), then it could not be classified as freedom. The more correct term for God to intervene would be called dominion, or dictatorship. This leads us to the question/statement: “Fine we have free will, but how can God sit idly by and do nothing to stop evil?” The answer to that is simple; love.
Love is a choice, and at the same time love is an action. The book of 1 Corinthians in the Bible defines what love is; “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” [5] (Underlined emphasis is mine).
The definition of love as given per the absolute moral being from the very pages of His absolute written Moral Law (The Bible) states that love is not self-seeking. To word it differently; love does not demand its own way. This leads me to my point: God does not demand His own way. He has created us to be creatures that choose to love Him. Once again love is not only a choice; but it is also an action. We choose to demonstrate our love to God by obeying his written commandments which are in the Bible and His Moral Law which He has placed within the hearts of all people.
To simplify further; God does not want puppets on a string that will dance to his tune. If you have to make someone in a relationship love you or obey you; that is not love that is dictatorship. It is because of God’s love for us that he was not self-seeking and has created us with the free will to choose to love Him. Sadly, exactly like Plantinga pointed out “the free creatures God created went wrong in the exercise of their freedom; this is the source of moral evil. The fact that free creatures sometimes go wrong, however, counts neither against God's omnipotence nor against His goodness.”
IV. Justice
We have thus far proven the existence of God, and that He is not responsible for the evil that occurs in this world. In addition, we have also addressed why He does not intervene. However, we have not addressed the final issue of punishment.
If God were not to punish those individuals who were committing these acts of evil then He would not be just. If God were not just, then He would by definition not be God. However, we have learned that He cannot intervene, or He would not be showing us love. If He were not to demonstrate the very love to us that He requires from us, then He would not be God. Herein lies the dilemma.
I believe that one more final analogy will provide enlightenment and bring our argument to a close. Hypothetically speaking; if there was a mass murderer who had murdered members of our families; we would want justice. Let us say for argument sake that this man was arrested and tried before a court of law. On the day of sentencing, the judge says “I am a gracious and good judge who abounds in mercy, grace, and forgiveness. I thereby dismiss all charges and you are free to go.” To us (the family) we would not let this stand; we would demand justice. In addition, we would call the newspapers, the mayor, and even the president and demand justice. We would inform them that there is a judge sitting on the bench who is more corrupt than the very criminals that he is setting free.[6]
There are three things that I would like to point out about this analogy. First, the unjust judge in our story has no business sitting on the seat of justice that has been entrusted to him. Secondly, if our judge who does not render justice to the victimized has no business sitting on the bench, then how can God remain just when He turns the cheek (so to speak) when he does not administer instant justice? Finally, how can he not only render justice, but freely forgive those who come to Him in true repentance? Once again herein lies the problem.
However, this problem is not without answer. Actually, it is the simplest answer of all the questions that we have addressed here together. God is just, and at the same time He is the justifier. The answer leads us back to the very problem; free will. God demands and will obtain His justice. However, in His graciousness He has decided to prolong it, in hopes of rehabilitation, through repentance. Think of a man who receives probation for his third DUI. The man is given three years of probation as compared to five years of prison. If the man gets in trouble during the three years of probation; then he automatically goes to prison for the entire sentence of five years. God’s judgment is much like probation.
The book of 1 Peter tells us that “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” [7] It is not God’s will that anyone should suffer His wrath. However, that is not to say that He will not administer it to those who are found guilty. Much like God has given us the choice of free will to choose to love Him; He has also given us the choice to repent and avoid certain judgment. The Gospel of Luke teaches us that those who are committing these acts of evil will be judged. Luke records "But unless you repent, you too will all perish."[8] Therefore, in light of this information, we can clearly see that God does not allow evil. Although He may prolong judgment (much like probation), judgment will in fact be administered if God’s requirements are followed through with (much like probation).
Finally, this also raises the question “If everyone commits evil, and then everyone repents, then God never administers justice; this is not fair.” To that I reply, you are incorrect, and that you are also right; it is not fair. First it is incorrect to say that God never administers justice; because He always gets His man so to speak, either within their own lifetime, or at the Final Judgment. Secondly the acts of evil that have been committed by someone such as Hitler could be forgiven by God; if Hitler would have repented and turned from His sinful behavior. To this I say, “Where is the justice? What about the eye for eye thing?” This is the unfair part, but not in the way that you are thinking. God had already administered judgment on Hitler’s sins and the sins of the world over a thousand years before Hitler was even born. God poured out His wrath and judgment against all the evil of the world on one man and one man alone; Jesus. This is the unfair part; Jesus did not deserve this. Why should Jesus have to pay for someone like Hitler’s or anybody else’s sins for that matter? This is not to say that Hitler will not receive his judgment on judgment day. By definition, those who die without repentance shall suffer the Great judgment of God.
The book of 2 Corinthians records “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”[9] It is in this way alone that a good and all-powerful God could allow evil to exist in the world without administering instant judgment that all people (not just some of the bad ones) on the earth (from the beginning of time to the last days) deserve. The book of Romans records that “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” [10] It is also in this way alone that God can be the just; and the justifier. Many people do not understand how God could allow and not instantly punish the evil that goes on in this world. However, many more people do not understand that He punished all the evil they are referring to in advance. To this I once again say that the whole thing is not fair. It is not fair that Christ should have had to bear that burden. However, if He had not then no one would be allowed to have fellowship with a judge who rends judgment every time. In addition, the Bible states that all we have to do is confess, turn, and believe in Jesus in order to receive Salvation.[11]
To summarize; God has already administered judgment to those who have truly repented and that judgment fell on Jesus. Jesus became the guilty party on our behalf. For those who have not, and will not repent God will claim His justice, and the justice of the victimized on Judgment Day. I would also like to add that although it does not seem fair that Jesus took the hit for us; it would be foolish not to accept the offeriong on our behalf. I am not one for letting someone else take the fall for something that I have done. However, in the event someone did, I would make sure on my part to honor them in everything I do.
The book of Revelations records that nobody escapes the judgment and punishment for evil. “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.” [12]
V. Conclusion
In our short time together we have demonstrated that:
1. There is a moral law.
2. An outside moral being was the creator of that moral law.
3. God is that creator, therefore God exists.
4. There is evil in the world.
5. God is not the cause of that evil.
6. Free will is what God has given us because He loves us, and so that we could choose to love Him.
7. The cause of the evil in this world is freedom brought on by free will.
8. If God intervened then He would be taking away our free will.
9. If He took away our free will, then that would not be love, and thereby He would by definition not be God.
10. God much like us demands justice. However He requires it.
11. God punishes the guilty. However, it is not always instant.
12. God provided a way out of impending judgment to those who have truly repented.
13. Jesus is that way out.
14. There will be a Final Judgment Day for those who do not call on and trust in the name of Jesus.
15. Therefore, God is an all-powerful God who does not allow natural and moral evil to go unpunished.
It is my belief and prayer that this short paper can help you to explain to others how “If there really is such a good and powerful God; how can He allow so much evil in this world to exist?” I would have liked to gone into greater detail on certain subjects, however the idea of this paper was to explain in a very simple and practical way the Moral Argument for the existence of God; in order to be able to briefly, and correctly explain the argument to others. May the Lord richly bless you.
VI. References
1. The Moral Argument: Taken from Dr. Mark Bird’s Philosophy Class at God’s Bible School & College. Cincinnati OH. December, 2013.
2. Mere Christianity: By C.S. Lewis. Taken from Book 2: Chapter 1: The Rival Conceptions of God. The entire eBook can be found free of purchase at http://www.truthaccordingtoscripture.com/documents/apologetics/mere-christianity/Book2/cs-lewis-mere-christianity-book2.php#.UsXKL_s7ddo
3. The Free Will Defense: Taken from Dr. Mark Bird’s Philosophy Class at God’s Bible School & College. Cincinnati OH. December, 2013.
4. Quote taken from: Wikipedia “The Free Encyclopedia.” Page Title: Alvin Plantinga's free will defense. The webpage can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvin_Plantinga%27s_free_will_defense
5. Taken from: The Holy Bible: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
6. Analogy taken from: Pastor Paul Washer. Lesson Title: The most Important Message of Scripture. Romans 3
7. Taken from The Holy Bible: 1 Peter 3:9 NIV
8. Taken from The Holy Bible: Luke 13:3 NIV
9. Taken from The Holy Bible: 2 Corinthians 5:21 NJKV
10. Taken from The Holy Bible: Romans 3:23NIV
11. Taken from The Holy Bible: Romans 10:8-13
12. Taken from The Holy Bible: Revelation 20:11-15