The Problem of Evil

This paper provides an overview of the Christian response to the problem of evil. It argues that Christians think that objective evil exists. The free will defense provides one possible sound response to the logical problem of evil. Similarly, the probabilistic problem of evil fails for several reasons, including that evil is an example of objective morality, and God is the best explanation for objective moral values and duties. Further, even though evil can give one reason to doubt, given all the evidence for God’s existence, evil is not an insurmountable problem. Also, as finite beings, humans are not in a good position to judge the plans of an omniscient being. As for the emotional problem of evil, Christians can point to several things, including that God himself entered human history and unjustly suffered for us so that he might overcome evil.