The Problem of Evil

I never found the problem of evil to be a good argument against the existence of God. However, I'm not very impressed by typical counterarguments either. Certainly not any argument framed mainly in terms of the greater good, because the greater good argument suggests that some people must be sacrificed for the benefit of others, something that is in itself evil.

I'm more in favor of arguments spun around the idea of God as being the will of the universe. Nature is God's creation, and has as such something of His will in it. This goes for all things, but is especially noticeable in animals and humans.

We exercise free will, and are therefore capable of evil. God can on His side interfere in this. He can knock people out as He sees fit with cases of sudden adult death syndrome and the like. However, there's no point in striking everyone down with a bolt of lightning at the first hint of evil, because some evils highlight a decay of morals, and foster as such a return to God.

I've personally become more religious due to repeated evils inflicted on others and myself. That has in turn fostered a sense of purpose and optimism in me. On balance, my life has become better.

But God doesn't act for me alone. He acts out of his own will, and his plan is for all of us to find enjoyment and gratitude in His creation.

The exact details of his plans are hidden from us in the uncertainty of the future, and therefore unknowable. This is a blessing, because life would be endlessly boring if the future was known.

The fact that miracles are as rare as they are indicate that God made things perfect from the start. He's not constantly fixing things. There might not be any miracles at all. But certain events seem miraculous. Very few people go through life without ever experiencing some episode with a divinely happy ending.

All of this is what life is about, and the reason God allows evil to exist. God is making things interesting and challenging for us, and we should be grateful for this, because a life without challenges, temptations and obstacles would be predictable and boring.

Creation of Adam

By Michelangelo - See below., Public Domain, Link