The Problem of Pain

The problem of evil in the world is purely a monotheistic problem. All other religions - especially those with dualistic systems have answers to the problem of pain. The reason Christianity struggles with this problem is because we preach a Good God - He is all powerful, ever-present, and all knowing - yet evil still exists. Since a good God cannot remain good if He creates evil - where does it come from? And why does it happen to good people?

Some Christians believe God creates evil - and quote a scripture in Isaiah to back up their claims

Others, claim that good and evil are equal forces

Still others believe that we all deserve much worse than we are getting and should stop whining and start obeying an angry God.

And many believe all three.

The story of evil starts in the Garden - A&E's disobedience and failure to repent ushered in sin, which is the misuse of creation and God's purpose for our lives - the result of sin is evil. Evil is the lack of Good - it is not a force unto itself. We were created to love God and love each other - this was our primary purpose. A&E decided to add determining good and evil to their list of duties - since they were never created to determine good and evil, they were unprepared to take on the responsibility and never needed to since evil never needed to be experienced or even encountered. So, God not only decided to teach us how to love again, He added to our purpose and experience through an added blessing - forgiveness - the highest form of love. He forgave us and is teaching us to receive forgiveness, forgive ourselves, and others.

Therefore, bad things happen to everyone so that we can learn how to forgive and receive forgiveness. The problem of Pain is Forgiveness.