Why Does Evil Exist According To Sher
We Often Ask Ourselves Why Does Evil Exist According To Sherry 2020
The question of why evil exists in the world has been a profound philosophical and theological issue for centuries. According to Sherry (2020), the concept of theodicy attempts to explain how an omnipotent, omnibenevolent God allows the presence of evil. Theodicy explores the reasons behind the coexistence of good and evil, attempting to reconcile divine perfection with the existence of suffering and moral evil. There are primarily two classical approaches to theodicy discussed by Sherry. The first is rooted in the teachings of St. Augustine, and the second draws from St. Irenaeus's developmental perspective.
St. Augustine's approach interprets evil as a consequence of human free will and the original sin committed by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. According to Augustine, God created humans with free will, and it was this free will that allowed Adam and Eve to choose to disobey God's command not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge (Sherry, 2020). The act of disobedience introduced sin into the world, which in turn gave rise to evil. Augustine viewed evil not as a substance but as a privation of good—a corrupted state resulting from the misuse of free will. Hence, evil exists because humans have the freedom to choose contrary to God's will, and this disobedience has consequences that permeate human existence.
The second approach, rooted in the teachings of St. Irenaeus, presents a developmental perspective on the problem of evil. Irenaeus proposed that humans are created in the image of God but are still in a developmental process toward spiritual maturity and perfection (Sherry, 2020). According to this view, adversity, suffering, and evil serve as necessary catalysts for growth and character development. This process of soul-making allows individuals to develop virtues such as patience, compassion, and resilience, ultimately drawing closer to divine perfection. The Irenaean approach emphasizes that evil and suffering have a purpose within God's divine plan—are formative rather than punitive—and that human beings are called to grow through their struggles.
Drawing from personal and professional experience, particularly in law enforcement, the author reflects on encounters with evil and moral depravity. These firsthand experiences often evoke questions about why evil persists and how to confront it. The author suggests that the answer lies in the reality that not everyone has accepted salvation or embraced divine grace. Acknowledging human imperfection, the author admits to personal shortcomings but finds solace in the hope of eternal life and the promise of Heaven. From this perspective, understanding the existence of evil involves recognizing the spiritual battle between good and evil, including the real presence of Satan, and the importance of forming a relationship with God through salvation.
The biblical account from Genesis illustrates the origins of sin and evil, emphasizing that human nature tends toward sinfulness unless redeemed. Binkley's (2020) perspective reinforces this, stating that evil is fundamentally the absence of good. Human beings are inherently inclined to sin until they accept God's grace through salvation. Even after salvation, humans are susceptible to moral failings, which necessitate continual repentance and forgiveness. The persistent existence of evil on earth underscores the importance of personal spiritual discipline and reliance on divine grace to counteract the influence of evil.
In conclusion, the problem of evil remains a complex theological issue with multiple explanations rooted in different philosophical traditions. The Augustinian view attributes evil to free will and the corruption of good, while the Irenaean perspective sees evil as a necessary element in human development toward divine perfection. Personal faith and salvation are vital for overcoming the influence of evil and achieving spiritual salvation. Recognizing the spiritual nature of evil, maintaining a relationship with God, and striving for moral integrity are crucial steps for believers facing the presence of evil in the world.
References
- Binkley, C. (2020, January 01). Why Does Evil Exist in the World? Retrieved August 25, 2020, from https://example.com/evil-existence
- Sherry, P. (2020, April 28). Theodicy. Retrieved August 25, 2020, from https://example.com/theodicy