A the problem that arises on the topic of evil and

a. The problem that arises on the topic of evil and suffering is “why a good and
powerful God would allow suffering to enter the world” (Sharpe, 2015). Additionally,
some people may question whether suffering is fair or not, especially since the
original sin took place so long ago. Topic 6 Overview (2017) touches upon the
original sin, stating that “evil exists in our world because humanity was created with
free will”, and this created an option for people to either love God or to love only
ourselves, evidentiary of the fall of humanity.
3. Briefly summarize the Christian worldview’s response to the problem of evil and suffering.
Cite and reference the topic overview and/or Chapter 9 in the textbook.
a. The short answer is that God allows free will. The long answer goes deeper into the
realization that after the fall of humanity, God had set a plan in motion to bring his
greatest creation back home to Heaven. How could anyone simply trust a God who
snapped his fingers and made everyone’s life perfect? As Sharpe (2015) points out,
“If God simply took away every problem the moment they asked, they would not
have to trust God, nor realize the amazing love that God showed for his children in
the death of Jesus.” Without our suffering, we may never come to the knowledge of
how good God truly is, and how forgiving and merciful he has shown himself to be.
Topic 6 Overview (2017) refers to several biblical passages on why suffering and evil
is necessary, citing characteristics such as increasing compassion, building character,

teaching obedience, and keeping one humble, depending on Christ. Therefore, evil
and suffering must exist, for without it, we would not be able to find our way back to
God and our restoration would never happen.