The document discusses arguments related to the problem of evil and innocent suffering. It presents the question of why an all-good and all-powerful God would allow evil and suffering in the world. It outlines three common positions on this issue: 1) God does not exist and evil exists, 2) God exists but evil does not, 3) God exists and evil exists. The document then examines arguments for each position and their implications.

1. Why Do the Innocent Suffer?
© Dr. Ken Boa and Bill Ibsen 2008. All Rights Reserved.
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2. Often-Asked Questions
2

3. Often-Asked Questions
If God is all-good and all-powerful, why did He make a world with so
much suffering?
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4. Often-Asked Questions
If God is all-good and all-powerful, why did He make a world with so
much suffering?
Why do innocent people suffer from things like disease and natural
disaster?
2

5. Often-Asked Questions
If God is all-good and all-powerful, why did He make a world with so
much suffering?
Why do innocent people suffer from things like disease and natural
disaster?
If God is so good, loving, and powerful, why doesn't He put an end to
suffering now?
2

6. Often-Asked Questions
If God is all-good and all-powerful, why did He make a world with so
much suffering?
Why do innocent people suffer from things like disease and natural
disaster?
If God is so good, loving, and powerful, why doesn't He put an end to
suffering now?
How could a loving God send people to hell?
2

7. Often-Asked Questions
If God is all-good and all-powerful, why did He make a world with so
much suffering?
Why do innocent people suffer from things like disease and natural
disaster?
If God is so good, loving, and powerful, why doesn't He put an end to
suffering now?
How could a loving God send people to hell?
Did God create evil?
2

8. Often-Asked Questions
If God is all-good and all-powerful, why did He make a world with so
much suffering?
Why do innocent people suffer from things like disease and natural
disaster?
If God is so good, loving, and powerful, why doesn't He put an end to
suffering now?
How could a loving God send people to hell?
Did God create evil?
If God knew man would sin and bring evil into this world, why did He
bother to create him in the first place?
2

9. Why Do the Innocent Suffer?
3

10. Why Do the Innocent Suffer?
Option I: Evil Exists and God Doesn’t
3

11. Why Do the Innocent Suffer?
Option I: Evil Exists and God Doesn’t
Option II: God Exists and Evil Doesn’t
3

12. Why Do the Innocent Suffer?
Option I: Evil Exists and God Doesn’t
Option II: God Exists and Evil Doesn’t
Option III: God Exists and Evil Exists
3

13. Why Do the Innocent Suffer?
Option I: Evil Exists and God Doesn’t
Option II: God Exists and Evil Doesn’t
Option III: God Exists and Evil Exists
Why Did an All-Good, All-Powerful God Allow Evil?
3

14. Why Do the Innocent Suffer?
Option I: Evil Exists and God Doesn’t
Option II: God Exists and Evil Doesn’t
Option III: God Exists and Evil Exists
Why Did an All-Good, All-Powerful God Allow Evil?
Why Hasn’t God Put an End to Evil?
3

15. Two Types of Evil:
1. Moral Evil
4

16. Two Types of Evil:
1. Moral Evil
Hai Van Pass,
South Vietnam, 1968
4

17. Two Types of Evil:
1. Moral Evil
Dachau Concentration
Camp, Germany
Hai Van Pass,
South Vietnam, 1968
4

18. Two Types of Evil:
1. Moral Evil
Dachau Concentration Man, Bombay, India
Camp, Germany
Hai Van Pass,
South Vietnam, 1968
4

19. Two Types of Evil:
1. Moral Evil
Dachau Concentration Man, Bombay, India
Camp, Germany
Hai Van Pass,
South Vietnam, 1968
Source: Man’s hatred, overindulgence, or greed
4

20. Two Types of Evil:
2. Natural Evil
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21. Two Types of Evil:
2. Natural Evil
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22. Two Types of Evil:
2. Natural Evil
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23. Two Types of Evil:
2. Natural Evil
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24. Two Types of Evil:
2. Natural Evil
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25. Two Types of Evil:
2. Natural Evil
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26. Two Types of Evil:
2. Natural Evil
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27. Two Types of Evil:
2. Natural Evil
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28. Man’s Stupidity
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29. Man’s Stupidity
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30. Man’s Stupidity
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31. Man’s Stupidity
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32. Man’s Stupidity
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33. Man’s Stupidity
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34. Man’s Stupidity
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35. Man’s Stupidity
7

36. Man’s Stupidity
7

37. Man’s Stupidity
7

38. Man’s Stupidity
7

39. Man’s Stupidity
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40. Three Options
Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
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41. Three Options
Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
Evil Exists;
God Doesn’t
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42. Three Options
Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
Evil Exists; God Exists;
God Doesn’t Evil Doesn’t
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43. Three Options
Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
Evil Exists; God Exists; God Exists;
God Doesn’t Evil Doesn’t Evil Exists
8

44. Three Options
Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
Evil Exists; God Exists; God Exists;
God Doesn’t Evil Doesn’t Evil Exists
- Atheism
8

45. Three Options
Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
Evil Exists; God Exists; God Exists;
God Doesn’t Evil Doesn’t Evil Exists
- Atheism - Pantheism
8

46. Three Options
Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
Evil Exists; God Exists; God Exists;
God Doesn’t Evil Doesn’t Evil Exists
- Atheism - Pantheism - Theism
8

47. Option I:
Evil Exists and God Doesn’t
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48. Solving the Problem by
Eliminating God
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49. Solving the Problem by
Eliminating God
10

50. Solving the Problem by
Eliminating God
10

51. Classic Atheist Proposition
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52. Classic Atheist Proposition
“If God is all-good, He will destroy evil.
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53. Classic Atheist Proposition
“If God is all-good, He will destroy evil.
If God is all-powerful, He can destroy evil.
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54. Classic Atheist Proposition
“If God is all-good, He will destroy evil.
If God is all-powerful, He can destroy evil.
But evil is not destroyed.
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55. Classic Atheist Proposition
“If God is all-good, He will destroy evil.
If God is all-powerful, He can destroy evil.
But evil is not destroyed.
Therefore, there is no all-good, all-powerful God.”
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56. Conclusion 1: The Cruel God
View
God Pluto abducting Proserpina
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57. Conclusion 1: The Cruel God
View
“God is all-powerful.
God Pluto abducting Proserpina
12

58. Conclusion 1: The Cruel God
View
“God is all-powerful.
God is sadistic.
God Pluto abducting Proserpina
12

59. Conclusion 1: The Cruel God
View
“God is all-powerful.
God is sadistic.
God is therefore not all-good.”
God Pluto abducting Proserpina
12

60. Conclusion 1: The Cruel God
View
“God is all-powerful.
God is sadistic.
God is therefore not all-good.”
Leads to atheism
God Pluto abducting Proserpina
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61. Conclusion 1: The Cruel God
View
“God is all-powerful.
God is sadistic.
God is therefore not all-good.”
Leads to atheism
The cruel-God and atheistic
views: God is not good, but evil
exists
God Pluto abducting Proserpina
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62. Conclusion 2: God is Good and
Impotent
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63. Conclusion 2: God is Good and
Impotent
“God is all-good.
13

64. Conclusion 2: God is Good and
Impotent
“God is all-good.
God is incapable of stopping evil.
13

65. Conclusion 2: God is Good and
Impotent
“God is all-good.
God is incapable of stopping evil.
God is therefore not all-powerful.”
13

66. Classical Proposition Restated
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67. Classical Proposition Restated
“If God is all-good, He will destroy evil.
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68. Classical Proposition Restated
“If God is all-good, He will destroy evil.
If God is all-powerful, He can destroy evil.
14

69. Classical Proposition Restated
“If God is all-good, He will destroy evil.
If God is all-powerful, He can destroy evil.
Evil is not yet destroyed.
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70. Classical Proposition Restated
“If God is all-good, He will destroy evil.
If God is all-powerful, He can destroy evil.
Evil is not yet destroyed.
Therefore evil will be destroyed one day.”
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71. Classical Proposition Restated
“If God is all-good, He will destroy evil.
If God is all-powerful, He can destroy evil.
Evil is not yet destroyed.
Therefore evil will be destroyed one day.”
Revelation 20:10-15; 21:4; 22:3-8
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72. Reexamining Atheism
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73. Reexamining Atheism
My knowledge compared to all
knowledge is miniscule
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74. Reexamining Atheism
My knowledge compared to all
knowledge is miniscule
Omniscience is required to truly
state ““I know that God does not
exist”
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75. Reexamining Atheism
My knowledge compared to all
knowledge is miniscule
Omniscience is required to truly
state ““I know that God does not
exist”
Atheists don’t want God to exist-
vested interest
15

76. Reexamining Atheism
My knowledge compared to all
knowledge is miniscule
Omniscience is required to truly
state ““I know that God does not
exist”
Atheists don’t want God to exist-
vested interest
Implications: meaning, value,
purpose
15

77. Option II:
God Exists and Evil Doesn’t
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78. Pantheism
17

79. Pantheism
God is all and all is God
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80. Pantheism
God is all and all is God
Thus, evil cannot be real
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81. Is Evil Merely an Illusion?
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82. Is Evil Merely an Illusion?
Vedanta Hinduism
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83. Is Evil Merely an Illusion?
Vedanta Hinduism
Only one reality: good
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84. Is Evil Merely an Illusion?
Vedanta Hinduism
Only one reality: good
Christian Science
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85. Is Evil Merely an Illusion?
Vedanta Hinduism
Only one reality: good
Christian Science
18

86. Contradicted by Personal Experience
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87. Contradicted by Personal Experience
Deny our senses
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88. Contradicted by Personal Experience
Deny our senses
Deny our experience
19

89. Contradicted by Personal Experience
Deny our senses
Deny our experience
Seeing suffering in
every city of the world
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90. Contradicted by Personal Experience
Deny our senses
Deny our experience
Seeing suffering in
every city of the world
Inability to verify the
Pantheist’s position
19

91. Contradicted by Scientific
Evidence (Natural Evil)
San Francisco Earthquake, 1906
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92. Contradicted by Scientific
Evidence (Natural Evil)
Points to the reality of pain and suffering
San Francisco Earthquake, 1906
20

93. Contradicted by Scientific
Evidence (Natural Evil)
Points to the reality of pain and suffering
Natural evil: monitored for centuries;
universally verified
San Francisco Earthquake, 1906
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94. Contradicted by Scientific
Evidence (Natural Evil)
Points to the reality of pain and suffering
Natural evil: monitored for centuries;
universally verified
Millions of dollars poured into disease
research
San Francisco Earthquake, 1906
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95. Contradicted by Scientific
Evidence (Natural Evil)
Points to the reality of pain and suffering
Natural evil: monitored for centuries;
universally verified
Millions of dollars poured into disease
research
San Francisco Earthquake, 1906
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96. Contradicted by Legal Historical
Evidence (Moral Evil)
Christian Leaders hung by Turks, 1915
Human slave shackles
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97. Contradicted by Legal Historical
Evidence (Moral Evil)
Chronicles the reality of moral evil
Christian Leaders hung by Turks, 1915
Human slave shackles
21

98. Contradicted by Legal Historical
Evidence (Moral Evil)
Chronicles the reality of moral evil
Injustice, treachery, selfishness,
and cruelty
Christian Leaders hung by Turks, 1915
Human slave shackles
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99. Contradicted by Legal Historical
Evidence (Moral Evil)
Chronicles the reality of moral evil
Injustice, treachery, selfishness,
and cruelty
To deny evil is to deny life as we Christian Leaders hung by Turks, 1915
know it
Human slave shackles
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100. Contradicted by Legal Historical
Evidence (Moral Evil)
Chronicles the reality of moral evil
Injustice, treachery, selfishness,
and cruelty
To deny evil is to deny life as we Christian Leaders hung by Turks, 1915
know it
Yet Pantheists criticize falsehood
and immorality
Human slave shackles
21

101. Contradicted by Christ and the Bible
22

102. Contradicted by Christ and the Bible
Matthew 23:15,28
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on
sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one,
you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.
...So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of
hypocrisy and lawlessness.”
22

103. Contradicted by Christ and the Bible
Matthew 23:15,28
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you travel around on
sea and land to make one proselyte; and when he becomes one,
you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.
...So you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of
hypocrisy and lawlessness.”
Psalm 5:4-5
“For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness;
No evil dwells with You.
The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes;
You hate all who do iniquity.”
22

104. Contradicted by Christ and the Bible
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105. Contradicted by Christ and the Bible
Psalm 51:2-5
“Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity
And cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
And my sin is ever before me.
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106. Contradicted by Christ and the Bible
Psalm 51:2-5
“Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity
And cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
And my sin is ever before me.
Against You, You only, I have sinned
And done what is evil in Your sight,
So that You are justified when You speak
And blameless when You judge.
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
And in sin my mother conceived me.”
23

107. Option III:
God Exists and Evil Exists
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108. Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
25

109. Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
Evil Exists;
God Doesn’t
- Atheism
25

110. Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
Evil Exists; God Exists;
God Doesn’t Evil Doesn’t
- Atheism - Pantheism
25

111. Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
Evil Exists; God Exists; God Exists;
God Doesn’t Evil Doesn’t Evil Exists
- Atheism - Pantheism
25

112. Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
Evil Exists; God Exists; God Exists;
God Doesn’t Evil Doesn’t Evil Exists
- Atheism - Pantheism
25

113. Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
Evil Exists; God Exists; God Exists;
God Doesn’t Evil Doesn’t Evil Exists
- Atheism - Pantheism
God < Evil
25

114. Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
Evil Exists; God Exists; God Exists;
God Doesn’t Evil Doesn’t Evil Exists
- Atheism - Pantheism
God < Evil God = Evil
25

115. Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
Evil Exists; God Exists; God Exists;
God Doesn’t Evil Doesn’t Evil Exists
- Atheism - Pantheism
God < Evil God = Evil God > Evil
25

116. Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
Evil Exists; God Exists; God Exists;
God Doesn’t Evil Doesn’t Evil Exists
- Atheism - Pantheism
God < Evil God = Evil God > Evil
- Finitism
25

117. Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
Evil Exists; God Exists; God Exists;
God Doesn’t Evil Doesn’t Evil Exists
- Atheism - Pantheism
God < Evil God = Evil God > Evil
- Finitism - Dualism
25

118. Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
Evil Exists; God Exists; God Exists;
God Doesn’t Evil Doesn’t Evil Exists
- Atheism - Pantheism
God < Evil God = Evil God > Evil
- Finitism - Dualism - Theism
25

119. Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
Evil Exists; God Exists; God Exists;
God Doesn’t Evil Doesn’t Evil Exists
- Atheism - Pantheism
God < Evil
- Finitism
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120. Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
Evil Exists; God Exists; God Exists;
God Doesn’t Evil Doesn’t Evil Exists
- Atheism - Pantheism
Deals with dilemma of evil by proposing a God
God < Evil who is finite in His powers and therefore
unable to control or stop evil:
- Finitism
26

121. Premise and Problems with
Finitism (God < Evil)
27

122. Premise and Problems with
Finitism (God < Evil)
“God exists.
27

123. Premise and Problems with
Finitism (God < Evil)
“God exists.
If God were all-powerful He would destroy evil.
27

124. Premise and Problems with
Finitism (God < Evil)
“God exists.
If God were all-powerful He would destroy evil.
Evil is not destroyed.
27

125. Premise and Problems with
Finitism (God < Evil)
“God exists.
If God were all-powerful He would destroy evil.
Evil is not destroyed.
Therefore God is not all-powerful.”
27

126. Premise and Problems with
Finitism (God < Evil)
“God exists.
If God were all-powerful He would destroy evil.
Evil is not destroyed.
Therefore God is not all-powerful.”
Failure to consider that God's timing is not human timing
27

127. Problems with Finitism (God < Evil)
The Last Judgment, Michelangelo, 1535-1541
28

128. Problems with Finitism (God < Evil)
Contrary to Bible’s position
of God’s omnipotence
The Last Judgment, Michelangelo, 1535-1541
28

129. Problems with Finitism (God < Evil)
Contrary to Bible’s position
of God’s omnipotence
56 times declares that God
is almighty (Rev. 19:6)
The Last Judgment, Michelangelo, 1535-1541
28

130. Problems with Finitism (God < Evil)
Contrary to Bible’s position
of God’s omnipotence
56 times declares that God
is almighty (Rev. 19:6)
Promises that God will
ultimately defeat evil
(Rev. 21-22)
The Last Judgment, Michelangelo, 1535-1541
28

131. Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
Evil Exists; God Exists; God Exists;
God Doesn’t Evil Doesn’t Evil Exists
- Atheism - Pantheism
God < Evil
God < Evil God = Evil
- Finitism
29

132. Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
Evil Exists; God Exists; God Exists;
God Doesn’t Evil Doesn’t Evil Exists
- Atheism - Pantheism
God < Evil
God < Evil God = Evil
- Finitism - Dualism
29

133. Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
Evil Exists; God Exists; God Exists;
God Doesn’t Evil Doesn’t Evil Exists
- Atheism - Pantheism
Assumes that God
God < Evil
God < Evil God = Evil and evil are coeternal
opposites
- Finitism - Dualism
29

134. Dualism (God = Evil)
30

135. Dualism (God = Evil)
Rescues God’s goodness at the
expense of His omnipotence
30

136. Dualism (God = Evil)
Rescues God’s goodness at the
expense of His omnipotence
Ancient Greek and Zoroastrian
theology to modern-day process
theology
30

137. Premises of Dualism (God = Evil)
31

138. Premises of Dualism (God = Evil)
“Nothing can be the source of its opposite.
31

139. Premises of Dualism (God = Evil)
“Nothing can be the source of its opposite.
Evil is a thing. (if God were the only eternal source of all things,
then He would be the cause of evil.
31

140. Premises of Dualism (God = Evil)
“Nothing can be the source of its opposite.
Evil is a thing. (if God were the only eternal source of all things,
then He would be the cause of evil.
Therefore, God and evil must exist together (for all eternity or else
God would be responsible for evil).”
31

141. Problems of Dualism (God = Evil)
32

142. Problems of Dualism (God = Evil)
Evil can occur out of good (not intrinsically but incidentally)
32

143. Problems of Dualism (God = Evil)
Evil can occur out of good (not intrinsically but incidentally)
Opposites doesn’t mean first-cause opposites for each
32

144. Problems of Dualism (God = Evil)
Evil can occur out of good (not intrinsically but incidentally)
Opposites doesn’t mean first-cause opposites for each
It is logically absurd to have two absolute coequals in eternal
opposition
32

145. Problems of Dualism (God = Evil)
Evil can occur out of good (not intrinsically but incidentally)
Opposites doesn’t mean first-cause opposites for each
It is logically absurd to have two absolute coequals in eternal
opposition
Irresistible
Force
32

146. Problems of Dualism (God = Evil)
Evil can occur out of good (not intrinsically but incidentally)
Opposites doesn’t mean first-cause opposites for each
It is logically absurd to have two absolute coequals in eternal
opposition
Irresistible Immovable
Force Object
32

147. Problems of Dualism (God = Evil)
33

148. Problems of Dualism (God = Evil)
Evil is not a thing (having an existence of its own)
33

149. Problems of Dualism (God = Evil)
Evil is not a thing (having an existence of its own)
Evil is a corruption of something that already exists; it cannot
exist by itself
33

150. Problems of Dualism (God = Evil)
Evil is not a thing (having an existence of its own)
Evil is a corruption of something that already exists; it cannot
exist by itself
Unsanitary, unhealthy, unreliable, uncivilized, incurable, etc.
33

151. Problems of Dualism (God = Evil)
Evil is not a thing (having an existence of its own)
Evil is a corruption of something that already exists; it cannot
exist by itself
Unsanitary, unhealthy, unreliable, uncivilized, incurable, etc.
Evil is a negation, absence, or privation of something good
33

152. Problems of Dualism (God = Evil)
34

153. Problems of Dualism (God = Evil)
Contradicted by the Bible
34

154. Problems of Dualism (God = Evil)
Contradicted by the Bible
Affirms God's omnipotence and sovereignty
34

155. Problems of Dualism (God = Evil)
Contradicted by the Bible
Affirms God's omnipotence and sovereignty
Never recognizes coeternal opposites in the universe
34

156. Problems of Dualism (God = Evil)
Contradicted by the Bible
Affirms God's omnipotence and sovereignty
Never recognizes coeternal opposites in the universe
Deuteronomy 4:35 “... the LORD, He is God; there is no other besides Him.”
34

157. Problems of Dualism (God = Evil)
Contradicted by the Bible
Affirms God's omnipotence and sovereignty
Never recognizes coeternal opposites in the universe
Deuteronomy 4:35 “... the LORD, He is God; there is no other besides Him.”
Colossians 1:16 “For by Him all things were created...”
34

158. Problems of Dualism (God = Evil)
Contradicted by the Bible
Affirms God's omnipotence and sovereignty
Never recognizes coeternal opposites in the universe
Deuteronomy 4:35 “... the LORD, He is God; there is no other besides Him.”
Colossians 1:16 “For by Him all things were created...”
1Timothy 4:4 “For everything created by God is good...”
34

159. Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
Evil Exists; God Exists; God Exists;
God Doesn’t Evil Doesn’t Evil Exists
- Atheism - Pantheism
God < Evil God = Evil God > Evil
- Finitism - Dualism
35

160. Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
Evil Exists; God Exists; God Exists;
God Doesn’t Evil Doesn’t Evil Exists
- Atheism - Pantheism
God < Evil God = Evil God > Evil
- Finitism - Dualism - Theism
35

161. Why do the Innocent Suffer?
or, Why Does Evil Exist?
Evil Exists; God Exists; God Exists;
God Doesn’t Evil Doesn’t Evil Exists
- Atheism - Pantheism
God < Evil God = Evil God > Evil
- Finitism - Dualism - Theism
Stipulates that the all-good, all-powerful God will finally conquer evil
35

162. Theism
36

163. Theism
All-Good:
Hab. 1:13 “Your eyes are too pure to approve evil,
And You can not look on wickedness with favor.”
36

164. Theism
All-Good:
Hab. 1:13 “Your eyes are too pure to approve evil,
And You can not look on wickedness with favor.”
All-Powerful:
Rev. 4:8 “...they do not cease to say, “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is THE LORD
GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME.”
36

165. Theism
37

166. Theism
Rev. 21:3-4 “...“Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men,
and He will dwell among them,
and they shall be His people,
and God Himself will be among them,
37

167. Theism
Rev. 21:3-4 “...“Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men,
and He will dwell among them,
and they shall be His people,
and God Himself will be among them,
and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes;
and there will no longer be any death;
there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain;
the first things have passed away.”
37

168. Why Did an All-Good, All-Powerful
God Allow Evil?
38

169. Why Did an All-Good, All-Powerful
God Allow Evil?
39

170. Why Did an All-Good, All-Powerful
God Allow Evil?
A Question of Causation- “Why did God allow evil to occur in
the first place?
39

171. Why Did an All-Good, All-Powerful
God Allow Evil?
A Question of Causation- “Why did God allow evil to occur in
the first place?
When did evil enter human history?
39

172. Why Did an All-Good, All-Powerful
God Allow Evil?
A Question of Causation- “Why did God allow evil to occur in
the first place?
When did evil enter human history?
Summary of a biblical account of the origin of evil
39

173. Man Created Perfect with Free
Choice
The Creation of Eve, Michelangelo, 1508-1512
40

174. Man Created Perfect with Free
Choice
God created man perfect
The Creation of Eve, Michelangelo, 1508-1512
40

175. Man Created Perfect with Free
Choice
God created man perfect
Man could reject God’s love
The Creation of Eve, Michelangelo, 1508-1512
40

176. Man Created Perfect with Free
Choice
God created man perfect
Man could reject God’s love
The ability to reject/accept is
essential to relationship
The Creation of Eve, Michelangelo, 1508-1512
40

177. Man Created Perfect with Free
Choice
God created man perfect
Man could reject God’s love
The ability to reject/accept is
essential to relationship
God did not force His love on man
The Creation of Eve, Michelangelo, 1508-1512
40

178. Real Consequences
41

179. Real Consequences
God warned man of the consequences of accepting or
rejecting Him
41

180. Real Consequences
God warned man of the consequences of accepting or
rejecting Him
Rejection > spiritual and physical death
41

181. Real Consequences
God warned man of the consequences of accepting or
rejecting Him
Rejection > spiritual and physical death
Man chose to go his own way (disobedience, autonomy)
41

182. Real Consequences
God warned man of the consequences of accepting or
rejecting Him
Rejection > spiritual and physical death
Man chose to go his own way (disobedience, autonomy)
Evil and suffering then entered the world
41

183. God Did Not Create Evil
Temptation, by Huga va der Goes, c 1470
42

184. God Did Not Create Evil
God’s plan had the potential for evil but
only promoted good
Temptation, by Huga va der Goes, c 1470
42

185. God Did Not Create Evil
God’s plan had the potential for evil but
only promoted good
The origin of evil resulted from man’s
rejection of God toward his selfish desires
Temptation, by Huga va der Goes, c 1470
42

186. God Did Not Create Evil
God’s plan had the potential for evil but
only promoted good
The origin of evil resulted from man’s
rejection of God toward his selfish desires
A naked decision between God and self
Temptation, by Huga va der Goes, c 1470
42

187. God Did Not Create Evil
God’s plan had the potential for evil but
only promoted good
The origin of evil resulted from man’s
rejection of God toward his selfish desires
A naked decision between God and self
Man corrupted himself by disobeying God
Temptation, by Huga va der Goes, c 1470
42

188. Man Chose Disobedience, Evil
Consequences: Temporal
Adam and Eve Expelled from Paradise, by Massacio, c.1427
43

189. Man Chose Disobedience, Evil
Consequences: Temporal
Because of the Fall, mankind became imperfect
Adam and Eve Expelled from Paradise, by Massacio, c.1427
43

190. Man Chose Disobedience, Evil
Consequences: Temporal
Because of the Fall, mankind became imperfect
Yielded temporal and eternal consequences
Adam and Eve Expelled from Paradise, by Massacio, c.1427
43

191. Man Chose Disobedience, Evil
Consequences: Temporal
Because of the Fall, mankind became imperfect
Yielded temporal and eternal consequences
Temporal: Moral and Natural Evil
Adam and Eve Expelled from Paradise, by Massacio, c.1427
43

192. Man Chose Disobedience, Evil
Consequences: Temporal
Because of the Fall, mankind became imperfect
Yielded temporal and eternal consequences
Temporal: Moral and Natural Evil
Moral Evil caused by man’s inhumanity to man
Adam and Eve Expelled from Paradise, by Massacio, c.1427
43

193. Man Chose Disobedience, Evil
Consequences: Temporal
44

194. Man Chose Disobedience, Evil
Consequences: Temporal
Man’s fall included a curse on him and a curse on creation
44

195. Man Chose Disobedience, Evil
Consequences: Temporal
Man’s fall included a curse on him and a curse on creation
Earth is a disease-death environment now
44

196. Man Chose Disobedience, Evil
Consequences: Temporal
Man’s fall included a curse on him and a curse on creation
Earth is a disease-death environment now
Gen. 3:17b “...Cursed is the ground because of you”
44

197. Man Chose Disobedience, Evil
Consequences: Temporal
Man’s fall included a curse on him and a curse on creation
Earth is a disease-death environment now
Gen. 3:17b “...Cursed is the ground because of you”
Rom. 8:21 “...the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption
into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
44

198. Man Chose Disobedience, Evil
Consequences: Temporal
Man’s fall included a curse on him and a curse on creation
Earth is a disease-death environment now
Gen. 3:17b “...Cursed is the ground because of you”
Rom. 8:21 “...the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption
into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
Rev. 22:3 “There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and
of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him...”
44

199. Man Chose Disobedience, Evil
Consequences: Eternal
45

200. Man Chose Disobedience, Evil
Consequences: Eternal
Man was no longer a perfect being when he ceased to follow
the perfect way of God (Rom. 3:23; Isa. 53:6; 59:2)
45

201. Man Chose Disobedience, Evil
Consequences: Eternal
Man was no longer a perfect being when he ceased to follow
the perfect way of God (Rom. 3:23; Isa. 53:6; 59:2)
The judgment for sin is eternal separation from the holy God
(Rom. 6:23)
45

202. Man Chose Disobedience, Evil
Consequences: Eternal
Man was no longer a perfect being when he ceased to follow
the perfect way of God (Rom. 3:23; Isa. 53:6; 59:2)
The judgment for sin is eternal separation from the holy God
(Rom. 6:23)
Separation: confinement in hell forever (Matt. 25:46; Rev.
20:14-15)
45

203. God’s Solution: Substitution
46

204. God’s Solution: Substitution
God’s justice demands death as a penalty
46

205. God’s Solution: Substitution
God’s justice demands death as a penalty
God’s love seeks a solution to man’s terminal condition
46

206. God’s Solution: Substitution
God’s justice demands death as a penalty
God’s love seeks a solution to man’s terminal condition
God substituted Himself and made possible man's redemption
from sin.
46

207. Man Still Has Choice
47

208. Man Still Has Choice
The penalty for my sin will be paid. The only question is, "Who
will pay it?"
47

209. Man Still Has Choice
The penalty for my sin will be paid. The only question is, "Who
will pay it?"
Now we must choose whether to accept His payment, or pay it
ourselves
47

210. Why Hasn’t God Put an End to Evil?
48

211. Why Hasn’t God Put an End to Evil?
49

212. Why Hasn’t God Put an End to Evil?
Question of Cessation - “Why hasn’t God stopped evil if He can?”
49

213. Why Hasn’t God Put an End to Evil?
Question of Cessation - “Why hasn’t God stopped evil if He can?”
On whose terms?
49

214. Why Hasn’t God Put an End to Evil?
Question of Cessation - “Why hasn’t God stopped evil if He can?”
On whose terms?
Man’s: God should eliminate the cruel world leaders, murderers, and
thieves along with the natural disasters and diseases
49

215. Why Hasn’t God Put an End to Evil?
Question of Cessation - “Why hasn’t God stopped evil if He can?”
On whose terms?
Man’s: God should eliminate the cruel world leaders, murderers, and
thieves along with the natural disasters and diseases
God’s: must move against all actual evil and potential evil
49

216. Why Hasn’t God Put an End to Evil?
Question of Cessation - “Why hasn’t God stopped evil if He can?”
On whose terms?
Man’s: God should eliminate the cruel world leaders, murderers, and
thieves along with the natural disasters and diseases
God’s: must move against all actual evil and potential evil
Including evil in ourselves
49

217. 50

218. Preserves Human Freedom
51

219. Preserves Human Freedom
Some evil is the result of our own free choices
51

220. Preserves Human Freedom
Some evil is the result of our own free choices
Some evil is the result of other’s free choices
51

221. Preserves Human Freedom
Some evil is the result of our own free choices
Some evil is the result of other’s free choices
Source of ≅ 95% of all evil
51

222. Preserves Human Freedom
Some evil is the result of our own free choices
Some evil is the result of other’s free choices
Source of ≅ 95% of all evil
Therefore, in order to destroy all evil all freedom must be
destroyed
51

223. Preserves Human Freedom
Some evil is the result of our own free choices
Some evil is the result of other’s free choices
Source of ≅ 95% of all evil
Therefore, in order to destroy all evil all freedom must be
destroyed
Human freedom is better for mankind; brings greatest glory to
God in time/eternity.
51

224. Prevents Greater Evil
52

225. Prevents Greater Evil
Some evil warns us of greater physical pain
52

226. Prevents Greater Evil
Some evil warns us of greater physical pain
Not all pain is bad (Leprosy, a lack of pain is bad)
52

227. Prevents Greater Evil
Some evil warns us of greater physical pain
Not all pain is bad (Leprosy, a lack of pain is bad)
Some evil warns us of greater moral pain
52

228. 53

229. “God whispers to us in our pleasures,
53

230. “God whispers to us in our pleasures,
speaks in our conscience,
53

231. “God whispers to us in our pleasures,
speaks in our conscience,
but shouts in our pains:
53

232. “God whispers to us in our pleasures,
speaks in our conscience,
but shouts in our pains:
it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."
- C.S. Lewis
The Problem of Pain
53

233. “God whispers to us in our pleasures,
speaks in our conscience,
but shouts in our pains:
it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."
- C.S. Lewis
The Problem of Pain
Pain often can serve to purify and perfect people
53

234. “God whispers to us in our pleasures,
speaks in our conscience,
but shouts in our pains:
it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world."
- C.S. Lewis
The Problem of Pain
Pain often can serve to purify and perfect people
Eccl. 8:11 “Because the sentence against an evil deed is not
executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among
them are given fully to do evil.”
53

235. Prevents Greater Evil
Some evil warns us of greater physical pain
Not all pain is bad (Leprosy, a lack of pain is bad)
Some evil warns us of great moral pain
54

236. Prevents Greater Evil
Some evil warns us of greater physical pain
Not all pain is bad (Leprosy, a lack of pain is bad)
Some evil warns us of great moral pain
Therefore, to destroy some evil in a moral universe, would
increase some evil
54

237. Prevents Greater Evil
Some evil warns us of greater physical pain
Not all pain is bad (Leprosy, a lack of pain is bad)
Some evil warns us of great moral pain
Therefore, to destroy some evil in a moral universe, would
increase some evil
The least amount of evil (achievable with free creatures) is
better for mankind and it brings the greatest glory to God in
time/eternity
54

238. Promotes the Greatest Good
55

239. Promotes the Greatest Good
Some evil is the condition for immediate moral perfecting
55

240. Promotes the Greatest Good
Some evil is the condition for immediate moral perfecting
Some evil is the condition for ultimate moral perfection
55

241. Promotes the Greatest Good
Some evil is the condition for immediate moral perfecting
Some evil is the condition for ultimate moral perfection
Therefore, to destroy some evil in a moral universe would
decrease some good
55

242. Promotes the Greatest Good
Some evil is the condition for immediate moral perfecting
Some evil is the condition for ultimate moral perfection
Therefore, to destroy some evil in a moral universe would
decrease some good
The greatest good (achievable with free creatures) is better for
mankind and bring the greatest glory to God in Time/eternity
55

243. “As long as we remain as we are,
56

244. “As long as we remain as we are,
a world without pain,
56

245. “As long as we remain as we are,
a world without pain,
disappointment,
56

246. “As long as we remain as we are,
a world without pain,
disappointment,
obstructions, and
56

247. “As long as we remain as we are,
a world without pain,
disappointment,
obstructions, and
frustration
56

248. “As long as we remain as we are,
a world without pain,
disappointment,
obstructions, and
frustration
might well lead to such an increase in arrogance and hardness of heart
56

249. “As long as we remain as we are,
a world without pain,
disappointment,
obstructions, and
frustration
might well lead to such an increase in arrogance and hardness of heart
that life would become insupportable.
56

250. “As long as we remain as we are,
a world without pain,
disappointment,
obstructions, and
frustration
might well lead to such an increase in arrogance and hardness of heart
that life would become insupportable.
The timeless world of heaven is a suitable home only for man as he will be.”
56

251. Minimal Evil
57

252. Minimal Evil
A universe where the freedom of all moral creatures is
respected, where evil is minimal and good is maximal brings
the greatest good to mankind and the greatest glory to God.
57

253. Minimal Evil
A universe where the freedom of all moral creatures is
respected, where evil is minimal and good is maximal brings
the greatest good to mankind and the greatest glory to God.
Maximum possible opportunities for ultimate satisfaction
57

254. Minimal Evil
A universe where the freedom of all moral creatures is
respected, where evil is minimal and good is maximal brings
the greatest good to mankind and the greatest glory to God.
Maximum possible opportunities for ultimate satisfaction
Its the best possible way to get the best of all possible worlds
57

255. Minimal Evil
A universe where the freedom of all moral creatures is
respected, where evil is minimal and good is maximal brings
the greatest good to mankind and the greatest glory to God.
Maximum possible opportunities for ultimate satisfaction
Its the best possible way to get the best of all possible worlds
A hypothetical world where sin never occurs may be logically
possible - but it may be actually unachievable and morally less
desirable
57

256. God’s Promise to End Evil
58

257. God’s Promise to End Evil
2Pet. 3:7 “But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved
for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.”
58

258. God’s Promise to End Evil
2Pet. 3:7 “But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved
for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.”
Rev. 19:1-2 “After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great
multitude in heaven, saying,
‘Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God;
BECAUSE HIS JUDGMENTS ARE TRUE AND RIGHTEOUS; for He has
judged the great harlot who was corrupting the earth with her immorality,
and HE HAS AVENGED THE BLOOD OF HIS BOND-SERVANTS ON HER.’”
58

259. God’s Promise to End Evil
59

260. God’s Promise to End Evil
Rev. 18:20 “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and
prophets, because God has pronounced judgment for you against her.”
59

261. God’s Promise to End Evil
Rev. 18:20 “Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and
prophets, because God has pronounced judgment for you against her.”
Rev. 20:13-15 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and
death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they
were judged, every one of them according to their deeds.
Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the
second death, the lake of fire.
And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he
was thrown into the lake of fire.
59

262. God’s Promise to End Evil
Cathedral ceiling, Florence, Italy
60

263. God’s Promise to End Evil
Rev. 21:8 “But for the cowardly and
unbelieving and abominable and
murderers and immoral persons and
sorcerers and idolaters and all liars,
their part will be in the lake that burns
with fire and brimstone,
which is the second death.”
Cathedral ceiling, Florence, Italy
60

264. God’s Patience
61

265. God’s Patience
2Pet. 3:9 “The Lord is not slow about His promise,
as some count slowness,
but is patient toward you,
61

266. God’s Patience
2Pet. 3:9 “The Lord is not slow about His promise,
as some count slowness,
but is patient toward you,
not wishing for any to perish
but for all to come to repentance.”
61

267. God’s Patience
2Pet. 3:9 “The Lord is not slow about His promise,
as some count slowness,
but is patient toward you,
not wishing for any to perish
but for all to come to repentance.”
God delays putting an end to evil in order to allow us more
opportunities to share the Gospel of Christ with others
61

268. God Will Ultimately Defeat Evil
1Cor. 15:54-57
“But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable,
and this mortal will have put on immortality,
62

269. God Will Ultimately Defeat Evil
1Cor. 15:54-57
“But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable,
and this mortal will have put on immortality,
then will come about the saying that is written,
“DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory.
“O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY?
O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?”
62

270. God Will Ultimately Defeat Evil
1Cor. 15:54-57
“But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable,
and this mortal will have put on immortality,
then will come about the saying that is written,
“DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory.
“O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY?
O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?”
The sting of death is sin,
and the power of sin is the law;
but thanks be to God,
who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
62

271. God Will Ultimately Defeat Evil
63

272. God Will Ultimately Defeat Evil
God is greater than evil
63

273. God Will Ultimately Defeat Evil
God is greater than evil
God will indeed put an end
to evil and suffering
63

274. God Will Ultimately Defeat Evil
God is greater than evil
God will indeed put an end
to evil and suffering
God knew this world was
not the best possible world,
but it was the best possible
way to attain the best
possible world
63

275. 64

276. 65

277. God delivered us from the penalty of evil at the cross.
65

278. God delivered us from the penalty of evil at the cross.
God delivers us from the power of evil in the crises.
65

279. God delivered us from the penalty of evil at the cross.
God delivers us from the power of evil in the crises.
God will deliver us from the presence of evil at His coming.
65

280. The End
66

281. Reflections Ministries Resources
67

282. Reflections Ministries Resources
Reflections - A free monthly teaching letter
67

283. Reflections Ministries Resources
Reflections - A free monthly teaching letter
67

284. Reflections Ministries Resources
Reflections - A free monthly teaching letter
67

285. Reflections Ministries Resources
Reflections - A free monthly teaching letter
KenBoa.org website - Daily Growth email and
free text and audio resources
67

286. DVD Series
68

287. DVD Series
- Audio/visual presentations of crucial topics
68

288. DVD Series
- Audio/visual presentations of crucial topics
- $20 each
68

289. DVD Series
- Audio/visual presentations of crucial topics
- $20 each
- Call 800-DRAW NEAR (800-372-9632)
68

290. KENBOA.ORG
KenBoa.org
ken_boa
Kenneth Boa