What is Evil?

This episode of Hope Study, hosted by Paul Antunes, tackles the complex question of why evil exists in a world created by a loving, all-powerful God. The episode begins by acknowledging the difficulty of the topic and the prevalence of suffering in the world. It then explores the nature of evil, dividing it into two categories: moral evil (caused by human actions) and natural evil (caused by natural events).

The episode delves into philosophical concepts such as the Privation Theory of Evil, which posits that evil is the absence of good rather than an independent force. It then transitions to a biblical perspective on evil, explaining how the Bible describes evil as a disruption of God's good creation, introduced through the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

The show discusses the importance of free will in God's creation, explaining that it is essential for genuine love but also allows for the possibility of evil choices. It also touches on the origin of Satan, describing his rebellion against God and his role in introducing sin to the world.

Finally, the episode offers hope by discussing God's plan for redemption through Jesus Christ and the ultimate promise of a new heaven and earth where evil and suffering will be eradicated. The host encourages viewers to continue exploring these truths and to reflect on how they would respond to evil and human suffering.