The Problem of Evil

I'm an atheist at heart. I'm a skeptic. I tend to be a "believe it when I see it" kind of guy. I like science. I like the linear progression of the evolution argument. And, frankly the creation story is vague and seems to have a lot of holes.

So, why can't I be an Atheist? Because Atheism doesn't properly explain the human condition. Why are we superstitious and afraid of death, when it is as natural as birth and occurs just as often? (one out of every one living creatures die) Why did morality evolve when "survival of the fittest" and "might makes right" works for the entire rest of creation? Why did religion evolve? How do you explain so called "paranormal" events documented objectively?
And, most important to me.. How do you explain the intelligence and personality of evil?

While most of us resist it rather well, evil tugs on us all. No one has to teach a child to be evil. A child becomes both selfish and defiant all on their own. Occasionally through history, evil has developed specific plans. That so many countries ignored or allied with the Nazis for so long. That can't be laid solely at the feet of Hitler's insanity. Militant racial groups of all types go far beyond the principals of homogeny.

Why are we tempted by infidelity? We've made decisions of monogamy, and a society that apparently evolved monogamy. And yet debauchery , real or virtual, taunts us, and presents it's self in almost impossible situations, as if by design.

Where do serial killers come from? What other species produces rogues that kill their own as a matter of routine.

Why are the vast, overwhelming majority of us repelled by pedophila when there is no biological reason against it. All other animals mate when they come of age. And, since it IS so naturally wrong, even for amoral Atheists, where do pedophiles come from?

Human nature is not natural. Our conscience makes us unique in nature. We almost universally agree their is a right and wrong. We disagree where to draw the line, but we do seem to have some absolutes. Killing another human being who presents you no mortal danger is , to the best of my knowledge, universally wrong. And only manipulating the terms of "human being" and "mortal harm" ever gets us around that.

And, since we seem to have "evolved" this high moral code, and yet now we are slipping into accepting things previous generations found abhorrent, how does that fit into the promise of continual improvement of evolution?

No, evil is real and present. And evolution does not explain it. Science does not explain it. And so far, I have been presented with only one practical solution to the problem of evil. There is an adversary, and Man was corrupted. And only one thing has ever acknowledged that reality and presented a viable solution to the problem of evil. That is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Only in Him is there a redemption I know I cannot attain in and of my self. And that is why, despite my natural inclination of disbelief, and a desire to be free of moral absolutes, I continue to be a Christian.

Oh, there is one other thing. A profound and personal experience with an overshadowing force of good outside of my own will and conscience, that I have come to know as the Presence of God. But that's a post for another time.

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And that's enough for now.

Brian Norwood

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