Free Will and Evil

Free Will and Evil

1. Christians say God gave humanity 'free will'

   • meaning that we have the ability and right to choose

2. If God had not given free will....

   • people would have no choice but to believe/follow him
   • This is not true freedom
     • God did not make people as robots, they can choose to believe in him.
       • They can choose what is right or not

3. Christians do not believe evil is the result of God.

   • evil is the result of the choices humans make
   • for god to intervene it would mean:
     • taking away our free will
     • imposing his will

4. Christian responses:

   • God knows the answer but humans don't understand
   • jesus showed mankind that God wants them to fight against evil and suffering
     • so they follow eg. of Jesus
     • pray for those who suffer
     • offer practical help
   • Life is a test for people to prepare their souls for heaven
     • if there was no evil/suffering people would not be able to develop as good people
   • must respond to suffering by trying to help others who suffer.