Why Does Evil Exist? A Christian Perspective on the Religion Debate

I originally published on October 19, 2007 on my old blog, and updated it June 25, 2025, this article delves into the age-old question of why evil exists, offering a Christian perspective on the ongoing debate surrounding religion. I thought this was a good companion post to go along with the Clarity series.

In 2007, I witnessed a thought-provoking debate between Christopher Hitchens, the author of God Is Not Great, and Alister McGrath, the author of The Dawkins Delusion. The topic of discussion was Poison or Cure? Religious Belief in the Modern World. Hitchens argued that religion is a poison, fueling unspeakable evil. While McGrath’s response was thoughtful, it lacked the vigor to effectively counter Hitchens’ arguments. Nearly two decades later, this question remains pertinent: Does religion inherently lead to evil, or is there a deeper narrative at play?

Today, this debate continues to resonate in social media firestorms, political rhetoric, and even casual conversations. Critics like Hitchens, whose arguments persist in modern atheist circles from X posts to Reddit threads, point to historical and contemporary examples of religiously justified actions, such as crusades, terrorism, and cultural conflicts. As Christians, we are confronted with the challenge of responding to these claims. More importantly, how does a Christian worldview, rooted in Scripture, address the question of evil and morality itself?

The Question of Evil and Morality

During the 2007 debate, a pivotal moment came when an audience member posed a profound question to Hitchens. If God does not exist, on what basis can anyone declare an action right or wrong? Hitchens attempted to sidestep the question, focusing instead on how religion provides “divine permission” for evil acts. However, the question lingered: Why does he label these acts as evil? What grounds his moral outrage?

As a Christian, I firmly believe that atrocities, whether historical, such as the Inquisition, or modern, like religiously motivated violence, are inherently evil. However, this ability to label something as evil points to a deeper reality. In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis argues that humans universally possess a sense of right and wrong, which he refers to as the Law of Nature. He writes:

“First, that human beings, all over the world, have this peculiar idea that they ought to behave in a certain way, and they cannot truly get rid of it. Secondly, that they do not in fact behave in that way. They know the Law of Nature; they break it. These two facts are the foundation of all clear thinking about ourselves and the universe we inhabit.” (Mere Christianity, p. 8)

This moral intuition is a divine gift, confirmed by the Scriptures in Romans 2:14-15. It’s why individuals like Hitchens and all of us can recognize evil, whether it’s genocide, injustice, or betrayal. But without God, how does an atheist explain this universal moral sense? If life is merely the product of natural selection, why should we care about morality at all?

A Christian Worldview: Morality Points to God

In the Clarity series, we’ve delved into how a Christian worldview, shaped by Scripture, aids us in navigating life’s most challenging questions. From spiritual warfare (relying on God’s strength) to the Bible’s trustworthiness (our foundation for truth), we’ve witnessed how faith provides a lens through which we can comprehend reality. The question of evil and morality is no exception.

Hitchens’ critique assumes that morality is self-evident, but his worldview, naturalism, struggles to explain why. If we’re merely products of evolution, morality becomes a survival mechanism, not a universal truth. Why should I care about atrocities across the globe if they don’t impact my survival? Why label anything as “evil” if there’s no objective standard? These are questions that naturalism can’t answer without resorting to a theistic framework.

In contrast, a Christian worldview establishes morality based on God’s character. As citizens of God’s Kingdom (Colossians 3:17), we perceive evil as a deviation from God’s design, and our moral outrage reflects His justice and love. When we condemn something as evil, whether it’s human trafficking or systemic corruption, we are echoing God’s heart, even if we are unaware of it.

Addressing Religion’s “Evils”

Hitchens’ examples of religious evil often confuse human sin with God’s truth. Christianity acknowledges that people, including Christians, have committed terrible acts. The Bible itself critiques hypocrisy and abuse (Matthew 23:27-28). However, these failures do not negate God’s existence; they highlight our need for Him. As exiles in a broken world (1 Peter 2:11), Christians are called to live honorably, not to wield power or justify violence. Our response to evil is not to abandon faith but to align our actions with Jesus’ love and grace.

In 2025, this tension is felt both online and in global conflicts. X posts decry “religious extremism,” yet many overlook secular ideologies, such as totalitarianism or unchecked consumerism, that have caused equal harm. Evil is not unique to religion; it is a human problem, rooted in our rebellion against God (Romans 3:23). The Christian response is not to point fingers but to point to Jesus, who offers redemption and transformation.

Your Challenge: Reflect and Engage

The debate over religion and evil isn’t just an academic discussion; it profoundly impacts our daily lives. Take a moment to reflect on the source of my sense of right and wrong. In a world that often blames faith for evil, how can I effectively represent King Jesus? As we’ve explored in the Clarity series, our worldview plays a crucial role in shaping our perception of life, morality, and even politics.

Let’s approach this question with prayerful contemplation, as Colossians 3:17 advises: “Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus.” Prayer, as we discussed in our previous post, is our most powerful tool—not a passive act but an active endeavor that invites God’s Kingdom into our world.

Prayer Prompts

• Express gratitude for the moral compass God has gifted us, reflecting His character.

• Seek wisdom to discern right from wrong amidst the complexities of the world.

• Commit to representing Jesus with love, even when faith faces criticism.

If this resonates with you or you feel God’s prompting, don’t hesitate to reach out. Join us in the Clarity series as we construct a biblical worldview to navigate life’s most challenging topics.

The Justice and Comfort of God: The Downfall of the Oppressor

Text: Nahum 1:9–15

What kind of God steps into the darkness for the sake of His people?

Nine months after SEAL Team Six took out Osama bin Laden, they carried out another extraordinary mission. Jessica Buchanan, an American aid worker, had been kidnapped by Somali pirates. In the dead of night, two dozen SEALs parachuted into southern Somalia, killed nine armed captors, and rescued her—all without a single American casualty.

What happened next is even more powerful. Jessica later shared that after her rescue, the SEALs had her lie down, then formed a human shield by lying on top of her. Why? Because there was still the threat of more armed terrorists in the area. These men had already risked their lives to save her, and now they were laying down over her to protect her until the helicopters came.

To the world, that moment was extraordinary. But for the SEALs, it was simply what they do—because it’s who they are.

That’s what Nahum wants us to see about God. In Nahum 1, Judah was surrounded by a brutal empire. Assyria seemed unstoppable. Their cruelty was legendary. And yet, God declared that the oppressor would fall, the yoke would be broken, and His people would be free again.

Why? Because it’s what He does—because it’s who He is.

Nahum gives us a vision of a God who is not distant or indifferent, but one who rescues, redeems, and restores. And in this short but powerful passage, we witness both judgment on evil and hope for God’s people.

The Futility of Evil Schemes (Nahum 1:9–10)

“Why are you scheming against the Lord?” Nahum asks. Assyria had set itself against God’s people—and in doing so, against God Himself. But their power, their alliances, their strategies—none of it could stand. Their downfall was inevitable.

Verse 10 paints the image clearly, even if it’s difficult to translate. They’ll be tangled in thorns, stumbling like drunkards, burned up like dry stubble. It’s vivid, poetic language for a simple truth: no matter how powerful evil appears, it cannot outlast the justice of God.

We may not always understand the timing, but the promise is firm: the wicked will not win. This is the hope we hold onto as we await the return of King Jesus—who will bring justice and restore all things.

The Power and Promise of God’s Justice (Nahum 1:11–14)

Verse 11 introduces the one behind Assyria’s evil schemes. Most commentators identify this as a wicked king—an advisor leading the empire into oppression and violence. But in verse 12, God Himself speaks: “This is what the Lord says…”

This is the only time in Nahum we hear that familiar prophetic refrain. And what follows is God’s declaration: Assyria may be great in number and strength, but they will be cut down. The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

Here’s the hard part: God says He used Assyria to discipline Judah. That’s difficult to process, but it’s consistent with covenant language throughout the Old Testament. God allowed hardship—not because He delighted in suffering, but because He was shaping and correcting His people. Yet even that had a limit. God promises: “I will afflict you no more.” (v. 12)

God then issues a military-style command. The word “commanded” in verse 14 carries the weight of a king’s decree. The dynasty will be ended. Their gods will be shattered. Their grave is ready. This isn’t symbolic—it’s exactly what happened. The Assyrian empire fell, never to rise again.

The Celebration of the Redeemed (Nahum 1:15)

The tone changes in the final verse. There, on the mountains, is a messenger bringing good news: peace has come!

This echoes Isaiah 52:7, which Paul quotes in Romans 10:15: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news.” In Nahum’s context, it’s the good news of Assyria’s defeat and Judah’s redemption.

Even though the final collapse hadn’t yet occurred, the announcement of it was cause for celebration. Judah was told to resume its festivals, to keep the vows made in desperate prayer. Deliverance had come.

This peace wasn’t just the end of violence—it was the restoration of wholeness. It was shalom: the return of what sin and oppression had fractured. That’s the peace God promises His people.

So live like it’s already here.

What This Means for Us

Nahum isn’t just about ancient Assyria—it’s about God’s judgment on all evil. His people have found comfort in this book across centuries, from Babylon to Rome. And we find comfort in it today.

We still live in a world where injustice, violence, and oppression seem to reign. Sometimes it even feels like God is silent or distant. But Nahum reminds us: God sees, God cares, and God will act.

Yes, some hardships are the result of our own disobedience. But many come simply from living in a broken world. Either way, they are not outside of God’s sovereignty. Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” in 2 Corinthians 12 wasn’t removed. But God used it to shape his faith and remind him that God’s power is made perfect in weakness.

So trust God in every circumstance. Whether in hardship or joy, loss or triumph, trust that God is at work—for your good and for His glory.

And celebrate the Gospel! Jesus has already won the decisive battle. The cross and the resurrection were our D-Day. Now we live in that in-between time—awaiting the full arrival of VE-Day, when Christ returns, evil is fully destroyed, and peace reigns.

In the meantime, we worship. We proclaim. We live in hope.

Final Thought

We worship a God who does not ignore evil. He sees every injustice, hears every cry, and promises that one day He will make all things right.

The downfall of the oppressor is not just a historical event—it’s a gospel pattern. God breaks the chains of the enemy, rescues His people, and invites them into peace.

So when the weight of the world feels heavy, when evil seems to have the last word, remember Nahum’s message: The victory belongs to God. Evil will fall. Peace will come.

And until that day, we live by faith, we celebrate the good news, and we rest in the refuge of our Rescuer.

Because rescue isn’t just what He does—it’s who He is.

Clarity: If God Is Good, Why Does Evil Exist?

Part of the Clarity Series: Building a Christian Worldview

In this series, Clarity, I am attempting to help us construct a Christian worldview to guide us through life’s most profound questions. In this post I seek to tackle one of the most challenging and emotionally charged of them all: If God is good, why does He permit evil?


We often repeat, “God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good.” However, can we still hold onto this belief when evil seems to dominate the news? 

• What about when a child is senselessly killed? 
• When earthquakes devastate entire regions? 
• When floods come and destroy homes and wash away people?
• When wars destroy nations and tear apart families? 

This question—Why does a good God allow evil?—is one of the primary reasons people abandon faith. Before his conversion C.S. Lewis rejected God because of the death of his mother, despite fervently praying for her healing. 

Beneath this question lies a profound realization: If I possessed God’s power, I wouldn’t allow this to happen.

So, how do we reconcile God’s goodness with the reality of evil?


Job’s Lament and God’s Response — Scripture Focus: Job 38:1–7 

The book of Job provides us with a profound approach to this question—not with straightforward answers, but with deep truths.

Job, a righteous man who lost everything—his wealth, health, and children—in anguish demanded answers, even accusing God of injustice. His friends argued that he must have sinned, questioning why God would allow him to suffer.

However, both were wrong.

Finally, God speaks. Instead of providing an explanation, He asks Job:

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?” (Job 38:4)

God doesn’t explain the “why” behind Job’s pain. Instead, He reveals His identity as the Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign. He reminds Job (and us) that His wisdom surpasses ours.

While this may feel unsatisfying in the moment of suffering, it forms the foundation of trust: God knows more than we do. He is not indifferent; He is powerful, purposeful, and present.

Four Biblical Truths About Evil 

While Scripture doesn’t offer a comprehensive philosophical answer to evil, it does provide guiding truths. Drawing from Peter Kreeft’s Fundamentals of the Faith, here are four truths to anchor your thinking:

1. Evil Is Not a Thing—It’s a Choice

Evil is not a created force. It is the result of free will gone wrong. God created angels and humans with the ability to choose. Both groups—heavenly and earthly—chose rebellion over obedience, and that introduced evil into God’s good creation.

We still have that choice. As Moses challenged Israel:

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. … Oh, that you would choose life!” —Deuteronomy 30:19 (NLT)

2. Evil Causes Suffering

Evil doesn’t stay contained. It spreads into every layer of life. In Luke 13, Jesus pointed out two kinds of suffering: one caused by human evil (Pilate’s violence) and the other by tragedy (a falling tower). Both were part of the broken world we live in.

If evil causes suffering, then love is what pushes it back. Love—freely chosen—is the foundation of moral good. It alleviates pain, offers hope, and reflects God’s character.

3. Jesus Is God’s Answer to Evil

God didn’t ignore evil. He stepped into it.

In Jesus, God entered the brokenness of this world and took the worst of evil upon Himself through the cross. And in His resurrection, He broke evil’s ultimate power—death.

“Death is swallowed up in victory… thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” —1 Corinthians 15:54, 57

We now live in the tension of the already and not yet. Evil still exists, but its days are numbered. Until then, Jesus calls His followers to be agents of hope and comfort.

“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.” —2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT)

4. Good Can Come Out of Suffering

God never wastes our pain. He uses it to shape us.

“When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. … for when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” —James 1:2–3 (NLT)

Hardship deepens our character, strengthens our faith, and opens doors for love and compassion. Suffering is often the spark that ignites generosity and action.

“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” —1 John 3:18 (NIV)

God’s Plan: Jesus and His People
God is not absent from suffering. He responds to evil in two profound ways:
Through Jesus’ Death and Resurrection: He secures the ultimate victory. Revelation 21 promises a day when “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”
Through His People’s Compassion: He calls us to embody His love. Matthew 25 reminds us that when we care for the hungry, the sick, and the hurting, we are serving Jesus Himself.

God addresses the issue of evil through Jesus and His devoted followers. 

As citizens of God’s Kingdom (Colossians 3:17), we may not have all the answers, but we do possess a calling: to resist evil by doing good.

Your Challenge: Resist Evil by Doing Good

You don’t need to comprehend everything to make a difference.

This week, take a step:
Support a charity that addresses suffering—local shelters, food banks, or global disaster relief.
Offer help to someone in your life—deliver a meal, make a call, or lend a hand.
Spread hope by hosting a gathering, encouraging a friend, or volunteering in your community.

As we’ve explored throughout the Clarity series, our worldview profoundly influences our response. When we believe in God’s goodness, even in the face of suffering, we can live boldly, love deeply, and fight evil with hope.


Closing Prayer
Thank You, God, for the hope we have in Jesus’ victory over evil.
Grant us the strength to trust You when life becomes challenging.
Empower us, Holy Spirit, to reflect Your goodness by doing good in a world that is hurting.

If this post has stirred questions or you feel God’s nudging your heart, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to walk alongside you.

Let’s continue building a worldview shaped by God’s truth—one that helps us see clearly, love boldly, and live faithfully in a broken world.

The Power of Love

 

“Nothing can live in God but as it lives in love. So that love alone is the cure of every evil; and he that lives in the purity of love is delivered from the power of evil into the freedom of the Spirit of love.”

— Andrew Murray, Daily in His Presence (September 10 reading)

I’ll admit, when I first read these words, I struggled to accept them. Can love really overcome the darkest parts of our world? Common sense tells me that evil needs to be fought with power and strength. Love alone doesn’t seem sufficient to combat the evil of the day.

Do I believe that “love alone is the cure for every evil”? 

Intellectually I do, but in my heart I doubt. Love might provide the motivation—after all, I want to protect those I care about—but it seems to me that force is necessary to win the battle against evil.

This tension is something I wrestle with as I follow Jesus. I still cling to the idea that there are times when combating evil with strength, even violence, is what’s needed. But then I hear Jesus’ words, challenging my thinking:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven. For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” 

— Matthew 5:43-45 (CSB)

Jesus points us to the example of God, who pours out love even on those in rebellion against Him. He loves them despite their actions.

This is the kind of love we’re called to—a love that is active, persistent, and sacrificial. It was this kind of love that caused the early church to flourish. They cared for orphans, embraced the marginalized, and risked their lives to care for the sick during pandemics. This wasn’t passive love. It was love in action.

As the early church practiced sacrificial love, two significant things happened. First, the church grew. They embodied what they believed, and their communities received a small taste of the Kingdom of God.

Second, the morals and values they lived by laid the foundation for Western civilization. The world before Jesus was violent and dark. But as His followers lived out love for God and their neighbors, the moral landscape of the world began to slowly change.

Love may not be an instant fix for evil, but when practiced consistently, it changes things. It transforms hearts, heals wounds, and reshapes societies. Love is an investment for the future, and when we commit to it, we start to see its quiet yet profound power.