Why Does God Permit Evil To Exist?
Posted By BETTY FROST
Posted 7 months ago
Last Tuesday, a small gathering in the Garfield Disher Room of the library examined what seems to be a rather perplexing question. The speaker, Betty Frost, affirmed that it had been a problem to many people, especially when considering terrible events such as the Holocaust; the horrifying details of warfare and personal tragedy.
The speaker defined evil as "that which violates or leads to the violation of moral law; anything causing injury or harm". Since moral law originates from the Teachings of God through His Messengers, it may seem strange that we so often see moral law totally ignored.
In so many religions, if not all of them, it is stated that we have been created in the image and likeness of God. In other words, we have potentially within us love, understanding, compassion, caring for others and forgiveness. So why should we see so much negativism?
To me the answer is rather simple. In addition to receiving what we term are the "good qualities", we have also been given the priceless gift of "free will". What if we didn't have this gift? Many years ago, my young son of about six said to me: "Mummy -are we puppets. Does God move us around with string?" Fortunately we are not robots!
For a number of people, the existence of evil is personified by Satan - usually portrayed as an evil figure complete with pitchfork and horns! We used to hear, "The Devil made me do it." absolving ourselves from all responsibilities of our actions. However, as many people now accept, and especially Baha'is, "Satan" is a symbol for the lower self or the ego which places our own needs, and desires above everything else.
Baha'u'llah, Founder of the Baha'i Faith said: "Upon the inmost reality of every created thing He [God] shed the light of one of His names and made it a recipient of the glory of one of His names. Upon the reality of man, however, He hath focussed the radiance of all of His names and attributes and made it a mirror of His own Self. Alone of all created things man hath been singled out for so great a favor, so enduring a bounty." (GWB 65) When we think of this great gift, how can we believe that He has willed us to be evil? There is a an example close to home about this very question. As parents we strive to give our children the best -through setting an example, in helping in the development of their character and even in material gifts. Supposing a parent gives his son a Swiss army knife for use in his camping trips as a Boy Scout. Many years later, if he became furious with someone and killed him with that knife, could the parents blamed for "permitting evil?" No, they did everything possible to guide their child on the right path. It was his choice to use the knife wrongly. God gives us the example of the lives of His Messengers; helps in the development of our character through their Teachings and gives us material and spiritual gifts. If we use them in the wrong way, can we place the blame on God?
'Abdu'l-Baha said: "In creation there is no evil all is good. Certain qualities and natures innate in some men and apparently blameworthy are not so in reality. For example, from the beginning of his life you can see in a nursing child the signs of greed, of anger and of temper. Then, it may be said, good and evil are innate in the reality of man, and this is contrary to the pure goodness of nature and creation. The answer to this is that greed, which is to ask for something more, is a praiseworthy quality provided that is used suitably. So if a man is greedy to acquire science and knowledge, or to become compassionate, generous and just it is praiseworthy. If he exercises his anger and wrath against the bloodthirsty tyrants who are like ferocious beasts, it is very praiseworthy, but if he does not use these qualities in a right way, they are blameworthy. Another explanation was given abut one of the most blameworthy attributes of man - lying. He gave an example of a Doctor vising a sick patient and comforting him by saying that he seemed better and there was hope of his recovery. This may be contrary to the truth, but it could be of help to the patient. We've probably all experienced this anomaly. How many of us in visiting a patient would say: "My goodness, you look terrible."
A positive desire for love, joy and even ecstacy can be turned into something negative. Should we not find these feelings in everyday life, we may turn to "instant ecstacy" through drugs or alcohol. Or perhaps we continuously seek the magic of "first love" through constantly changing partners, searching for perfection. Perhaps this search is a beacon pointing us in the direction of what is termed "the seas of My [God's] loving-kindness and bounty moving within you."
What should be our response to what we perceive as evil? I think we can derive a clue from the well-known prayer said at AA meetings: "God: Grant me the serenity to accept the things which I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." Faults within ourselves we can change providing we can honestly acknowledge them, strive to overcome them and use the power of prayer to give us this strength. We cannot change the attitudes or actions of others -only try to help through example and love (and with children, guidance). What about some things we cannot change at all?
A Hindu Temple was set on fire in Hamilton just after 9/11 by people who thought it was a Muslim Mosque and wanted to punish that religion for the action of some of its followers. Leaders in the Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Baha'i and other religions came together to talk about concrete ways they could speak out. They commissioned a poster "An Attack on One is an Attack on us All" and a few days later, another poster featuring thirteen religions, each of which had the "Golden Rule" as one of is basic teachings. They also planned to raise money to restore the Hindu Temple; and to hold some joint services in each other's place of worship.
Baha'i Writings: "True liberty consisteth in obedience unto My [God's] commandments, little as ye know it." We have the free will to do what is considered evil -to hate, to be cruel, to be ruled by the ego. But we also have the free will to feel kindness, happiness, love, selflessness and joy by simply following His commandments.
