The Biblical Perspective on Evil: Part 4

Class Date: February 9, 2022

In this class Pastor Dan begins looking at the way in which the Bible addresses the issue of evil. In the Bible, sin, death, the devil, disease, poverty, wealth, idolatry, and natural disasters such as famine are all considered to be manifestations of evil. It is essential to realize that for the Hebrews, human beings were considered spiritual as well as physical creatures. The body was God’s good creation, and the limitations and fragility of bodily life was evidence of sin – of having disobeyed God. Where does evil come from? Why does God tolerate its presence? Why doesn’t God do away with it? The Bible does not answer these questions. What we have in the Bible is the story of how God deals with evil. Sometimes there is judgement. Sometimes there is a graceful escape. Sometimes it is used for good, such as the story of Joseph being sold into slavery.