The problem of evil is one of the biggest stumbling blocks to faith in God.

Looking at it from a logical as opposed to an emotional standpoint, however, is it really an insurmountable problem?

Atheists may argue that there can be no God because of the existence of evil. Their argument generally goes something like this:

1. Evil exists.

2. If God is omnipotent (all-powerful), then he can create any world he desires.

3. If God is omnibenevolent (perfectly good), then he prefers a world without evil over a world with evil.

4. Therefore God does not exist.

David Hume summarized the problem of evil when he asked, "Is (God) willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is impotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Whence then is evil?"

Well, many are surprised to learn that, despite the reputed conventional wisdom of this argument, many philosophers, both theists and non-theists, have rejected it as logically flawed. The reason is the assumptions of Nos. 2 and 3.

If God has a reason for permitting something that at first glance appears evil — for example, Jesus being nailed to a cross — what level of knowledge would we have to have to confirm it as morally insufficient? It would be tremendous! Chaos theory says that an event even as seemingly inconsequential as a butterfly's flapping its wings in the Sahara Desert could trigger events that eventually would result in a hurricane over the Atlantic.

Seemingly tiny events can have tremendous repercussions throughout history, some of which might not be felt for centuries. Philosophers have recognized this, and realize proving that God could not possibly have morally sufficient reasons for permitting evil would be a monumental task.

The presumption that God can create logical contradictions, like creatures with free will who love him in every case, is false. Moreover, God's purposes in creating this world, as revealed in the Bible, include our testing and his glorification. These purposes could not be fulfilled in a world without challenges and free will, and thus, such a world would not be feasible for his purposes. God hides himself enough to allow doubt from those who would run from him, and reveals himself enough to encourage faith in those who run to him. We shouldn't expect God to be a cosmic Santa Claus who never allows challenges for us.

There is no contradiction between the two propositions "God exists" and "evil exists." In fact, you can actually show that they are consistent by adding a third proposition, namely, that "God has morally sufficient reasons for permitting evil."

Steve Williams leads the Prayer Team at One Love Ministries, a Calvary Chapel affiliate that meets at Kaimuki High School. Expressions of Faith is a column that welcomes submissions from clergy, lay workers and other leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035. Articles submitted to The Advertiser may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.