Sabbath School "The Problem of Evil" Head Elder Gary Krueger

In Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) theology, the "problem of evil" refers to the apparent contradiction between the existence of a loving, all-powerful God and the presence of significant evil and suffering in the world, which is primarily explained through the concept of the "Great Controversy" - a cosmic battle between God and Satan where humans have the choice to align with good or evil, often resulting in suffering due to their free will.
Key points about SDA perspective on the problem of evil:
The Great Controversy:
This central SDA belief posits that evil originates from Satan, a fallen angel who actively works against God and tempts humans to sin, causing suffering and discord in the world.
Free Will:
SDA theology emphasizes that God allows evil to exist because he respects human free will, meaning people have the choice to choose good or evil, even if that choice sometimes leads to negative consequences.
The Fall of Man:
The Bible story of Adam and Eve is interpreted as the moment when humanity chose to disobey God, introducing sin and its effects (like suffering and death) into the world.
Hope and Redemption:
Despite the existence of evil, SDA teachings emphasize that God is ultimately in control and will eventually overcome evil through Jesus Christ, who sacrificed himself to redeem humanity and restore the world to its original state.
How SDA addresses the problem of evil:
Understanding the nature of evil:
SDA teachings explain that evil is not a force equal to God, but rather a perversion of good, stemming from Satan's rebellion against God.
Focus on personal choice:
SDA emphasizes the importance of choosing to live a righteous life, aligning oneself with God and resisting temptation to avoid perpetuating evil.
The role of suffering:
While suffering is seen as a result of sin, SDA theology also views it as an opportunity for spiritual growth and development, allowing individuals to rely on God's strength and grace.