Why does a loving, all-powerful God allow so much suffering and evil in the world? How can an omnipotent God coexist with natural disasters, diseases, and human-made atrocities?

Imagine someone you love, who could live with you under your secure protection, decides to reject you and finds themselves locked away in prison where the inmates can't get along, the people who govern the jail are corrupt, and the prison is falling apart. Suppose they contacted you, complaining about their unhappiness and questioning how you could allow them to suffer in such a place.

This person has only two options—to be set free or to spend the rest of his life in jail until he faces death. You have two choices: you could either free your loved one from prison if they were willing or spend your life trying to improve their conditions, knowing the prison cannot be improved because, in the end, it will always remain a prison. Which would be the better thing—fighting endlessly to make their prison life more bearable or helping them get free and be with you?

Now, what if the person you loved refused to leave prison, insisting you focus on making their prison life more comfortable instead? What would you do then?

God allowed us free choice out of love, and humanity chose to reject God and reject a world of peace, free from death and destruction. The evil, sickness, and natural disasters are evidence of the absence of God. Humanity cannot find peace with each other without God. Millions of narcissistic, selfish, greedy, lustful, and immature people can never find unity. The sickness and suffering and the natural disasters we face are all reminders that this world is our dying prison.

God could fix this prison, but what would we truly gain from it? If He merely repaired everything, we would only learn that we can act recklessly with the assurance that God will always rescue us when we get into trouble. Moreover, if God continually fixes this prison, we might never want to leave it, even though it’s not our true home.

God could easily wipe us out, as He did in Noah's time, but He has already shown His power. Instead, He is giving us time in hopes we get exhausted with our prison existence and desire to come back home with Him. God is not trying to make our existence here better—He is trying to wake us up. If you're living any semblance of a decent life here, it's either because of God's grace or because Satan has deceived you, making your prison seem comfortable enough that you don’t even want to escape.

Humanity sought to live apart from God, and this is the reality we experience on Earth. We were not created to be self-sufficient but to depend on God. It is contradictory to desire independence while also seeking God's help. True unity and the possibility of Heaven can only exist when we embrace our dependence on Him. This is the lesson God is hoping we come to realize.

Question for the unbeliever

For those who don’t believe in God, consider this: Why do you think evil exists in the world? It’s not accurate to attribute all evil to God or religion as if evil is confined to those spheres. This overlooks the fact that evil is present in various sectors like business, government, and daily life. How do you explain the existence of evil acts—such as sex trafficking, rape, and murder—committed by individuals who do not believe in God? Why is the world deteriorating, and why do we face death?

If there is no God, doesn’t that mean humans are responsible for the evil in the world?

Without God, how do you explain death and natural disasters?

Without a higher purpose, aren’t they just meaningless, inevitable parts of life that we’re forced to endure?

Or are you suggesting that God exists and is responsible for all the evil? If that’s your belief, what could we possibly do against an all-powerful God who is evil? Or are you simply looking for someone to blame in order to justify human evil?

If the beliefs of Christians are incorrect, what do you propose as the alternative explanation?

What evidence is there for the existence of God? Why should I believe in God when there is no empirical proof?

I believe there is ample evidence of God's existence. We can see His hand in creation, in humanity, and in the transformative changes experienced by those who follow Jesus. Many aspects of life, if examined closely, prompt us to question the existence of God and consider His presence. For those who see no evidence, I believe they are looking with closed minds, having already made up their decision and unwilling to entertain the possibility that God could exist.

For those who demand tangible proof, I believe they are trying to corner believers with a challenge they know cannot be met, as God cannot be proven in a physical sense. Asking for tangible proof of God is akin to asking for tangible proof of love. All we can do is present the evidence of God's presence and love, just as we do with the evidence of love in our lives.

If you're seeking evidence of God, look at the vast universe, the intricate complexity of human life and death, the teachings of God’s Word, and the heart of Jesus. There is evidence, but evidence is only a door that you have to choose to open.

Question for the unbeliever?

What proof do you have that there is no God? Have you explored all dimensions or experienced life after death? How can you be so certain that God doesn't exist?

With so many religions in the world, how can Christians claim theirs is the one true faith? Why should Christianity be considered more valid than other religions or belief systems?

There are many religions because fallible men often have impure intentions. Satan delights in creating confusion and complicating our understanding of the truth. Unfortunately, some men exploit religion for personal gain—seeking power, control, and influence over others. Even well-meaning individuals can let their personal biases influence their interpretations of the Bible, leading to division and misguidance.

Every other religion asks you to place your trust in man—whether it's someone who claims to have a special connection with God or in your own ability to follow a set of steps to reach Him. Personally, I don't trust myself fully, let alone put my faith in another person.

Christianity, however, offers one clear path to God, and that's through Jesus Christ. Jesus wasn’t just an ordinary man; He was God in human form. This makes Christianity unique—it’s not about man finding a way to God, but about God creating the path Himself. There’s only one path because God wants us to be sure we know if we are on the right one.

I don’t adhere to any denomination; I follow Christ and Christ alone. Some may see this as divisive, but with millions of people trying to agree on one thing, disagreement is inevitable. Humans are inherently divisive, which is exactly why we should unite in following Jesus—His ways, His thoughts, His plans, and His actions. In Heaven, this unity will be our reality, and it will be filled with peace and love.

Question to the unbeliever?

Are you saying that within your own beliefs, there aren’t people who hold different opinions, even when sharing the same core belief? How do you decide what to believe?

How can Christians claim the Bible is the word of God when it contains contradictions and morally questionable passages? Why trust ancient texts that have been translated and interpreted over millennia?

I'm not an expert on this topic, so I won't delve too deeply, but I have researched and studied many of the so-called contradictions and morally questionable passages in the Bible. What I’ve found is that most criticisms lack substance. In many cases, the issue stems from a failure to properly interpret the text, understand the original language, or consider the context in which it was written. When these factors are taken into account, the arguments often fall apart.

You're right to be cautious about trusting ancient texts that have been translated and interpreted over millennia. I don’t trust the Bible simply because of its age or history—I trust it because God has revealed Himself to me personally.

Like many, I used to think the Bible was full of made-up stories that didn’t make sense in the broader context of life. How could someone build an ark and fill it with animals? But when I was born again and encountered Jesus spiritually, everything changed. I realized that with God, anything is possible. I was also given the Spirit that helps me understand the Word, as the Bible says, “Spirit understands Spirit.”

The Bible teaches that the Scriptures are inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16-17), meaning God guided men to write His words. I know God exists, and I know His Word is real. Through my relationship with Him, He has revealed them to be true. There have been passages I didn’t understand, but in time, God has revealed their meaning to me. My mind is limited, and there’s much I can’t grasp, but I trust that God will teach me what I need to know in His timing.

Question for the unbeliever

Who can you truly trust? History books are riddled with errors, and wherever humans are involved, mistakes are inevitable. In this world, nothing is completely reliable, so where do you turn when everything is flawed?

Why don't we see miracles today like those described in the Bible? How can we believe in miracles when they defy the laws of nature?

A miracle can be defined as an event that occurs within the natural world but is caused by a supernatural force rather than by natural processes alone. Miracles are not violations of the laws of nature; rather, they are extraordinary events that cannot be explained by natural forces alone. To determine if an event is a miracle, we assess whether it could be attributed to natural causes or if it requires a supernatural explanation.

God does everything with His time and purpose. The Old Testament was a time for humanity to exhaust themselves from trying to exist on their own without God. It was so we could learn that without God we could not exist in peace and cry out for help. As God came down to walk with man in the form of a cloud, He taught us that no religion, sacrifices, and laws, would allow us to walk with a perfect God. Any miracles and supernatural events that occurred back then were to demonstrate that God was at work.

By the time of the New Testament, Jesus arrived to provide a path to God through His sacrifice. The miracles and supernatural events that accompanied His ministry served to affirm His divine authority and confirm that He was sent by God. During Jesus' time on Earth, these miracles and supernatural occurrences, including instances of demonic activity, were manifestations of His divine presence and the light He brought into the world.

Miracles back then were not necessarily done to heal people but instead to show God's power and to further the work He was doing.

Does this mean miracles are no longer relevant today? Not at all. However, the reason miracles and supernatural events seem less common now is that the light of God appears to have dimmed. As Christians, we have often suppressed the work of the Holy Spirit, leading to a compromised faith. What we see now may reflect a diminished expression of faith and a lack of true faith and obedience.

Miracles still happen all the time, both big and small, if we choose to recognize them. I have personally witnessed miracles during my time as a Christian that have revealed God's greatness to me. Every day, we experience miracles in the mundane—the miracle of childbirth, surviving our daily commutes without incident, or our bodies functioning perfectly with every tiny vessel remaining intact. Even the stability of the universe itself, avoiding catastrophic shifts, can be seen as a miracle.

Question for the unbeliever

Why do you want to see miracles?

Jesus told a parable about a man in hell who pleaded with Abraham to warn his brothers not to end up in the same place. Jesus remarked that even if someone were to rise from the dead, they would still not believe(Luke 16:27-28 ).

Jesus warned people about seeking signs and wonders in the Bible, and said that it's better to believe without a miracle. Those who sought signs and wonders were searching for proof and relief, but not for Jesus Himself.

To truly love someone, you shouldn't need a miracle. The true beauty lies in trusting and loving Jesus even without witnessing one. There is your miracle.

How do Christians reconcile the scientific understanding of the Big Bang and evolution with the biblical creation account? If everything has a cause, what caused God?

I don’t claim to be an expert on this topic, so I’ll simply say:

God is the only uncaused cause because God exists outside of time and space and is not bound by the laws of physics. He is the beginning and the originator of everything.

Science often relies on theories, and some widely accepted ones, like the Big Bang and evolution, have faced significant scrutiny and revisions over time. Science has made remarkable discoveries, and some of these findings actually bring us closer to understanding the possibility of God's existence rather than disproving it.

Given my limited expertise in this area, I recommend visiting the website Answers in Genesis, which offers a wealth of valuable information on these topics.

Question for the unbeliever

Scientists, particularly those who do not believe in God, are constantly making discoveries that often contradict previous findings. They are determined to find answers without considering God. However, science cannot disprove God, as it lacks the capability to explore or access Heaven. Are you hoping that they discover the answer and are you praying they discover the answer before you leave this earth?

Can’t people be moral without believing in God? Why are there so many moral discrepancies between different Christian denominations and other religions?

People can be moral to a certain extent, but often, their sense of morality is based on their own definitions. When opinions on morality differ, who decides which perspective is right?

God requires perfection because only perfection can endure for eternity. Imperfection, much like cancer, has the potential to corrupt and destroy what is pure if not eradicated.

If we're honest, we all grapple with inner demons and thoughts that, if acted upon, could lead to serious consequences. If not for the grace of God. Are we truly as morally upright as we claim to be, while we turn a blind eye to issues like sex trafficking, drug abuse, and starvation, all while sitting comfortably at home and binge-watching the latest streaming series?

We fight and war because we struggle to agree on fundamental issues, including what is moral. Even among Christians, this struggle is evident. If more people would submit to God's ways, we might see less conflict and division.

Question for the unbeliever

How do you define what is moral? What determines what is right or wrong, and who has the authority to impose moral standards on others?

Many argue that morality exists to help humanity coexist and thrive together. But why is this considered a positive outcome? If we view killing as a potential way to reduce population and crime, why is it inherently wrong? Historical figures like Hitler, Stalin, and Pol Pot believed that violence and killing were necessary for their vision of a better world. Without God, there is no one who has the authority to say they were wrong. What gives you the right?

Why doesn’t God make His existence more obvious or reveal Himself to everyone clearly? Why does God allow doubt if He desires people to have faith?stian denominations and other religions?

God is not hidden; He is where humanity has placed Him—on the outside, rejected. God allows this because He loves us and wants us to come to Him voluntarily, realizing our mistake and desiring to be with Him without Him imposing Himself upon us.

Imagine if Jesus were physically with you everywhere you went. How comfortable would you be making everyday choices? Many would feel conflicted, torn between following His guidance and pursuing their own desires, feeling unable to make free choices with God constantly observing them. Instead, God patiently stands in the background, with open arms, waiting for us to come to Him.

Even if you saw Jesus walking on water beside you, it might convince you of God’s existence without necessarily leading you to faith in Him. Even demons recognize God’s existence but do not place their trust or faith in Him.

There is a part of us that resists God—a desire for independence and the belief that we can be our own gods. This part must die for us to truly live with God. It's the side of us that doubts, questions, and opposes Him. This part dies when we grow weary of self-reliance and place our faith in God.

Even if God revealed Himself, would it eliminate all your doubts? Would seeing Him make you give up your independence and fully surrender to Him?

Placing your faith in God without needing visible proof builds a relationship that endures for eternity. If you can believe and trust in Him without constant reassurance, you demonstrate true faith. In response, God honors that trust, proving your faith to be well-placed.

In relationships, we typically don’t require constant proof of fidelity or capability. Why do we demand such proof from God? Faith and trust involve taking a leap without guarantees, but a lasting relationship proves its worth over time.

Our natural tendency to resist God makes doubt inevitable. Yet, God allows this doubt so we can discover that He is fully capable of earning and fulfilling our trust.

If I claimed to have found your perfect soulmate and showed you their picture, would you marry them on the spot? Probably not. You’d want to understand why I believe they are the one, see evidence, meet them, and eventually take a leap of faith. It’s the same with God. There is evidence of His existence and love, but we must first open ourselves to encounter Him spiritually. Then, like any relationship, we take a leap of faith to fully commit. This is the relationship God seeks because He knows it will last.

Question for the Unbeliever

In relationships, do you require proof of commitment and fidelity? Why insist on the same from God?

How can a loving God condemn people to eternal torment in Hell? Isn’t the concept of Hell incompatible with a just and merciful God?

Consider why we have jails. Why don’t we simply live among those who break the law, like serial killers and rapists? Why not abolish jails altogether? We incarcerate people to protect those who desire to live in a peaceful and safe society, preserving its integrity and security. Similarly, God allows people to go to Hell to maintain the sanctity of His Kingdom and protect its purity. His alternative would be to extinguish them entirely.

Some resist comparing our sins to those of criminals, but to God, sin is sin. It’s not about the severity of specific sins but how any sin, no matter the scale, undermines goodness, it kills. Sin acts like a cancer, destroying what is pure. Allowing any form of sin would mean Heaven is no different from our flawed world. God requires perfection to ensure Heaven remains pure and untainted.

The gravest sin is rejecting a perfect and loving God. To oppose God is to reject what is right, good, light, and true. While many view God as an authority imposing rules, He is the embodiment of those rules and the ultimate truth. To fail to align with Him is to fail to adhere to what is right.

It is just for God to condemn those who reject Him, as their rejection brings decay and death, like cancer to the tree of life. Their refusal to submit to God and trust in Him also contributed to the death of Jesus, which demanded justice.

Questions for the Unbeliever

• Why do you find it unfair or unjust for a perfect God to maintain His purity and the purity of His Kingdom to sustain eternal life?

• Why be angry at God for wanting to create a world of peace, truth, and love, where everyone is united under Him, sharing one mind and one heart, and free from pain and suffering?

• Why not submit to God so that we can all live in peace?

Why do prayers often go unanswered, even when they are for good things like healing or peace?

We live in a fallen world, and God's ultimate desire is for us to yearn for freedom from this existence and to live with Him in His Kingdom, where there is no pain, suffering, sickness, or death.

The pain, suffering, sickness, and death we experience on earth are reminders of our fallen state. These realities are part of God's plan to lead us to salvation, which is why sometimes His answer to our prayers is "no."People often treat God like a cosmic Santa Claus, expecting Him to fulfill every request in this fallen world. However, if God granted every wish, we might forget that this world is not our true home. We could end up worshiping the gifts rather than the Gift Giver, focusing on an improved world instead of longing to be with God.

God's desire is for everyone to dwell with Him in Heaven eternally. If that is your prayer, you can trust that God will make it happen, no matter what it takes. But if it isn't your prayer, this might be the problem.

Question for the Unbeliever

What prayer do you believe you deserve that God should answer? And why?