The existence of evil in a world created by a sovereign, good God often raises questions about His power and purpose. When libertarian free will is introduced—the ability of agents to make genuine, undetermined choices—the inevitability of evil becomes not only expected but logically necessary. This necessity stems from both the nature of libertarian free will itself and humanity's creation in God's image (imago Dei), particularly regarding the communicable attribute of self-reliance. Moreover, the consequences of sin provide the explanation for both moral and natural evil in creation. This article explores why the existence of evil is a logical result of these factors and how the ripple effects of sin explain both human-caused (moral) and natural suffering.
Key Concepts
1. Libertarian Free Will
Libertarian free will entails that free agents can make genuine, undetermined choices. These choices are not causally determined by external forces, including God. True free will requires the ability to choose otherwise.
2. Imago Dei and Self-Reliance
Humans are created in God's image (imago Dei), receiving certain communicable attributes from God, including self-reliance. Unlike God, however, humans are finite and contingent beings. This creates an inherent tension between the attribute of self-reliance and human limitation that makes sin not merely possible but inevitable.
3. Moral and Natural Evil
- Moral Evil: Sinful actions by free agents that result in suffering (e.g., murder, theft, betrayal)
- Natural Evil: Suffering caused by natural events (e.g., earthquakes, disease), often indirectly connected to humanity's moral failure and rebellion against God
4. Logical Omnipotence
God's omnipotence includes the ability to do anything logically possible, but not logical contradictions (e.g., square circles or free agents incapable of sin). Thus, libertarian free will necessarily includes the possibility of sin, and sin inevitably leads to both moral and natural evil.
Why Evil is Inevitable in a World with Libertarian Free Will
1. The Imago Dei Paradox
The very attributes that make humans "like God" create the conditions for inevitable sin. This occurs through:
- The tension between divine-like self-reliance and finite human nature
- The impossibility of a creature possessing self-reliance without eventually exercising it independently of God
- The inherent limitations of created beings attempting to exercise divine attributes
This explains why even perfect initial conditions (Eden) couldn't prevent the fall. The fall wasn't merely possible but logically necessary given human nature as beings created in God's image yet finite in essence.
2. Free Will Without the Possibility of Sin is a Contradiction
Libertarian free will requires the genuine ability to choose between alternatives, including good and evil. A being with libertarian free will who is incapable of sin would be a logical contradiction, akin to a square circle or dry water. Such a being would not be truly free.
Genesis 2:16–17: God gave Adam and Eve the freedom to eat from any tree but commanded them not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Their ability to disobey was essential to their free will.
Deuteronomy 30:19: "I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live."
For free will to be meaningful, the possibility of choosing evil must exist. Without this possibility, moral responsibility and genuine love become incoherent.
3. Created Beings Are Contingent and Fallible
Unlike God, who is infinite and morally perfect, created beings are finite and contingent, meaning they lack God's perfection and are capable of error. This contingent nature, combined with the communicable attribute of self-reliance, makes sin not just possible but inevitable over time.
Ecclesiastes 7:29: "God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes."
Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
The combination of finite nature and divine-like self-reliance ensures that created beings will eventually exercise their autonomy independently of God, leading to sin.
How Sin Explains Moral and Natural Evil
1. The Ripple Effects of Sin Lead to Moral Evil
Moral evil arises directly from the sinful choices of free agents. In a world with libertarian free will, individuals can misuse their freedom to harm others, reject God, or pursue selfish desires. These actions disrupt relationships and cause widespread suffering.
James 4:1–2: "What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?"
2. The Curse of Sin on Creation Explains Natural Evil
While moral evil is a direct result of human choices, natural evil stems from the cosmic consequences of humanity's rebellion against God. When Adam and Eve sinned, their disobedience brought corruption and decay to the entire created order.
Romans 8:20–21: "For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption."
Conclusion
The existence of evil in a world with libertarian free will is not only logically necessary but inevitably flows from the nature of created beings bearing God's image yet remaining finite. The tension between divine-like self-reliance and creaturely limitations, combined with genuine free will, makes sin and its consequences—both moral and natural evil—inevitable. This is not a flaw in creation but rather a necessary consequence of God creating beings in His image with genuine freedom.
Far from undermining God's goodness, the presence of evil highlights His justice, mercy, and grace. Through Christ, God redeems and transforms the consequences of sin, using them to glorify Himself and reconcile creation. The story of redemption through Christ ensures that the final word belongs not to evil, but to God's sovereign grace and eternal glory.
© 2024 - This article is intended for theological and philosophical discussion purposes.
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