Why evil? ............. Parables 766

October 29, 2002

Again we are asking the same big questions we asked during 9/11. Why do terrorists attack buses and night clubs, hold hostage hundreds of people? Why do people shoot people, at random, with no apparent reason? Why do people do terrible things? Why do innocents suffer?

We hear answers. Some say “these are evil acts committed by evil people.” The perpetrators might explain that their victims “deserved it.” The thoughtful are not satisfied with either answer yet we want answers. We want to know the causes, the reasons why.

People were not created to live meaningless lives. Swiss psychologist Carl Gustav Jung, said when people “cut themselves off from the root of their being, from God, then life turns empty, inane, meaningless, without purpose.”

God created us to live in a fulfilled way, but as Jung says, people who abandon God experience emptiness. Life no longer makes sense.

As I think about the acts of terrorism around the world, I have to conclude that sin is simply not rationale. It might be logical in the mind of a terrorist to blow up, shoot, or terrorize others in order to gain some supposed end, but if viewed from the perspective of God and eternity, this is totally meaningless. There really are no answers to those why questions.

However, we must ask them. Why does a bullet intended for an opposing gang member fly into a home and kill a sleeping child? Why does a car stall and a mother of four fail to escape before being hit by a train? Why do children starve to death while their nation is at war? Do we suppose that knowing why will fix it, or at least make us feel better?

The illogical is making this world a place of unpredictable and random acts of violence. While God can produce good out of seemingly senseless suffering, and can use pain in ways we do not understand, He is not the cause of this suffering. It is sin, and sin makes no sense.

Even at that, sin cannot escape the rule of cause and effect. Rebellion against God and His intention for us has consequences. Because Adam sinned, because his descendants sinned, because you sin, and because I sin, the world is set askew. As it wobbles, everyone staggers out of kilter, bumping into each other. We are on a collision course with human foolishness.

Jesus warned His disciples. He said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

He also said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Is it possible to live in a world run by terrorists and not be afraid? Christians can say yes. Two of them, a couple from Vulcan, Alberta, were watching the latest news on the Washington snipers, happy that they lived in a small town away from all that. Suddenly a young man burst into their home, threatened them with a knife, and demanded they drive him to Calgary.

These folks may have initially felt fear, but the news story indicated they were far more concerned about this “terrorist” than they were for themselves. The wife called the episode a “joyride” and told young man that “it’s not too late to change, the Lord can help you.”

They are Christians (relatives of my sister-in-law) who know the reality of God’s “peace that passes understanding.” They took Jesus up on His offer of “abundant life” and found their faith tested in this most unusual way. Inner peace overruled fear.

I suppose to some, this inner peace makes even less sense than sin, but if God actually takes care of His people as He promises, then He can put into our hearts a full assurance of His power. He is in control over even the most bizarre situations.

With His peace, we can watch the evening news, pray for the people held in bondage both by terrorists and by their own fears, and not be pressured by any urgent need to know why these things are happening.