recently listened to a talk given by Catholic philosopher Dr. Peter Kreeft entitled 10 Uncommon Insights into Evil from Lord of the Rings. Dr Kreeft is one of the clearest thinkers of our day on topics that are usually muddled in relativism and foolishness. The following quote is from his book. Fundamentals of the Faith: Essays in Christian Apologetics; "The problem of evil is the most serious problem in the world. It is also the one serious objection to the existence of God."
"If God is real, then why all the suffering; and if He is real and allows this to go on why love Him? Who could love a God like that?"
We have recently seen a surge in pop-atheism fueled by this argument. If God is real, then why all the suffering; and if He is real and allows this to go on why love Him? Who could love a God like that?
These are very real questions not only in the theological and philosophical sense but in the practical as well. For while the existence of evil poses problems for the academic, the effect of evil thrusts itself upon each of us every day in a very real way. This assault can cause many to doubt and in doubting lose hope, faith and love.
Not many of us will be able to do much to resolve the philosophical problem of evil. We can leave that in the capable hands of Dr. Kreeft and others like him who are taking up the challenge offered in an increasingly hostile academic environment.
However, we can and must do something about the practical effects of evil. That is how the Knights of Columbus practice apologetics. As a Knight you are part of that effort. If the problem of evil is an objection to the existence of God then a solution to the effects of evil is a proof for the existence of God. This is not an abstract theological proof rather it is stiff right from the shoulder that connects each time the hungry are fed, the naked clothed and the afflicted comforted. This is our apologetic which affirms what Jesus told the crowds long ago. That a not even a sparrow falls to the ground unnoticed by His Father.
10 Uncommon Insights into Evil from Lord of the Rings Fundamentals of the Faith: Essays in Christian Apologetics