The Objection
If God is all-powerful, He could prevent evil. If God is all-good, He would want to prevent evil. Yet evil exists. This logical problem of evil has been a central objection to theism. The evidential problem adds that the amount and distribution of suffering seems gratuitous.
Key Claims
All-powerful God could prevent evil
All-good God would prevent evil
Evil exists in abundance
Therefore, such a God doesn't exist
Epicurus; J.L. Mackie
Christian Response
How apologists address this objection
God may have morally sufficient reasons for permitting evil that we cannot fully comprehend. Free will, soul-making, and ultimate redemption provide partial answers.
The logical problem has been largely abandoned—philosophers acknowledge it's logically possible God has reasons
Free will defense: Genuine love requires freedom, which allows for evil choices
Soul-making theodicy: Suffering can produce character, compassion, and spiritual growth
We are not in a position to judge what God should allow—our knowledge is limited
Christianity doesn't just explain evil—it defeats it through the cross and resurrection
Alvin Plantinga, God, Freedom, and Evil