I am going to post one of the saddest stories I have seen in awhile here. Brother Roger, the 90 year old founder of the Taize Community http://www.taize.fr/ was murdered by a crazed Romanian woman during evening prayer.
When things like this happen, once we pray and entrust our emotional sorrow and concern to God, these events raise what we philosophers and theologians call "the problem of evil." David Hume, the skeptic philosopher, set the challenge as he said about God and evil: "Is He willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then He is impotent. Is He able, but not willing? Then He is malevolent. Is He both able and willing? Whence then is evil?"
When we are challenged by this kind of thinking, first of all remember that we as Christians present the faith presuppositionally. That is, we ask "What are the presuppositions that this person who is challenging God holds?" Then, also realize that everyone has a worldview, and as you discuss things with others, DO NOT EVER ALLOW THEM TO USE OUR CHRISTIAN INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL AGAINST US. Example: A person who says they do not believe in God turns around and says something (like the crusades) is evil or wrong. Ask them, on what basis to they claim that something is good or evil? In our Christian worldview, we can explain good and evil. But, in your evolutionary atheism, is there good and evil; morality? In the evolutionary scheme, if a stronger fitter man rapes your wife and kills your children and takes everything from you, that is just survival of the fittest--not good or evil. Challenge people to be consistent with their own presuppositions.
Back to the "problem" of evil. Dr. Greg Bahnsen, whom I studied philosophy under, provides a great answer to the problem. I encourage everyone to read it, and post back your thoughts.
http://www.cmfnow.com/articles/pa105.htm
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