Why does evil exist? Philosophers, scholars and clergymen have wrestled for centuries with the question of evil. Some suggest that without contrasts, mankind cannot understand morality. They contend that evil needs good and good needs evil in order to prove their existence. Others suggest the problem of evil is a paradox that cannot be understood nor explained in human terms. Regardless of the position a person holds on the question of evil, we have it on record that evil and violence have existed since Cain killed his brother, Abel.
Recently Americans have been shocked by senseless acts of evil: the murder of a mother and father enjoying a peaceful hike with their two young daughters near West Fork, Arkansas; the murders of four family members in Tiptonville, TN; the murder of Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, NC, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who worked at a pizza parlor and hoped to become a veterinary assistant; and the recent assassination of Christian political commentator and author Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. These examples constantly bring the question of evil back to our minds.
A simple answer, I believe, to the question of evil is that evil exists because mankind is rebelling against God. Mankind rebels against God because of spiritual depravity. Ultimately evil exists wherever the worship of God does not exist. No judiciary law or civil program can heal the spiritual depravity of mankind. Only through spiritual transformation by the saving work of Jesus Christ can mankind be cured from evil rebellion and spiritual depravity.
As Christians, we should pray for the Holy Spirit’s convicting power to come upon mankind so that genuine transformation through Jesus can occur in sinful mankind. The Christian’s response to evil is not to be one of complacency and sorrow, but one of pursuit for the souls of all of mankind. May it be that Christians are pursuing Christlike living and the souls of mankind; so that genuine worship of God, peace on earth and goodwill toward all men may exist.
Eric Kincaid
Eric Kincaid is a native of Gamewell, a town in western North Carolina. He is the Senior Pastor at Antioch Baptist Church in Yatesville, Georgia, where he has been serving since February 25, 2025. Eric has previously served churches in Kentucky, South Carolina, and North Georgia. He and his wife, Nicole, have two daughters, Catherine and Caroline.
