How does God’s providence compare with so many evils in the world?

The saints experience “that to those who love God, all things work together for good” {Rom 8:28}. But not all have such faith. “If there were a God, certain things could never happen!”, unbelievers often argue. One of them argued his atheism: “There are wars and horrible crimes. And what does God do? Either he doesn’t want to prevent them, and then he’s no good, or he’s not able to prevent them, but then he’s not omnipotent!” However, the existence of evil is also a temptation not to believe in God the Father. Objections of this kind are ancient. That is why the Church Fathers wrote treatises entitled God is not the cause

The Providence of God of various kinds of evil (cf. the writings of St. Basil). Because God is infinitely good, he can only act in the world of good. And yet there are earthquakes, floods, natural disasters, and also crimes committed by wicked people. So where does evil come from? From the sin of the first and the sins of all mankind. St. John Chrysostom says that God permits them, not prevents them. But why? It seems the answer is not easy, and therefore Chrysostom reacts decisively against those who take offense at God’s strange indifference, reminding us that divine providence radically exceeds divine intelligence. We must firmly believe that even evil must be used for good. God acts like a physician who heals the sick even as he makes the sick suffer, when at his cures for them. These words were explained at length by St. John Chrysostom, who was persecuted and died in exile. Among the saints who have lived recently, let us mention
Blessed Frederic Ozanam, who writes: “If you would have me confined to my bed these days that I have left to live, it would be too short a time to thank you for the days I have lived. And my last words would be a hymn of praise to your goodness.” It’s a faith-based response, but it’s universal. Can it apply to all evils? They are so varied.

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