Paramedics at the scene of a road accident Photo: Adobe Stock
The Bible views human suffering and evil as the result ultimately of sin, or rebellion, against God's design of a perfect creation. It falls into three main categories -
A. Natural Evil: The Results of Living In A Fallen World
Examples include
• genetically inherited diseases
eg infant cancers and other genetic disorders;
• natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, famine and floods caused by exceptional rainfall patterns
B. Moral Evil: The Result of Human Sin
a. Committed by me; b. against me
• Famine resulting from civil wars
• Death and destruction through wars
• Murder, rape and crimes of violence
• Accidents and deaths caused by carelessness, drunkenness, or drugs
• HIV/Aids resulting from breaking God's laws re sex
• Divorce/family breakup due to abuse or neglect
• Fraud, internet scams, etc
C. Satanic Evil: Suffering Resulting from Supernatural Forces
• Satanic ritual abuse committed in witchcraft and Satanic worship
• False religions involving the deliberate invitation to demonic spirits eg Reiki; Yoga; Freemasonry
• The New Age movement
• Abuse, Addictions, Murder, Prostitution, Rape and Violence of all kinds
• Religious violence and persecution