Expert: Edward Bode - 10/20/2010

Question
1.Do you believe that the concept of evil stems from sin , free will and the refusal to live by God’s teachings?


2. Do you believe that evil is the absence of good, rather than the existence of bad? Why?


3. When people sin in the world, is a consequence of this evil? Why?


4. Is it humans fault that there is evil in the world, or is it God’s fault?



5. Do you believe that there can’t be good in the world without evil? Why?



6. What’s your view on evil and suffering in the world?


7. Many Christians believe that consequences from the original sin by Adam and Eve have been passed down to mankind . Do you agree with this?  


7. Do you believe in the statement “by having faith in God, one will find inner peace that will overshadow the evil in the world”


8. Do you believe in the statement “humans are thought not to have been born evil, rather were born in a world that has evil and hidden goodness in it”


10. Does evil provide room  for spiritual growth and development?


Answer
A complete answer to your questions would require a lengthy treatise, beyond the scope of this format.  However, here a few  relevant thoughts.
There is a difference between physical and moral evil.  Physical results from the imperfection of created beings.  Moral is a result of a free choice by thinking, knowing, and willing humans.
Concerning moral evil:  External and internal factors influence why people choose to do evil.  Internal include mental factors and dispositions. External include persons, places, things; one can sometimes also find diabolical activity.  
The consequences of original sin do affect all human beings.  God, though, want all to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.  The fruits of the Holy Spirit include peace and joy.  God does provide the help we need to avoid sin.  Overcoming temptations to sin with God's help does provide strength for continuing to avoid moral evil.
For more on these topics I refer you to The Catechism of the Catholic Church, available online at www.usccb.org/catechism/text/index.htm
On original sin: paragraphs 37, 215, 388-390, 396-98, 400-07,409, 1607, 1706-7.
On evil: The Index of the book under "Evil" lists many paragraphs, possibly the most relevant to your questions are 309-14,385, 412, 1427, 1431, 1749-56, 1776.
If you would like more from me, please feel free to write again.
Again, best wishes, Hannah