Who's To Blame?

God has the power to prevent suffering in the world but refuses to exercise this power at times because to do so would violate the nature of God’s free will. People often assume God’s presence during times of happiness. During times of catastrophe the same people assume God’s absence or silence. I do not believe that God removes himself from problematic situations; God gives us room to deal with consequences or challenging circumstances.

God created man and woman and gave them authority over the earth. But they both, by disobeying God, diminished their authority. Another cause of suffering in the world today is people who live contrary to God's Word. We suffer mentally and physically from conmen, thieves, robbers, rapists, and murderers. Our societies are run by men and women, not by God or by angels. Our judges, lawyers, juries, police are all human beings.

If we, God's created beings, do not see to it that God's laws for running a just society are enforced, then we suffer when the ungodly behavior of ungodly men and women manifests itself. If society ignores God's laws concerning murder, rape, robbery, perjury, etc., and criminal activity abounds, then surely we cannot blame God for the presence of evil. So, who's to blame?