the "problem" of good

There is much talk in philosophical and theological circles, and among people in general, about the problem of evil. That is, how can we believe in or make sense of a good and all-powerful deity who allows so much suffering and evil to transpire in this world? I completely agree that this is a good question and perhaps the most baffling reality that we face. Indeed, I think it is the single greatest argument against God or at least the kind of God depicted in Christian theology. So important is this subject, in fact, that I have written about it numerous times, including a book that tackles this very topic.

That said, I also think it is important to be fair and to do justice to everything that demands an explanation. If there is a problem of evil–and there clearly is, at least in this life from our perspective–it is only right to acknowledge that there is also a problem of good.

What do I mean? Well, how do we explain the presence of those things are generally considered beneficial and healthy and wonderful and, well, good? If evil causes us to doubt God’s existence, or at least to question his ways, what should we make of good? After all, we are instinctively drawn to (even if we do not immediately appreciate) acts of compassion and demonstrations of sacrificial love. How should we react to these things?

Of course it could simply be that we have learned to adapt to life in a meaningless world. Perhaps, even our recognition of good is a part of some undirected evolutionary process that is a part of our survival as a species and nothing more. Maybe, we convince ourselves that there really is such a thing as good, playing “make believe” in order to make it through this life.

Then again, if we are going to be honest, we also have to wonder what instinct causes us to notice the oppositive of good, i.e., evil, when it occurs. If good is something we’ve conjured up in order to make our daily existence a little more enjoyable, what makes us think that the antithesis of good actually exists? Perhaps good is a myth, a figment of our collective imagination. But, if that is the case, why don’t we remain consistent and apply these same standards when evil takes place? Why must we make sense of evil but not good? Hmm.

Could it be that we possess an instinctive awareness that there is both evil and good? And, while evil is difficult to account for, it at least reveals that there must be some higher purpose, some God-like power, a Standard-Creating deity in this universe. And, if we are going to admit this much, why not also acknowledge that we have to do justice not only to the awful and heart wrenching aspects of life but also to the tremendous and joy-producing parts?

Thus, while we cannot conjure up a comprehensive and fully satisfying answer to the problem of evil, neither can we deny that most people have encountered that which seems undeniably good. A hug or a kiss, the camaraderie of friends, the intimacy shared by those in love, expressions of kindness and concern, an unexpected act of mercy, demonstrations of courage, out-of-the-way displays of charity–these are good things. What should we say about the beauty of little children, the smiles that we share along the way, the power of a sunrise or sunset, the sheer beauty of trees and valleys and beaches and other miracles of nature, the smell of flowers or a good steak, the visual display of so many things beautiful? Whatever ugliness and evil there is (and there is!), let us not neglect to give an account of that which is good. Perhaps, amid the mystery and unanswered questions, there is also a reverberation of the divine, an almost every-day reminder of the glory of our Maker. Perhaps, it is time to pay attention–both practically and philosophically–to the problem of good. Of course, seen this way, good is only a “problem” for those who fail to recognize its (God-echoing) existence.