DOES EVIL EXIST?

            I recently heard a sermon that the following story was presented to make a point.  It’s a fun read, which is why I am sharing it here, but it is not true.  In other words it didn’t happen, but it presents some thought on the unanswerable question: “If God is all loving, why does evil exist in his creation? Why does evil exist?”

            For even more fun stories like this, go to: www.snopes.com/religion/einstein.asp  I especially like the story about the atheist professor and the member of the SEAL team.

            The point to remember is knowing the differences between Facts and Faith.  We need (must) live with both! Not only when it comes to topics like “belief in God” but also when we are driving down a two lane highway – “belief that the oncoming driver will stay on their side of the road!”  Or when getting on an airplane – do you have any idea how many people you have to have ‘faith’ in besides the pilot in the hope and faith that you will safely arrive at your destination!

Enjoy the “story!”

DOES EVIL EXIST?

One day, a professor of a university decided to defy his students.  He asked: “Did God create everything that exists?”

A student answered bravely: “Yes God did!”

“Everything?” asked the professor.

“Yes, everything,” answered the student.

“In that case, God also created evil, correct? Because evil exists,” said the professor.

To that the student had no answer and remained in silence.

The professor was delighted at the opportunity to prove one more time that faith was only a myth.

Suddenly, another student raised his hand and asked: “May I ask you a question professor?”

“Of course,” the professor answered.

“Does cold exist?” asked the student.

“Of course,” answered the professor, “Haven’t you ever felt cold?”

“Actually, sir,” the student continued, “According to studies in physics, cold is the absence of heat. And object can only be studied if it has and transmits energy, it is the heat of an object that transmits its energy. Without heat, objects are inert and incapable to react. Cold does not exists, we created the term ‘cold’ to explain the lack of heat."

“And does darkness exist?" continued the student.

“It exists,” replied the professor.

“Again, you are wrong sir. Darkness is the total absence of light. ‘Dark’ is the term we created to explain this absence of light. You can study light and brightness, but not darkness. The prism of Nichols shows the variety of different colors in which the light can be decomposed according to the longitude of the light waves. ‘Darkness’ is the term we created to explain the total absence of light.”

“Therefore,” continued the student, “your statement that evil exists is false. Evil is the absence of God in people’s hearts.  Evil is the absence of love, humanity, and faith. Love and faith are like heat and light. They exist, but it is their absence that leads to evil.”

Now it was the professor’s turn to remain silent.

What was the name of the student?

Albert Einstein.   (Well, it appears he really didn’t say it! But hey, it makes the story!)