[Jerry_M]

How about this: Evil only exists because God allows it. If He chose, He could create a universe in which there is no evil. However, He chose to create this universe, and He also chose to allow evil to exist.

Are we all in agreement on these points? (I will be surprised if we are not.)

[Jerry_M]

#48 to you as well. Glad you had a good vacation, even if portions of it were spent at the hospital. Update?

[xzins]

However, He chose to create this universe, and He also chose to allow evil to exist.

Yes, we can agree on this. God is powerful enough to totally pull the plug and stop the whole game completely. It all continues because He allows it.

I actually think the W. Confession is accurate in saying that "God is not the author of evil." By that, I think it means "the first primary proponent." God did create, and one could say, "Given foreknowledge that means God is directly liable." Given that the alternative is no existence for any of us if He hadn't created, then we need to answer how (1) evil can exist, and (2) God is not the author of it.

I find my answer in the grant of free choice to His creatures, but you might not. In either case, we agree that God is not the author of evil.

[RnMomof7]

How about this: Evil only exists because God allows it. If He chose, He could create a universe in which there is no evil. However, He chose to create this universe, and He also chose to allow evil to exist.
Are we all in agreement on these points? (I will be surprised if we are not.)

I THOUGHT that was what I said????? *grin* Can anything exist or occur without His permission?? Ithink not!