Evil Quote by Greg Koukl
“Sometimes (at least in principle) God might allow some evil because doing so will prevent a greater evil, and sometimes He might allow evil because it will produce a greater good.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Case for Christ, 1998
Evil may be permitted if it prevents greater harm or yields greater good, reflecting a utilitarian view of divine morality.
In simple terms: God may allow evil to prevent worse or create better outcomes.
Key Takeaway
Weigh consequences when judging moral events.
Themes
theodicy
ethics
divine purpose
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- ethical decision making
- counseling
- philosophical debate
- personal crisis
Key Concepts
utilitarianism
free will
problem of evil
theology
Questions to Reflect On
- What limits should guide this view?
- How do we assess true greater good?
A Different Perspective
Such reasoning can justify harmful actions if misapplied.
![“Trouble, hardship, difficulty, pain, suffering, conflict, tragedy, evil - they're all part of the [Christian] Story. Indeed, the problem of evil is the reason there's any Story at all.” quote by Greg Koukl](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e44/greg-koukl-12385_christian_trouble-hardship-difficulty-pain-sufferi_374860.jpg)
![“Evil cannot be "treated" -- nor should it be. Evil has to [be] confronted and destroyed and it matters not why the evil is in play. Society has no obligation to try to rehabilitate evil.” quote by Bill O'Reilly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b89/bill-o-reilly-1019_destroyed_evil-cannot-be-treated-nor-should-it-be_3597.jpg)
