Good and Evil, Free Will and Original Sin in Scripture
Defining Good and Evil
Good is that which reflects love, truth, justice, and compassion, aligning with God’s will and bringing harmony to creation.
Physical/Natural Evil refers to suffering caused by natural events like earthquakes, disease, or death—these are not caused by human choice.
Moral Evil / Sin is wrongdoing that results from human free will, such as lying, stealing, or violence.
Examples:
Good: acts of kindness, healing, forgiveness, and generosity.
Evil: war, pollution, abuse, and betrayal.
How One Evil Leads to Another
A single act of moral evil can trigger a chain reaction:
Example: A lie may lead to broken trust, which causes isolation, resentment, and further dishonesty.
Example: Greed can lead to theft, which may cause poverty and retaliation.
Evil often spreads when people respond to harm with more harm, rather than forgiveness or justice.
Defining Free Will and Original Sin
Free will is the God-given ability to choose between good and evil, allowing humans to act independently.
Original sin refers to the first act of disobedience by Adam and Eve in Genesis 3, which introduced sin and suffering into the world.
Scriptural Support:
Genesis 2:16–17: “You are free to eat from any tree… but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”
Romans 5:12: “Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin.”
Difference Between Physical/Natural Evil and Moral Evil
Physical or natural evil arises from the natural world—storms, illness, and aging—not from human choice.
Moral evil stems from human decisions that violate God’s law.
Key point: God does not create suffering; it results from either natural processes or human sin.
Example: A flood (natural evil) versus corruption that prevents aid reaching victims (moral evil).
Free Will and Original Sin in the Creation Story
In Genesis 1–3, God creates humans in His image and gives them free will.
Quote: “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31)
Free will is essential because love and goodness must be chosen, not forced.
Adam and Eve’s choice to eat the forbidden fruit shows how free will led to original sin and separation from God.
God and All Creation Is Good
Everything God creates is good, as seen in Genesis 1.
Reflecting on life—family, nature, talents—reveals God’s goodness.
Jesus is the ultimate example of good overcoming evil:
Example: His forgiveness of sinners, healing of the sick, and sacrifice on the cross.
John 1:5: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Understanding Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory
Heaven is eternal union with God, a place of perfect peace and joy.
Hell is eternal separation from God, chosen by those who reject love and truth.
Purgatory is a temporary state of purification for souls destined for heaven.
Our choices—loving others, seeking truth, avoiding sin—shape our eternal destiny.
The Tree of Life as a Metaphor
The Tree of Life represents eternal life, divine wisdom, and the sustaining presence of God.
It symbolizes the connection between humanity and God’s life-giving grace.
In Revelation, it reappears as a symbol of restored paradise.
The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil as a Metaphor
This tree represents moral awareness and the human capacity to choose.
Eating from it symbolizes the shift from innocence to moral responsibility.
It marks the moment humans became aware of consequences and ethical judgment.
Why Is There Some Satisfaction in Evil?
Evil can offer temporary pleasure, power, or control, which appeals to human desires.
Sin often disguises itself as freedom or reward, but leads to guilt, harm, and separation from God.
Example: Gossip may feel satisfying in the moment but damages relationships and trust.
Why Is It Sometimes Hard to Do Good?
Good actions often require sacrifice, courage, or going against peer pressure.
Temptation, fear of rejection, or selfish desires can make goodness feel difficult.
Doing good may not bring instant reward, but it builds lasting peace and integrity.
Did Adam and Eve Know Right from Wrong in the Garden?
Before eating the fruit, Adam and Eve had innocence, not full moral knowledge.
They were told not to eat from the tree, so they had a basic understanding of obedience, but not full awareness of consequences.
Their choice was a leap into moral consciousness.
What Knowledge Did They Gain After Eating?
They gained awareness of good and evil, shame, guilt, and moral responsibility.
They realized their nakedness, symbolizing vulnerability and self-awareness.
This knowledge brought both insight and suffering.
How Were Adam and Eve Different After Consuming the Fruit?
They became self-conscious, fearful, and aware of their disobedience.
Their relationship with God changed—they hid from Him and were banished from Eden.
They experienced spiritual separation, pain, and the burden of moral choice.