Episode Details

This episode of the Mama Bear Apologetics podcast explores one of the biggest challenges to the Christian faith: the problem of evil. Amy & Tricia discuss how both children and adults wrestle with suffering, tragedy, and the existence of evil in a world created by a good and all-powerful God. Using scripture, philosophy, practical examples, and personal stories, they explain the difference between natural evil and moral evil, define goodness and evil from a biblical worldview, and demonstrate why evil actually points toward the existence of God rather than disproving Him.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of proactively preparing children to think biblically about suffering before tragedy strikes. The hosts explain that evil is not a created “thing,” but rather a corruption or absence of goodness. They discuss how free will makes love possible but also allows humans to choose evil. The episode also highlights the Christian hope found in Christ’s victory over sin and evil through the cross and resurrection, while awaiting the final restoration of all things.

The hosts provide practical illustrations from parenting, literature, philosophy, and science to help families explain these difficult concepts to children in age-appropriate ways. The episode closes with recommended resources for parents, teens, and children to continue learning about suffering, evil, and God’s goodness.

Main Points Covered

• Why Parents Should Discuss Evil Proactively
• The Philosophical Problem of Evil
• Defining Good and Evil
• Natural Evil vs. Moral Evil
• The Origin of Evil
• Teaching Children About Evil

Resources Mentioned

• Case for Faith for Kids — Lee Strobel
• 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask and Answer About Christianity — Rebecca McLaughlin
• 101 Questions About the Bible and Christianity — Kingstone Comics
• Living Loud for Teens — Norman Geisler & Joseph Holden
• Life-Givers Apologetics — Tricia Scribner
• Fox and the Hard Day — JD Camorlinga
• Old Yeller — Fred Gipson
• Bridge to Terabithia — Jessica Case
• Betsy-Tacy series — Maud Hart Lovelace

Scriptures Mentioned

• Jeremiah 12:1
• Romans 2
• Mark 10:18
• Luke 18:19
• Psalm 104
• Romans 5
• Genesis 1–3
• Ezekiel 28

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