Why Does Evil Exist?

 

Why Did God Create a World with Evil? A Jewish Perspective

The presence of evil in the world has long puzzled theologians and mystics alike. Within Jewish mysticism, particularly as illuminated by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto (known as the Ramchal), the existence of evil is understood not as a contradiction to God’s goodness but as a necessary aspect of a divine plan for the ultimate perfection of the world. The world with evil is not a failure of creation but a purposeful design meant to allow humanity to freely choose between good and evil, and in doing so, serve God in the deepest and most transformative way.

The Nature of Free Will and Human Responsibility

One of the key teachings of the Ramchal, especially in his work Derech Hashem (The Way of God), is that free will is central to the human experience. God, in His infinite wisdom, created a world where humans are given the power to choose between good and evil. This choice is what grants human actions true significance. If there were no possibility of choosing evil, then choosing good would be meaningless, as it would be an automatic, mechanical response rather than a conscious, moral decision.

Evil exists because it creates the space for free will. In a world without evil, humans would be akin to angels—beings who are inherently inclined toward good without the struggle and growth that come from overcoming evil. However, this would deprive us of the opportunity to actively participate in the process of Tikkun Olam—the Jewish concept of repairing and perfecting the world. In essence, by creating a world with the potential for evil, God grants humanity the profound role of being His partner in bringing about the ultimate redemption and perfection of creation.

The Purpose of Evil: A Catalyst for Spiritual Growth

From a Jewish mystical perspective, evil serves a temporary but necessary purpose. It acts as a catalyst for spiritual growth, presenting obstacles that challenge us to rise above our base instincts and align our will with God’s will. The Ramchal teaches that through facing and overcoming these challenges, humans earn divine reward and merit in the world to come. This merit is not a passive gift but the result of an active, ongoing process of striving to choose good in a world where evil exists as an alternative.

According to Luzzatto, evil itself is not an independent force but rather a creation of God, designed to serve a higher purpose. In the end, evil will be entirely nullified, as the world progresses toward its ultimate redemption. The trials and difficulties posed by evil will serve to reveal the greatness of God’s oneness and sovereignty. The darkness that evil brings into the world will, paradoxically, make the light of divine truth and goodness even more apparent.

The Role of Evil in Revealing God's Oneness

An essential idea in Jewish mysticism is that the world was created to reveal God’s oneness. The Zohar, one of the foundational texts of Kabbalah, explains that God’s unity and sovereignty are most fully revealed when evil is overcome, and the world is rectified. The Ramchal builds on this concept by explaining that the ultimate triumph of good over evil demonstrates that God is in control of everything, even that which appears to oppose Him. The very existence of evil, and its eventual defeat, serves to amplify the understanding of God's total mastery over creation.

Without the presence of evil, the world would lack the contrast necessary to fully recognize and appreciate God’s oneness. The final redemption, in which evil is vanquished and the divine plan is fully revealed, will be a moment of supreme recognition of God's unity. At that time, humanity will understand that even the existence of evil was part of the divine plan, leading to the ultimate revelation of truth and the realization of God’s perfect goodness.

The Opportunity for Mankind’s Triumph

A world with evil also provides humans with the opportunity to become co-creators with God. The battle against evil is not just a test, but a process of personal and collective transformation. As individuals choose to overcome evil and align themselves with good, they take an active role in perfecting themselves and the world. In this way, they become partners with God in bringing about the ultimate purpose of creation: a perfected world where God’s presence is fully revealed.

This idea is beautifully expressed in the concept of Tikkun—repair or rectification. Humanity’s role in the world is to elevate both themselves and creation by conquering evil and revealing the divine light that is hidden within the world’s darkness. The existence of evil, then, is not only a challenge but also an opportunity for growth, reward, and deep spiritual fulfillment. By choosing good, humans fulfill their purpose and bring the world closer to the ultimate state of perfection, where evil is vanquished and the true unity of God is recognized by all.

Conclusion: The Paradox of Evil

In the mystical teachings of Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, the existence of evil in the world is not an unsolvable problem or a flaw in creation. Rather, it is an essential component of the divine plan that allows humans to exercise free will, grow spiritually, and ultimately contribute to the perfection of the world. Evil gives humans the opportunity to choose, to struggle, and to triumph. Through overcoming evil, we not only merit divine reward but also reveal the ultimate truth of God's oneness and sovereignty.

The presence of evil, therefore, is a temporary stage in the cosmic process of Tikkun Olam. It is the darkness that allows the light of divine goodness to shine all the more brightly when it is finally revealed in full. In the end, evil will be eradicated, and humanity will emerge triumphant, having played a vital role in bringing about God’s ultimate vision for creation: a world perfected in goodness and filled with the knowledge of God's unity.