What source justifies the existence of suffering and evil in a world created by a good God?

The justification for suffering and evil in a world created by a good God is often linked to the concept of human free will leading to sin. This perspective maintains that God granted humans the ability to make their own choices, and with that freedom comes the potential to choose actions that lead to suffering and evil. The idea is that although God is good and created a perfect world, the existence of free will enables humans to deviate from His intentions, resulting in sin and its consequences.

This explanation aligns with many theological views that emphasize the importance of human agency in understanding the presence of suffering. It acknowledges the complex relationship between divine goodness and human choices, highlighting that suffering is not an indication of God’s lack of care but rather a result of the freedom humans possess.