Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States
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Why should we believe in the existence of a supreme power? If there is a God, why does He allow evil to happen? For example, why would a small child accidentally trapped in a hole, not be saved and die in front of the TV-camera, if a merciful God existed?

Belief is the acceptance of what is written in the Holy Bible. It is more than a mental mindset; Belief includes trusting in the Lord from the heart. There are many references in the Holy Bible to charity, union, affection, friendship, and unselfish concern for one another's good. Our duty is to read the Holy Bible, believe it with all our heart and share it with those around us.

Belief is:
    a) the end product of hearing and allowing the Word of God to enter into your heart.
    b) a gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Book of Romans 10:17 and the Holy Book of Ephesians 2:8, both emphasize these two points.
Readings which address the "Justification of Faith" are in the Holy Book of Romans 5, the Holy Gospel of St. Matthew 7:21, the Holy Gospel of St. John 3:16, and the Holy Book of James 2:14-26.

The incident of the trapped child who could not be saved is a very perplexing issue. We need to understand that there are other forces in the world e.g., the free will and the devil. Although God is the Pantocrator (controller of all), He did give us freedom. Freedom means we are free to do either good or evil. Choosing the evil may hurt others who are innocent. God is allowing this to happen within limits, but on the last day, He will judge everyone according to his deeds; whether good or bad. It is wrong to blame God for this evil in the world. Evil exists because of our free will which is a GREAT gift of God, but abused by us.

Also you know that the Christian faith is full of "paradoxes" (For instance, how can God be One; yet Three Persons). It is because our intellect is not capable of comprehending  the mind of the Almighty. The ways of God, especially His plan for salvation, cannot be known with the rational human mind.

Also, the ways of God are mysterious. With our spiritual knowledge we should persistently encourage, edify and lead our friends and beloved ones to God in order that they become a new "creature in communion with God" (2 Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15).
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