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Where Was God on 9/11? Why does God permit evil?

September 11, 2009
Interview - KKLA Frank Pastore Show

Apologetics Pain and Evil Interview Audio w/ Video Slides

In this 2009 interview on the 8th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack, Dallas responds to questions from Frank Pastore of KKLA about why a good, loving, all-powerful God didn't stop the attack, and many other important issues relating to the presence of evil in our world.

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Where Was God on 9/11? Where Was God on 9/11? Why does God permit evil?

Dallas and Frank Pastore wrestle with the question of why a good and omnipotent God allows evil to exist in the world. Recorded on the eighth anniversary of 9/11, Dallas offers a nuanced exploration of human suffering, moral responsibility, and the potential for both evil and good within the human heart. His insights encourage listeners to consider the necessity of free will and the complex interplay of human desires and divine morality.

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Where Was God on 9/11? Where Was God on 9/11? Why does God permit evil?

Highlights:

  • Understanding Suffering: Dallas emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the full reality of suffering rather than offering simplistic explanations. He explains that God is present where suffering occurs and can be found by those who seek Him in their pain.
  • Possibility of Evil: Discussing the coexistence of good and evil, Dallas argues that a world allowing for the possibility of evil also allows for the greatest potential of good. This balance raises critical questions about the nature of a world without evil, highlighting the significance of free will and moral growth.
  • Root of Evil: Dallas identifies the human heart as the source of evil, linking it to desires that go unmet, leading to anger and harmful actions. He stresses the importance of addressing these issues at the individual level, starting with oneself.
  • Role of Anger: Further exploring the origins of evil, Dallas points out that anger often stems from frustrated desires. He argues for the need to manage anger and align one's desires with what is morally good through a deeper connection with God.
  • Free Will and Moral Order: Dallas discusses the implications of a world strictly controlled by divine intervention, suggesting it would lack consistency and moral order. He emphasizes the importance of a world where actions have consequences and individuals have the freedom to choose.
  • Desires in Heaven: In response to questions about the nature of desire and fulfillment in heaven, Dallas suggests that in the divine presence, desires align perfectly with what is good, eliminating the frustrations and anger typical of earthly experiences.
  • Practical Faith and Response to Evil: Finally, Dallas talks about the practical implications of faith in addressing evil. He advocates for living out one's faith by promoting goodness and trusting God's broader plan, highlighting the transformative potential of living in accordance with divine principles.