During the Belgian colonization of the African Congo at the end of the 19th century, evil was expressed in many ways. Men, women and children were killed. Many older men and boys were employed in rubber mining and often worked to death. Sanctions for wrongdoing could result in the dismissal of members. This example of unnecessary and avoidable evil raises the question of the “problem of evil.” If there is an all-powerful, all-benevolent God, how could He allow such things to happen? Many philosophers throughout history have attempted to answer this question. In this article, I will examine the problem of evil by presenting the perspective of modern philosopher John Hick, and then evaluate his answer with my own thoughts. The definition of evil is extreme, avoidable, and futile suffering. Before we discuss the problem of evil in more depth, it is important to know the two different types of evil. First, there is natural evil. As the name suggests, natural ailments occur in nature, such as volcanoes or tsunamis, which can cause widespread pain and suffering. Natural evil is not directly caused by humans and is often blamed on God. There is also moral evil, when human beings harm others unnecessarily. Murder, torture, and genocide are three examples of moral evil. In the Congo, moral evil was expressed. Natural evil and moral evil are present in the question of the problem of evil. How can an all-powerful and yet all-loving God allow evil to happen? If God is all-powerful, he can certainly stop evil, and if he is all-loving, then why would he allow it? This question has tormented philosophers for centuries, and Hick offers his own take on the problem. According to Hick, who subscribes to ...... middle of paper ......ty to gain spiritual knowledge, continue to create souls and advance in Creation. While I don't necessarily disagree that being exposed to evil on an individual basis cannot affect people enough to shape their own morality, I don't think this premise exists on the broader scale of humanity. I also disagree that Creation is still “in progress” and is not yet complete. Instead, I believe that evil is the result of man's free will that has existed since the fall of man, and that creation is in fact complete. Some people have a natural tendency to do good, while others have a natural tendency to do evil. Unfortunately, there may never be a true answer to the “problem of evil.” Many philosophers have attempted to answer this question, and many make logical arguments. But one thing is certain: evil exists, whatever the reason or cause, however unfortunate that fact may be...