A philosophical and theological response to the problem of evil: a focus on the mental, moral, natural problem of evil in the Luo cosmology

Abstract

The problem of evil is the most discussed subject in every culture; for it poses enormous challenges to human existence and belief in the Christian God. Both religious and secular thinkers down through the ages have questioned the trustworthiness of the Christian God in face of evil in the world. Some have argued for the inability of the Christian God to eradicate evil, if indeed he existed, while others have contended that if indeed the Christian God existed, he does not have the intention of erasing evil from this world. These claims render null and void that belief in the Christian God, not only guarantees eternal life, but also exalts humanity above the threats of evil through faith in Jesus Christ; and in the promise that the Christian God shall finally subjugate evil at the end of history. In this thesis, fundamental questions regarding the problem of evil have been carefully addressed. This undertaking has been in the context of philosophical and theological responses to the problems of moral, mental and natural evil in Luo cosmology. Through this, it is shown that the appalling condition of the Luo community is attributable to Satanic and human free will in committing evil. This reality is exemplified by the presence of the forces of evil which are immanent in the physical creation and in the network of fallen human cultural practices. Exonerating God from evil, this thesis explains that even though it seems that God’s eternal decree rendered the entrance of evil into the world, God himself remains absolutely above reproach regarding the origins of evil in the world. God’s work remains perfect, for all his ways are just, faithful, righteous and upright despite what evil does among the Luo people. Whatever the enduring condition of Luo people under the scourges of moral, mental and natural evil, God has revealed his master plan to rescue mankind through the incarnation, crucifixion, death and resurrection, ascension and the second coming of Christ. Faith in Christ elevates humanity above the temptations of evil and empowers humanity to endure the afflictions of Satan to the very end of history. At the end of history evil will be rightly answered by its destruction, and the future hope that God offers will judge, compensate and put into perfect state this present world. Glorious mind and glorious morality shall be restored to man. Man will be a new being enjoying his full life through the perfect rule of Jesus Christ. This thesis includes strategies for a victorious Christianity among Luo people. These strategies are: studying the metaphysical, epistemological and ethical issues in Luo cosmology, the trainings of Christians on spiritual warfare, initiation interreligious dialogue, evangelism, Christian apologetics, a call for the church to engage in development schemes. The goal of all these is to bring the Luo people to the essentials of the Christian faith toward appreciating the demarcations of the life of the kingdom of Christ and their culture. The study concludes by calling the Luo people to depart from attitudes of mistrust, suspicion, bitterness, rebellion against the claims of the Christian faith; and to abandon their barbarous cultural practices, and promote to excellence their cultural aspects which are in agreement with Christian faith.