THE PROBLEM OF EVIL AND ITS CIVILIZATIONAL CONSEQUENCES: A THEOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

The problem of evil has long presented a profound challenge to theological, philosophical, and civilizational thought. This article explores the multifaceted dimensions of evil from a theological standpoint, tracing its implications across different civilizations and epochs. By analyzing Abrahamic traditions alongside select Eastern perspectives, the paper delves into how conceptions of evil have shaped moral codes, social systems, and historical trajectories. The analysis emphasizes the responses of various religious traditions to suffering and injustice, illustrating how these responses have informed civilizational resilience, ethical frameworks, and cultural memory. Theological debates about divine justice, human agency, and theodicy remain central to understanding civilization's enduring struggle with the enigma of evil.