Why is there evil and suffering in this world? Where was God in 9-11? Where was God when the holocaust was occurring? Where was God when the Black Plague was killing millions of people. There are two concepts of God. One is that God can prevent evil and suffering, but chooses not to. This makes him not so good. The second school of thought is that God wants to prevent evil and suffering but he cannot. This makes God not all-powerful as depicted in the sacred literatures.

But which theory is correct? Can we fathom that both theories are partially correct. It may be that God wants to prevent evil and suffering, but he chooses not to, in the majority of cases. How can we fathom a God that chooses not to help us?

The answer may be explained by answering the question  “What causes human sufferings in the world?” Does God cause this suffering, or do we cause our own suffering? We can definitely see the immediate effects caused by greed, arrogance, anger and self-love in this world. But do these evils also have a boomerang effect on the perpetrators in this life, and in the next live if we were to believe in reincarnation?

For many, it is difficult to admit that we have sinned in this life, or in previous lives. We cannot fathom that our sufferings are result of our own actions and thoughts. We would rather blame others, or even have blind faith, believing it is God’s will. How can an innocent child suffer? Is it to cruel to believe that it is the result of his or her past life?

Causality appears to explain the sufferings and evils in this world and explains why a good and powerful God does not interfere with our free will.  But it also gives us hope for the future. Good thoughts and actions will bring forth joy as a result of the law of causality. Remove greed, arrogance, anger, hate, and self love from your hearts.